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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Option contract

An option contract gives the optionee the right, but not the obligation, to buy or lease property on stated terms within a stated time, in exchange for consideration supporting that promise.

Exam area: Contracts

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What does “option contract” mean in real estate?

An option contract gives the optionee the right, but not the obligation, to buy or lease property on stated terms within a stated time, in exchange for consideration supporting that promise.

How is “option contract” different from the closest wrong answer?

Before exercise, the optionor is bound to keep the opportunity open while the optionee is not bound to purchase. A bilateral purchase contract binds both sides to promises.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia contract principles and the statute of frauds apply to real estate options. The written terms should identify the property, option period, consideration, and exercise method.

Worked exam example

Scenario

An owner accepts $2,000 to keep a $250,000 purchase opportunity open for 30 days. The prospective buyer may exercise on time or let it expire.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

Option consideration and earnest money serve different functions. Do not assume an unexercised option is already a purchase contract.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

A buyer pays an owner $3,000 for the right to buy a lot for $180,000 at any time in the next 60 days. Two weeks later, which statement best describes the parties' positions?

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Continue with Contracts complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.