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

A rule that the price of a house should not exceed about 2 to 2.5 times your family's gross annual earnings. Example : If annual gross income is $70,000, the highest price one could afford ...

Property that is unoccupied and thus not being used. It is usually raw land with no structure or improvements theron. ...

Court order whereby the bankrupt debtor is forgiven of this or her debts. Even though the debtor is no longer obligated for discharged debts, the bankruptcy remains in his credit report ...

Creditor's control over property. When a loan is secured with pledged assets, the creditor has the right to go to court to obtain possession of the property if the borrower defaults. The ...

Agreement in which the promises of the parties are revealed in words, either orally or in writing. ...

List of dwelling units, such as homes. ...

Person receiving la legacy from a will. Normally a legatee will receive personal property possibly including real property. ...

The individual who receives an interest in a life estate after the original life tenant's interest expires. This normally occurs after the death of the life tenant. For example, Mrs. ...

Method of constructing a brick, block, or stone wall using mortar in various overlapping patterns. The brick pattern is extremely important in terms of adding strength and stability to the ...

Popular Real Estate Questions