Table of Contents

Introduction

The Ohio real estate industry continues to expand, attracting new agents, investors, and homebuyers each year. With more transactions and new professionals entering the field, one organization stands at the center of regulation and consumer protection—the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.

Whether you’re trying to get your Ohio real estate license, file a complaint, understand compliance rules, or research Ohio housing trends, this guide breaks down everything in clear, simple language. Backed by data, expert insight, and industry-approved guidelines, this article aims to give you a full understanding of how real estate regulation works in the state.

Let’s dive into how the Ohio Division of Real Estate operates, and why its role is essential for both professionals and the public.

What Is the Ohio Division of Real Estate?

The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, is the main regulatory body responsible for overseeing:

Real estate agents
Real estate brokers
Brokerage firms
Appraisers
Home inspectors
Cemetery and crematory operators
Foreign real estate dealers

Its mission is simple: promote public confidence, protect consumers, regulate real estate professionals, and enforce Ohio real estate laws.

Key Functions of the Ohio Division of Real Estate

The Division is responsible for managing nearly every essential element of Ohio’s real estate environment.

1. Licensing and Registration

The Division issues and maintains:

Real estate salesperson licenses
Real estate broker licenses
Brokerage licenses
Home inspector licenses
Appraiser licenses (state-certified and licensed)
Cemetery/care trust permits

This ensures that all practicing professionals meet Ohio’s legal standards.

2. Education Oversight

The Division approves real estate schools, pre-licensing courses, continuing education providers, and curriculum standards.

They ensure that educational content aligns with:

Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)
Industry requirements
Consumer protection expectations

3. Enforcement and Compliance

The Division has the authority to:

Investigate complaints
Audit brokerage practices
Penalize unlicensed activity
Issue fines or suspensions
Revoke licenses
Enforce brokerage trust account rules
Interpret advertising and disclosure laws

Their enforcement ensures that the Ohio real estate market remains fair and ethical.

4. Consumer Protection

One of the most important responsibilities is protecting the public.

They offer:

A formal complaint process
Investigations of misconduct
Recovery Fund payouts
Oversight of misleading real estate advertising
Regulation of property management activities
Monitoring of earnest money handling

This protects buyers, sellers, investors, and tenants from fraudulent or unethical practices.

Why the Ohio Division of Real Estate Matters

The Ohio real estate market is thriving, and with growth comes risk. Without strong regulatory oversight, issues like fraud, misrepresentation, and unlicensed activity can quickly disrupt the industry.

Here’s why the Division is essential:

✔ It ensures all real estate professionals are qualified

✔ It protects consumers from financial loss

✔ It maintains market stability

✔ It improves transparency in real estate transactions

✔ It supports agents and brokers through education and updates

✔ It enforces state laws fairly and consistently

If you’re a buyer, seller, agent, or investor, the Ohio Division of Real Estate plays a direct role in your success and safety.

Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

If you’re entering the real estate field, understanding the full licensing process is crucial.

The Ohio Division of Real Estate requires that all aspiring agents complete six key steps.

1. Meet Basic Requirements

To qualify, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Hold a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal background check
Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

2. Complete 120 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Ohio requires coursework in:

Core Subjects

Real Estate Principles & Practices – 40 hours
Real Estate Law – 40 hours
Real Estate Finance – 20 hours
Real Estate Appraisal – 20 hours

Courses must be completed through an Ohio-approved real estate school.

3. Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam

The test is administered by PSI and consists of:

National Portion: 80 questions
State Portion: 40 questions

A passing score is 70% or higher.
The exam covers topics like ethics, contracts, property ownership, agency relationships, fair housing, and brokerage operations.

4. Choose a Sponsoring Broker

Before your license can be activated, you must affiliate with an Ohio-licensed real estate broker. The Division requires brokers to verify your application.

5. Submit Your License Application

This includes:

Application fee
Background check
Course transcripts
Broker sponsorship form

6. Start Working as an Ohio Real Estate Agent

Once approved, you can legally represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions—following all Ohio Division of Real Estate regulations.

Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Ohio

If you’re looking to advance your career, the Ohio broker license offers more authority and earning potential.

