Ohio Law Protects You in the Real Estate Transaction

Whether you are listing, buying or leasing property, a real estate agent can provide you with expertise and assistance. In some cases, the real estate agent will represent you as his/her client; in other instances you may be working with the agent as a customer.

Under Ohio law, real estate agents and brokers are required to provide you with a form that discloses who they will represent in the transaction. The "Agency Disclosure Statement" will be presented to you before you are shown property or discuss your financial ability to purchase or lease the property. Although you will be asked to sign the form acknowledging that it was given to you, it is not a contract and does not obligate you to work with the agent - it simply serves as a consumer disclosure form to protect your interests.

The "Agency Disclosure Statement" helps you understand the role of the real estate agent and broker in your real estate transaction. It is also intended to help you understand the role of other agents who may be involved in the transaction. To view a copy of the "Agency Disclosure" form click here.

Another form that you may be given later in the transaction is a "Dual Agency Disclosure Statement." You would only be asked to sign form this if your agent is going to represent both parties involved in the real estate transaction (i.e., buyer and seller). To view the "Dual Agency" form click here.

(Note: Both forms above listed are in .PDF format. For the free Adobe Reader download to view these documents, click below.)

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