House and condo buyers continue to be concerned about future resale value. Plan to own the condo or a house at least five years and history shows that the appreciated price will be higher than the price to purchase the property. An alternative is “rent to own” also called a lease-option. Properly structured, this option can lock in the purchase price at today’s market value. Each month the buyer earns a rent credit toward the purchase price. For example, if the house or condo rents for $1,000 per month and the contract specifies a $300 monthly rent credit then that results in $3,600 at the end of 12 months. Buyers should try to get as long a lease-option as possible, such as two to five years. Then, if the market value goes up, the buyer can exercise the purchase option at the price agreed in the contract. If market values drop, then the buyer has the option of not exercising the purchase option. Of course, all of this must be spelled-out in terms contained within an attorney approved, legal document. And, it helps if the attorney specializes in real estate matters. How to Get on the Property Ladder: The First-Time Buyer\'s Guide to Escaping the Rent Trap and Owning Your Own Home