Medicaid Estate Recovery is a process where states attempt to recoup the costs of Medicaid benefits provided to a deceased beneficiary. “The payoff for Ohio’s aggressive efforts to recoup Medicaid expenses from the estates of residents — sometimes forcing people from their homes after loved ones die — is less than 1% of what the […]

The financial and health impacts of forced fracking and compulsory unitization on landowners and surrounding Ohioans. Background: Compulsory unitization is a process used when voluntary consent for oil and gas drilling is NOT obtained from all landowners. In Ohio, this affects approximately 40% of wells drilled. The process allows the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ […]

An Attorney Opinion Letter (AOL) can save consumers money upfront. However, unlike a Title Insurance Policy, the buyer or homeowner has limited recourse and will be responsible for any liens associated with the property that may have been missed during the title search. Below is a comparison of the two options: Attorney Opinion Letter (AOL) […]

Appraisers, buyers, sellers, realtors, and other real estate professionals often calculate GLA, also known as gross livable area, using specific guidelines. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides the standards for Fannie Mae transactions. These standards are used to ensure consistency and accuracy in appraisals. ANSI Standards For single-family homes, manufactured homes, and townhouses, Fannie […]

Before listing a home and entering into a purchase agreement, it’s crucial for sellers to prepare their property for an appraisal to avoid a low appraisal value. Including appraisal gap coverage language in the purchase agreement can help prevent panic, stress, and potential sale collapse. An appraisal gap is the difference between the fair market […]

Traditionally, sellers have included the cost of commissions to the Buyer Brokerage in the sale price of their property, ensuring that the Buyer Agent is compensated for their work. However, with new MLS regulations and the passing of HB466, Buyer Agents and their clients will be required to complete a Buyer Representation Agreement. This agreement […]

A real estate Buyer Representation Agreement is a legal document that outlines the working relationship between a home Buyer and their Real Estate Agent. The Listing Agent must verify that the Buyer’s Agent has a representation agreement in place. Buyer agents can present a simple document signed by both parties to confirm the agreement, which […]