Final answer:
If a seller dies after signing but before closing the sale of land, the sale may proceed with the estate's executor completing the transaction. This situation depends on accurate property title and state intestacy laws governing asset distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
If, after the signing of the contract for sale of land and before the closing, the seller dies, the contract for sale does not automatically terminate. Instead, the rights and obligations of the deceased seller will typically pass to their estate. This means that the executor or administrator of the estate would step in to complete the sale. If the deceased passed away intestate (without a will), state laws will dictate how the assets, including the land in question, are distributed among heirs. It is essential to have an accurate property title and to understand the specifics of the intestacy laws that may apply.
The situation is somewhat analogous to certain provisions outlined in historical codes, like the described clause which allocates property rights upon the death of an individual. Modern intestacy laws provide a structured hierarchy for asset distribution much like the older codes did. As with farming land sales that require a clear and accurate title, in real estate the property transfer needs a valid contract and clear understanding of ownership post-mortem, especially in cases where the seller's death occurs prior to closing.