Parminder, a REALTOR® in Vancouver, receives an offer from a prospective buyer for a commercial property listed by his client. The offer includes a clause stating, 'This offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 PM on Friday, October 27th.' The seller reviews the offer and decides they want to slightly increase the deposit amount. Before 5:00 PM on October 27th, the seller asks Parminder to revise the offer to require a larger deposit and then present this revised document to the buyer. What has the seller's action created?

Question: Parminder, a REALTOR® in Vancouver, receives an offer from a prospective buyer for a commercial property listed by his client. The offer includes a clause stating, 'This offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 PM on Friday, October 27th.' The seller reviews the offer and decides they want to slightly increase the deposit amount. Before 5:00 PM on October 27th, the seller asks Parminder to revise the offer to require a larger deposit and then present this revised document to the buyer. What has the seller's action created?

Answer options:

• An inquiry for more information, which does not affect the original offer.
• A binding agreement, as the initial offer was accepted in principle by the seller. ✅ A counter-offer, which revokes the original offer.
• An invitation to treat, open for negotiation without legal consequence.

Correct answer: A counter-offer, which revokes the original offer.

Explanation: Any material change to an offer, such as altering the deposit amount, constitutes a counter-offer. A counter-offer effectively rejects the original offer and creates a new offer.