Rent With Option To Buy

Definition of "Rent with option to buy"

Joe  Ravida real estate agent

Written by

Joe Ravidaelite badge icon

Keller Williams

Sometimes a landlord agrees to implement within the rent contract the possibility of the tenant buying the house at a certain price, by a certain date. It’s what’s called in the real estate world as a Rent with Option to Buy or a Rent to Own.

A rent with option to buy is a lease with a purchase option - not obligation. So it’s a great opportunity for the tenants, who can make a “test drive” of the house getting a feel for the neighborhood, its community and services before making a big financial commitment. It also warrants them time to save more money and get rid of certain impediments that could make a house sale go south.

Also, and super important in volatile markets, a rent with option to buy stipulates the selling price at the beginning of the relationship. When time comes to exercise the option, if the prices went up… too bad for the landlord. Tenant’s paying exactly what was agreed early on. But hey; if prices went down: tough luck, Tenant. Landlord gets the money!

Rent with option to buy is good for landlords as well, since they are earning rent money throughout the relationship and, in the end, might even sell the house.

 

Real Estate Tips:

Take a look at our blog further explaining Rent to Own Properties.

Discover more real estate terms in our Glossary!

And if you’re looking for an agent, try The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory®.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

The spouse's legal right, upon the death of his wife (or her husband), to a life estate in all lands she (or he) owned. ...

Ability of the size of the land to accommodate the desired economic purpose. An example is having enough space to build a supermarket to meet the needs of the community. ...

How one looks at things; opinion. An example is a prospective buyer of a house who considers the asking price to be a great deal. What something looks like at a distance. An example is ...

Number of housing units of a particular category that are available. ...

A property owner who lives in the property he also leases or rent to others. For example, John owns a two-family house. He lives in one side of the house and rents out the other side to the ...

(1) Individual or business that is engaged to do some sort of construction work for another for a fee. There are basically three types of contracting: A general contractor enters into a ...

The definition of obligee is the person to whom a debt or obligation is owed. An obligee is one party of a contract to who the other party, the obligor, is obligated. An obligee is also the ...

Land located next to water that has and will continue to experience water damage. The land generally is not suitable to build a structure on. In some cases, federal or local government may ...

One who sells real estate or other products. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions