Renting Can Be a Good Option for Sellers

Home owners who have been trying to sell their properties for a year or more might consider lease or a rent-to-own option.

A lease option agreement gives the tenant the option to buy at a predetermined price for a rent that is slightly higher than market. In a lease purchase, a buyer commits to buying the property. In exchange, the seller credits a percentage of each payment toward the purchase price.

Either arrangement is likely to attract serious renters who would like to buy the property if they can. In exchange, they’ll take good care of it.

Negotiating these agreements can be tricky, and the owner should always get help from a real estate attorney.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher (06/16/2010)