Lease Option Your Property!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a landlord benifit from having a lease option tenant?

With a lease option, landlords can select tenants who are financially committed and motivated to treat the property like their future home. By requiring a non-refundable deposit (including our fee), you ensure that the tenant has an investment in the process “skin in the game.”

Lease option tenants tend to take better care of the property than typical renters because they know improvements benefit them if they decide to buy. 

In short, a lease option tenant gives you reliable occupancy, higher-quality care, and reduced landlord responsibilities - all while keeping your property protected and producing income.

How does a seller benefit from a lease option?

• Immediate Income – Collect rent right away and eliminate vacancy while the tenant-buyer works toward financing.

• Committed Buyer – Lease option tenants are typically serious about becoming homeowners, so they care for the property and plan to purchase in the future.

• Property Upgrades – Many tenant-buyers invest their own money into improvements like landscaping, appliance upgrades, flooring, and minor renovations, at no cost to you.

• You don't have to be a typical landlord – Lease option agreements make the tenant responsible for maintenance and repairs.

• Potential for Full Market Sale – The purchase price is set upfront, often at full market value:

  • FSBO sellers: Complete the sale without paying realtor commissions.

  • Agent-listed homes: You can still sell with a lease option through your agent, benefit from rent and a motivated future buyer, and the commission is simply worked out between you and your agent and paid according to your agreement.

• Lower Vacancy Risk – Tenant-buyers have a vested interest in the property, making them more likely to stay for the full lease term compared to a typical renter.

Bottom line: Whether your home is FSBO or listed with an agent, a lease option tenant provides steady income, property protection, and the strong possibility of a future sale—all with a more motivated, responsible occupant.

How do buyers get financing when it’s time to exercise their option?

When the tenant-buyer is ready, they apply for a conventional loan like any other buyer. The reason they use a lease option is because they don’t qualify for a loan today - a common challenge since mortgage rules tightened after 2007.

If they exercise the option, you sell at full market value and make a profit. If not, you still benefit from steady monthly income, which is far better than leaving the property vacant while covering mortgage payments. 

How many lease option tenants actually end up buying the home?

Not every tenant-buyer will exercise their option - just like not every traditional buyer ends up closing. But with a lease option you benefit either way.

Even if the buyer doesn’t purchase, you gain:

• No cost to fill the property — we handle placement and are paid by the tenant-buyer.

• Reduced maintenance — the tenant-buyer handles most repairs and upkeep.

• Better property care — they mow, shovel, and maintain the home with a homeowner mindset.

• Fewer headaches — far fewer calls and complaints than with traditional renters.

• Longer, more stable occupancy — typically a 2-year term instead of a 1-year lease.

• Higher-quality tenants — they treat the home as if it’s their own.

• Reduced vacancy for rentals — typically longer lease terms means your home stays filled.

• Help for slow-selling listed homes — lease option tenant-buyers create movement and income when traditional buyers aren’t getting approved or making offers.

A lease option can be one of the smoothest, and most practical solutions for today’s market. We hope these answers give you a clear understanding of how the process works and reassure you that this approach can be a smart, low-stress option for your situation.