How to Search the Multiple Listing Service for Lease Option Homes

Homes with lease options are typically listed with other properties on the Multiple Listing Service.

Homes for sale with lease options are typically listed on the Multiple Listing Service with other properties. Realtor.com, the site of the National Association of Realtors offers access to a local board of Realtors' properties, allowing you to find many types of properties, including those listed with lease options.

Instructions

1. Open your web browser.

2. Navigate to Realtor.com.

3. Click the "Advanced Search" link in the "Find Homes" section.

4. Click the "Property Features" option in the dialog box that appears.

5. Enable the "Lease Option" check box.

6. Complete other property characteristics as desired.

7. Click "Search."

Tips & Warnings

• Note that while not all national properties wlll be listed on Realtor.com, a large percentage will since a majority of agents are members of the National Association of Realtors.

• Having Realtor.com, or any site that displays lease option properties return valid results depends on the real estate agent having entered this data correctly into the Multiple Listing Service in the first place. Since sometimes this does not occur, it is best to search their text specifically to see if they might contain the term lease option or lease with option to buy.

• If you know your current market is a buyer's market, more than six months of inventory, and sellers are having difficulty moving their homes, it may be worthwhile to find properties you like and contact the listing agent to see if the owners might be interested in a lease with option to buy.

• Depending on your state, writing up such a contract may be legally complicated. Contact a licensed real estate agent or lawyer if you want to be secure in knowing your contract is being completed properly and legally.

References

• Realtor.com
• Austin Board of Realtors

Resources

• Realtor.com