Ohio Real Estate Investors Association

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YOU did it!

Your stories about helping sellers made a difference! Thank you for your support on this bill. See our full write up below.

OREIA adopts Statement of Principles

In addition to our mission and vision, the OREIA board has adopted a Statement of Principles. Our positions on proposed legislation will be centered around these principles.

OREIA supports policies that:

Protect and strengthen private property rights;
Encourage investment in housing by removing unnecessary barriers;
Ensure fairness, due process, and predictability for housing providers;
Treat real estate entrepreneurs with the respect and legal protections they deserve.

Click HERE to see the full statement.

OREIA Secures Balanced Outcome in Ohio Wholesaling Legislation

Nov 6, 2026

The Ohio Real Estate Investors Association (OREIA) is proud to announce its instrumental role in shaping Senate Bill 155, a measure that protects both property owners and legitimate wholesalers while preserving a vital option for homeowners facing financial hardship.

Two years ago, the Ohio REALTORS® introduced legislation aimed at curbing fraudulent practices among so-called “wholesalers” who had misled homeowners with deceptive or unethical conduct. Unfortunately, the original version of SB 155, sponsored by Senators Andy Brenner (R-Delaware) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), would have required all wholesalers to obtain a state real-estate license—an unnecessary burden that would have eliminated many ethical, small-scale operators and reduced options for homeowners in distress.

OREIA’s Leadership in the Legislative Process

OREIA’s legislative team engaged in months of detailed discussions with bill sponsors, legislative leaders, and committee members to clarify the real nature of the problem and the unintended consequences of over-regulation. By bringing forward real stories from responsible wholesalers who helped sellers, OREIA was able to demonstrate the value of legitimate wholesale transactions as a flexible, consumer-friendly solution.

As a result of OREIA’s advocacy, the licensing requirement was removed from the final bill. Instead, wholesalers will now be required to present a standardized disclosure form to property owners before entering into any contract. OREIA worked closely with lawmakers to shape the language of this disclosure to ensure fairness, transparency, and consumer protection.

What the Disclosure Requires

The new disclosure form will:

Clearly identify the individual as a wholesaler, not a real-estate agent or representative of the seller.
Advise the homeowner to seek professional counsel from outside professionals including lawyers, accountants, or other real estate professionals before signing.
Explain that the wholesaler may assign the contract to a third party for a profit and that the seller may receive less than market value for the property.
Allow a property owner who has not signed the disclosure to cancel the contract at any time before closing.

Failure to comply could result in enforcement action by the Ohio Attorney General under the state’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Testimony and Collaboration

Several OREIA members provided formal testimony before both House and Senate committees, offering real-world examples of how ethical wholesalers have helped residents resolve difficult housing challenges—such as avoiding foreclosure, selling inherited properties, or liquidating distressed assets quickly.
In addition to the bill sponsors, Representatives Marilyn John (R-Mansfield) and Josh Williams (R-Toledo) played key roles in ensuring passage of this balanced legislation, which will take effect 90 days after Governor DeWine’s signature.

OREIA will publish the official disclosure form and compliance guidance for members as soon as it becomes available.

Commitment to Ethical, Principled Investing

OREIA remains committed to promoting ethical and principled real-estate investing, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and solutions that benefit both housing providers and residents. While some groups continue to push for additional restrictions—such as licensing requirements or limits on advertising and title services—OREIA believes responsible self-governance and high professional standards are the best path forward.

“Our members prove every day that ethical investing strengthens communities,” said Scott Ellsworth, OREIA President . “By working collaboratively with policymakers, we’ve ensured that this law targets bad actors without punishing the legitimate professionals who provide real help to Ohio homeowners.”

Pro Tip for Members

To help demonstrate the value of ethical wholesaling, OREIA encourages members to collect short written or video testimonials from sellers after each successful closing. Real stories of how members solve problems and help families can be powerful evidence in future legislative and public-relations efforts.

OREIA's primary mission is to advocate for legislative change and to provide educational support and opportunities to our chapters and members.

Every day, our team is actively involved in state government monitoring, supporting and opposing a variety of legislation that affects the real estate industry.

Your organization of real estate investors could join OREIA in promoting these values and take advantage of the educational opportunities offered year round by becoming a chapter association member.

Call (513) 655-3999 for more information on becoming an OREIA chapter.

Do you have a Compelling Story?

OREIA is looking for real estate investors willing to share their stories with legislators. Our professional lobbyists do a great job, but we've found that personal narratives are much more impactful. You can be an expert in the field, or simply have a compelling story about the topic; be that a positive or negative experience, a reason for entering or leaving an investing strategy, or a barrier you've experienced. It's the personal stories that best sway legislators.

A few of the areas we are looking for:

Wholesaling
Rehab/Retailing
Code Enforcement Issues
Housing Provider- tenant screening, security deposits, evictions, etc
Rental registrations and inspections
Short Term Rentals
Lead issues
Lending
Zoning
Housing Supply

If you have had experience in these areas, we'd love to help craft the story into pertinent testimony. Please call or email Deborah at admin@oreia.com

Thank you to our 2025 PAC Prize Sponsors

Jim Shapiro

Scott Ellsworth

Jon Hayes

Deb McMillan

Damon Remy

Ben Bauer

David Caldwell

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