Homeowners Beware of Risky Lease Deals

Published: Oct. 16, 2011, 10:02 p.m.

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Adrian Goldberg investigates a new type of property deal that experts warn is highly risky.

People struggling to sell their home are being approached by investors who want to take a 'lease option' on their property - the would-be sellers agree a price that the investor can buy the house at, at a future date, and the investor agrees to cover the mortgage payments in the meantime, so the owners can move out and move on.

It could be a win-win situation, but experts warn that this is an unregulated area and sellers could end up losing out - and even losing their home.

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