If Desmond dies before a contract to buy Paul's home is finalized, what happens to the contract?

When a party to a contract dies before the contract is finalized, the general legal principle is that the contract is terminated due to the death of that party. This is particularly relevant in contracts that require the personal performance of one of the parties involved. The death of Desmond in this scenario signifies that he can no longer fulfill his obligations under the contract to buy Paul’s home, thereby terminating any potential legal obligations associated with that contract.

In contrast, options related to the contract remaining valid until executed or being completed by the estate would typically apply only to contracts that are assignable or can be fulfilled by successors, which is not the case here. A contract requiring personal service or a personal intent is typically not transferable in such a manner after one party's death. Therefore, the most accurate outcome is that the contract is rendered null and void upon Desmond's death.