Broker Requirements

To qualify, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Hold a salesperson license for at least 2 years
Complete additional 120 hours of specialized broker coursework
Accumulate a specific number of transaction points
Pass the Ohio Broker Exam

Broker courses include:

Brokerage Management
Human Resource Management
Applied Business Economics
Financial Management
Business Law

This ensures that brokers understand both the legal and business side of running a real estate firm.

Continuing Education Requirements in Ohio (CE)

The Ohio Division of Real Estate mandates 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

Required CE Courses

3 hours of Core Law
3 hours of Civil Rights
3 hours of Ethics
21 hours of electives

The CE requirement ensures agents and brokers remain updated on changes in:

Ohio real estate laws
Fair housing rules
Ethics standards
Legal disclosures
Industry practices

Failure to complete CE credits can result in license suspension or fines.

Complaint Process: How the Ohio Division Protects Consumers

The Division has a clear process for handling complaints about real estate professionals.

Common Reasons for Complaints

Failure to disclose defects
Misleading advertising
Mishandling earnest money
Unprofessional conduct
Fraudulent transactions
Unlicensed activity
Improper property management
Violation of fiduciary duties

How Complaints Are Processed

1. Submission

Consumers can submit complaints online or by mail.

2. Investigation

The Division reviews the complaint, interviews witnesses, and requests documents.

3. Findings

If violations are found, disciplinary action may include:

Fines
License suspension
License revocation
Mandatory training
Referral to legal authorities

Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund

The Recovery Fund provides financial compensation to consumers harmed by licensed agents.

Key Points

Maximum payout per licensee: $40,000
Funded by licensing fees
Claimants must win a court judgment first

This fund is a safety net for consumers who suffer financial loss due to fraudulent or dishonest behavior.

Ohio Real Estate Market Overview (2025)

Ohio continues to rank among the most affordable and fastest-growing markets in the Midwest.

Market Statistics

Median home price: $220,000+
Annual appreciation rate: 4–6%
Rental vacancy rate: ~5%
Top real estate markets: Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo
Top investor cities: Akron, Youngstown, Springfield
Average days on market: ~30–45 days

Ohio attracts investors because of:

Low property taxes
Strong cash-flow potential
Affordable home prices
Growing job markets
High renter demand

Programs Overseen by the Division

1. Home Inspector Program

Ohio requires home inspectors to:

Complete training
Pass a national exam
Adhere to inspection standards
Carry liability insurance

2. Appraiser Licensing Program

The Division regulates:

Apprentices
Licensed appraisers
Certified residential appraisers
Certified general appraisers

Appraisers must follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

3. Foreign Real Estate Dealers

This covers the sale of out-of-state or international properties to Ohio consumers.

4. Cemetery & Crematory Regulation

The Division enforces:

Trust fund rules
Consumer disclosures
Proper cemetery management

Conclusion

The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing plays an essential role in shaping the integrity of Ohio’s real estate industry. It ensures transparency, protects consumers, regulates professionals, and strengthens public trust in the market.

Whether you’re an aspiring Real estate agent, a seasoned broker, a homebuyer, or an investor, understanding how the Division operates will help you make smarter and safer real estate decisions.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

1. What does the Ohio Division of Real Estate do?

It regulates real estate professionals, enforces licensing laws, protects consumers, and oversees education requirements in the state.

2. How do I get a real estate license in Ohio?

Complete 120 hours of coursework, pass the exam, get fingerprinted, choose a broker, and submit your license application.

3. How do I file a complaint against a real estate agent?

Submit a written complaint to the Division with supporting documents. They will investigate and take action if needed.

4. How often do agents need to renew their license?

Every 3 years with 30 hours of continuing education.

5. Does Ohio require home inspectors to be licensed?

Yes. Ohio has a formal home inspector licensing program.

6. What is the Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund?

It compensates consumers who suffer financial loss due to misconduct by licensed agents.

7. How do I become a broker in Ohio?

You must hold an agent license for 2 years, complete broker-level education, and pass the broker exam.

8. What laws regulate Ohio real estate?

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4735 governs real estate licensing and conduct.

9. Can you practice real estate without a license in Ohio?

No. Unlicensed activity is illegal and heavily penalized.

10. Is the Ohio real estate market good for investors?

Yes—Ohio offers affordable home prices, strong cash flow, and growing metro markets.