New Law Requires Fair Housing Disclosure When Selling a Home, Strengthening Discrimination Accountability for Ohio Homebuyers
April 3, 2026
Starting today, HB315 requires a signed disclosure acknowledging an understanding of discrimination-related penalties. New measures are now in place to help protect homebuyers in Ohio from being discriminated against when attempting to purchase a home. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing is highlighting key changes resulting from House Bill […]
Northwest Ohio Housing Market Shows Strong Start to the Year
April 2, 2026
The Northwest Ohio housing market continued to show steady activity in February, with home sales increasing and prices continuing to rise across the region, according to Northwest Ohio REALTORS® (NOR) and the NORIS Multiple Listing Service. Buyers remained active in the single-family home market, helping drive more sales and higher home values compared to the […]
Ohio Real Estate Wholesaler Regulations Poised to Become Law
March 9, 2026
By Gene R. Abercrombie, Esq. After years of consideration, Ohio lawmakers finally passed legislation addressing real estate wholesalers. However, the bill does not go as far as some in the real estate industry would have liked. Senate Bill 155 defines the term “wholesaler” and requires wholesalers to make certain disclosures to property owners. If those […]
Challenging the Appraised Value of Your Property for Real Estate Taxation
March 2, 2026
By Gene R. Abercrombie, Esq. Ohio property owners have the right to challenge the value assigned to their real estate for real property tax purposes. County auditors conduct full reappraisals every six years and triennial updates in between. Lucas County completed its most recent revaluation to reflect market conditions as of January 1, 2024 (with […]
New Real Estate Rules for Cash Transactions Are Aimed at Money Laundering
February 27, 2026
New federal rules requiring increased reporting for certain all-cash real estate transactions are designed to crack down on money laundering and boost transparency in the market, meaning buyers and sellers working through entities like LLCs or trusts should be prepared for added documentation and closer scrutiny in Toledo closings.
FinCEN Residential Real Estate Transfer Reporting Rule: New Federal Requirements Effective March 1, 2026
February 27, 2026
By Gene R. Abercrombie, Esq. In August 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a final rule designed to increase transparency in U.S. residential real estate transactions as part of broader anti-money laundering efforts. The rule became effective December 1, 2025. However, the reporting requirements, and associated penalties, apply to transfers occurring on or […]