Final answer:
The contract for the sale of real estate must be in writing according to the statute of frauds. Maddie Hayes' intent to buy a property that includes an office building and parking lot falls under this requirement. A written contract is necessary to establish the legal terms and obligations in the real estate transaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the contract for the sale of the property that Maddie Hayes wishes to buy from Fred Turner has to be in writing because it is a transaction involving real estate. According to the statute of frauds, certain types of contracts, including those for the sale of real estate, must be in writing to be enforceable. Since the property includes an office building and a large parking lot, it clearly falls within the category of real estate transactions.
Ownership of property allows individuals or firms the right to enter into contracts with other parties with respect to their property. In order to sell or buy property, a written contract establishes the terms and legal obligations of the partaking individuals, such is the case for Maddie and Fred. Additionally, real estate values and equity, as seen in the examples of Freda's house and Ben's house, are considerations that affect the overall transaction but do not negate the necessity of a written contract for the sale of the property.