In an option contract, what advantage does the buyer have?

In an option contract, the buyer has the significant advantage of having the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a specific price within a specified time frame. This means that the buyer can choose to go through with the purchase if it suits their needs and if the market conditions are favorable. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial in real estate, as property values can fluctuate. By securing an option, the buyer can lock in a price while evaluating their interest in proceeding with the transaction without being legally bound to buy the property. Thus, the buyer can explore other opportunities or wait for better market conditions without risking the loss of the property.

In contrast, other options in the question imply obligations or conditions that the buyer does not have in an option contract, which do not reflect the nature of this type of agreement.