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At today’s Ohio Real Estate Commission Meeting, the Commissioner Members expressed anger and frustration that salespersons continue to give lock box numbers to unauthorized persons.

A settlement agreement was before the Commission today for a salesperson who gave a lock box number to her client. In this case, the salesperson was running late to the home in question. The prospective purchaser was there along with a person to conduct a home inspection. Time was of the essence, as there was a short window to conduct the home inspection. As a result, the salesperson gave her client, a personal friend, the lock box number. The salesperson did not know the seller had cameras that would show the prospective purchaser entering the house without the salesperson.

The Commission Members were not thrilled with the settlement offer that was made to the salesperson: a ten day suspension, a $500 fine, and three hours of continuing education in ethics and three hours in core law. One Commission Member stated he was tired of seeing settlements as a result of a salesperson giving out lock box numbers. He suggested denying settlements in the future, then revoking licenses after a hearing. In the end, the settlement agreement was approved.

However, this discussion is not over. The Commission will be addressing lock box cases further, to determine what the appropriate penalty is for a salesperson who gives a lock box number out to unauthorized persons. A ten day suspension may no longer be appropriate.

If you have questions about a real estate salespersons responsibility and duties, or real estate salesperson licensing, you need to talk with an Ohio real estate license defense attorney at Graff & McGovern. Attorney John Izzo can be reached at johnizzo@grafflaw.com, or 614-228-5800, extension 5.