A memorandum of contract does obligate the seller to selling to you, if you have to go to court for the matter, we usually find it is easier to settle outside of court. This can happen from time to time. If the buyer truly does not want to sell to you, they can buy you out of the contract to avoid court. If you do go to court, you will cloud the title, and the home will not be able to be sold or given title insurance.

The MOC protects the buyer from wasting time and money on a home that someone else makes just a better offer on, after the fact. A person that is bound by an MOC should not be trying to get better offers after that point.

You should think about getting an MOC if the contract period is for an extended amount of time (Like 2 months for example, to close) There are many reasons you would need time to close, getting a survey, appraisal etc. But in order to protect you from wasting your time and money and being outbid during the closing period, it is important to get an MOC. If you are planning on closing in for example 1-2 weeks, it is less likely needed.