Existen contratos y acuerdos que permiten a las partes involucradas comprar o vender propiedades en el futuro. Uno de estos acuerdos es la «option to purchase«, que otorga a un comprador potencial la oportunidad de adquirir una propiedad a un precio acordado en un momento posterior. Vamos a explorar el caso de María que involucra una opción de compra y entender cómo se resuelve.

The Initial Agreement

María Carboy compra una casa a Jimmy Schmidt y, al mismo tiempo, obtiene una «option to purchase» que le permite adquirir un lote adyacente por $10,000 dentro de 1 año. Esto significa que María tiene el derecho, pero no la obligación, de comprar ese terreno específico a ese precio durante el período acordado.

The Change of Circumstances

A few months later, María Carboy decides to exercise her option and informs Jimmy Schmidt that she is ready to buy the lot for $10,000. However, Schmidt reveals to her that he has received an offer from another party for $12,000 and that he is willing to accept it unless Maria is willing to match that offer.

The Resolution of the Case

In this case, the purchase option that María Carboy obtained is a legally binding contract (enforceable), siempre y cuando haya proporcionado una «contraprestación» por ella. La contraprestación (consideration) is a legal term that refers to the value or benefit that a party provides in exchange for a contract. If Mary paid or provided something of value (money or other consideration) to obtain the purchase option, the contract is valid.

Since Maria has a valid purchase option contract, has the right to purchase the lot for $10,000, as originally agreed. Schmidt cannot change the terms of the contract unilaterally after Maria has decided to exercise her option.

Creating an Enforceable Purchase Option Contract: Importance of Consideration

Para que un contrato de opción de compra sea válido y aplicable, ciertos elementos clave deben estar presentes. Uno de estos elementos es la «contraprestación», que es esencial para asegurar que el contrato sea legal y ejecutable. Veamos más de cerca cómo funciona y por qué es tan importante.

Valuable Consideration and Right to Buy

En el contexto de un contrato de opción de compra, la contraprestación es un componente esencial. La contraprestación se refiere al valor o beneficio que una de las partes involucradas proporciona a cambio de la opción de compra. En este caso, la parte que adquiere la opción de compra se llama «opcionado» (optionee), y la parte que otorga la opción se llama «opción» (optionor).

Key Elements of a Purchase Option Contract:

• Right to Buy: A purchase option contract gives the optionee the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a specific property on previously agreed terms and conditions. This right is the core of the contract and is what distinguishes a call option contract from other agreements.
• Valuable Consideration: For the purchase option contract to be legally binding, it is essential that the optionee proporcione una contraprestación valiosa al opción. Esta contraprestación puede tomar diversas formas, pero suele involucrar el pago de dinero o algún otro beneficio que tenga valor. La contraprestación es lo que hace que el contrato sea «equitable» y crea un vínculo legal entre las partes.

The Value of the Consideration:

The consideration may vary in value and form, but must exist for the purchase option contract to be valid. It may consist of a sum of money paid by the optionee to the optionor, a good faith deposit, a commitment to purchase the property at a specific price or any other element that has a real and demonstrable value.

The Importance of Consideration

The consideration/consideration In a purchase option contract it is essential because it demonstrates the serious commitment of the optionee to exercise his right to purchase the property. Furthermore, it guarantees that the optionor is willing to keep the offer open for the agreed upon period of time. In short, consideration is an essential component that makes the purchase option contract legally valid and enforceable.

A purchase option contract is a valuable real estate agreement that gives the optionee the right to purchase property in the future. For this contract to be legally enforceable, it must include valuable consideration provided by the optionee. Consideration is a crucial element that demonstrates the serious commitment of both parties to the agreement and ensures that the agreed terms are met.

Conclusion

In this case, María Carboy has the legal right to purchase the lot for $10,000, since she has a valid purchase option contract. The offer of $12,000 received by Jimmy Schmidt does not affect his ability to exercise his rights under the initial contract. In short, Schmidt is obligated to sell to Carboy for the agreed price of $10,000, provided he has provided consideration for the option.