An Option Fee is a sum of money paid by a potential buyer to a seller for the exclusive right to purchase a property at a later date. This fee gives the buyer the “option” to buy the property under specific terms within a specified time frame, but it doesn’t obligate the buyer to make the purchase.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Exclusive Right: Once the option fee is paid, the seller cannot sell the property to anyone else during the option period.
Duration & Price: The duration of the option period and the purchase price (or the method for determining the purchase price) are typically specified in the agreement.
Non-refundable: In many cases, the option fee is non-refundable, meaning the buyer does not get the money back if they decide not to exercise their option to buy the property.
Application to Purchase Price: Depending on the terms of the agreement, if the buyer decides to purchase the property, the option fee might be credited toward the purchase price.

Option fees are commonly used in lease-option agreements, where a tenant leases a property with the option to buy it later. It’s a way for buyers to secure the right to buy a property in the future, often while they work on improving their financial situation or while waiting for the right market conditions.

In real estate investment, this mechanism allows an investor to control a property and potentially benefit from its appreciation without having to purchase it outright immediately. However, there’s always the risk of losing the option fee if the investor decides not to or is unable to complete the purchase.