Advice on closing a deal

[Scott Martinson]

A customer called my landscaping company looking for a quote on some landscaping rehab.  As we walked his property he said he was getting ready to list his house.  He also talked about the many other jobs he needed to do.  I casually mentioned he could give me a quick tour of his house and maybe I would buy it.  A few days later I did another walk through with my Realtor to confirm repairs and costs.  I told him my offer and his first response was "I don't even have a place to move".  I knew that was very positive.  He is going to let me know tomorrow if we can move forward.

My questions is:  He needs time to find a place to move.  I told him I could accommodate that. Here are some options I thought of:

1)  Close a few months out. (Somehow the deal could fall apart)

2)  Close ASAP and have him pay me rent.  (I already have 10 units.....not excited about trying to collect rent from the previous owner).

3)  Close ASAP and have a short term lease that is funded with proceeds at closing. (can this be done?)

I would appreciate any creative ideas.  I want to get control of the property, but give him time to find a place to go.

[Brandon Battle]

Why exactly is he selling? Is he old and retiring? Is he going broke and can't afford to make the payments? Be helpful and try to locate a new place for them to go.Do they need to rent or buy something else? I like the idea of a short term lease if it is entirely pre paid and with a firm date of departure.No more than 90 days,don't let them get lazy and comfortable.