Lease Option
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
A lease option is a lease that also gives the tenant the right, but not the obligation, to buy the property during or at the end of the term on agreed terms. The tenant usually pays an option fee for that right.
It lets a tenant control a property now and decide later whether to buy, while the owner collects rent and an option fee.
Key Terms
The agreement should state the purchase price or the formula for setting it, the option period, the option fee and whether any rent is credited toward the price, and how the option is exercised. Recording a memorandum of the option can protect the tenant's rights against later buyers or lenders.
Option vs. Right of First Refusal
An option lets the tenant buy on pre-set terms. A right of first refusal only lets the tenant match an offer the owner receives from someone else. They are not interchangeable.
A Hypothetical Example
A manufacturer leases a warehouse for five years with an option to buy at $2.4 million in year three or later, paying a $50,000 option fee credited at closing if exercised. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
A purchase option is only as good as its pricing formula and its exercise mechanics. Write both down precisely.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago, now in Florida, across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Lease Option Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lease option?
A lease plus the tenant's right to buy the property on agreed terms.
Does the tenant have to buy?
No, it is a right, not an obligation.
What is an option fee?
A payment for the right to buy, sometimes credited toward the price.
How is it different from a right of first refusal?
An option sets terms in advance; a ROFR only allows matching a third-party offer.
Should it be recorded?
Recording a memorandum can protect the tenant's rights.
Article Summary
A lease option gives a tenant the right to buy later on agreed terms, usually for an option fee; pricing and exercise mechanics must be precise.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Lease plus right to buy.
- ✓Right, not obligation.
- ✓Option fee buys the right.
- ✓Not the same as ROFR.
- ✓Record a memorandum.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
Ready to Talk About Your Lease Option Deal?
Get a free consultation with Michael R. Linton — 39 years of CRE experience. Zero pressure.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 8, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: Linton Global Solutions is a Florida-licensed real estate brokerage, not a broker-dealer, investment adviser or lender, and does not offer or sell securities. CREDDS and REOMind.ai provide decision support only. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.