01/17/2026
Mandatory Buyer Agency Agreements (HB 466):
Agents must sign a written agreement with buyers before showing them any property.
Agreements detail representation, compensation, and agency duties, ensuring clarity for buyers.
Real Estate Wholesaling Regulations (SB 155):
Disclosure is Key: Wholesalers must provide a separate, conspicuous, 12-point bold font disclosure to sellers.
What the Disclosure Must State: The wholesaler isn't representing the seller, plans to assign the contract for profit, and the seller should get an appraisal/legal advice.
Seller's Right to Cancel: Sellers who don't get and sign the disclosure can cancel the contract anytime before closing.
Penalties: Failure to comply can lead to action under the Consumer Sales Practices Act, and it's a basis for discipline against licensed agents.
What This Means for You:
For Buyers: You'll need a signed agreement with an agent before seeing homes, defining your relationship and costs.
For Sellers (especially dealing with wholesalers): You'll get a clear warning that the buyer might just be flipping your contract, protecting you from predatory practices.
These laws aim to create a more honest and informed real estate market in Ohio
