What is an "option to purchase" in real estate transactions?

An "option to purchase" is indeed a contractual agreement that provides a party the right, but not the obligation, to buy a property at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe. This arrangement typically outlines the terms under which the buyer can exercise this right, including the price and the duration of the option.

This type of agreement is often used in real estate transactions to give potential buyers the opportunity to secure a property while they may still be arranging financing or awaiting other conditions to be met. The option can provide both flexibility and security to the buyer, knowing they can purchase the property within the agreed-upon period without the risk of it being sold to someone else.

The other choices refer to different concepts. A temporary lease agreement would involve renting a property rather than purchasing it, which is unrelated to the option concept. A contract outlining the responsibilities of both parties could describe any real estate deal but doesn’t specifically define the right to purchase. Lastly, a financial arrangement for property investment may involve various funding methods but does not capture the essence of having a purchase option.