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We are pleased you have selected Dwelling Network Advisors to help you with your real estate needs. Whether you are selling, buying or leasing real estate, Dwelling Network Advisors can provide you with expertise and assistance. Because this may be the largest financial transaction you will enter into, it is important to understand the role of the agents and brokers with whom you are working. Below is some information that explains the various services agents can offer and their options for working with you.

For more information on agency law in Ohio you can also contact the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing at (614) 466-4100, or on their website www.com.state.oh.us.

Representing Sellers
Most sellers of real estate choose to list their home for sale with a real estate brokerage. When they do so, they sign a listing agreement that authorizes the brokerage and the listing agent to represent their interests. As the seller’s agent, the brokerage and listing agent must: follow the seller’s lawful instructions, be loyal to the seller, promote the seller’s best interests, disclose material facts to the seller, maintain confidential information, act with reasonable skill and care and, account for any money they handle in the transaction. In rare circumstances, a listing broker may offer “subagency” to other brokerages which would also represent the seller’s interests and owe the seller these same duties.

Representing Buyers
When purchasing real estate, buyers usually choose to work with a real estate agent as well. Often the buyers want to be represented in the transaction. This is referred to as buyer’s agency. A brokerage and agent that agree to represent a buyer’s interest in a transaction must: follow the buyer’s lawful instructions, be loyal to the buyer, promote the buyer’s best interests, disclose material facts to the buyer, maintain confidential information and, account for any money they handle in the transaction. Buyers are advised that sellers and their agents are not obligated to keep confidential the existence, terms, or conditions of a buyer's offer. Buyer agents are compensated for their services, often in large part by sharing in the listing compensation paid by the seller. Any such sharing of compensation does not modify or lessen the buyer’s agent's obligations to the buyer.

Disclaimer
Dwelling Network Advisors and its agents cannot and do not (a) review all public records relating to properties that are listed or sold by them; or (b) investigate property information contained in prior listing and/or sales files, either within the company or other brokerages. Buyers are advised to investigate the physical condition of the property and all public records to determine its condition and suitability before purchasing it.

Dual Agency
Occasionally the same agent and brokerage who represents the seller also represents the buyer. This is referred to as dual agency. When a brokerage and its agents become “dual agents,” they must maintain a neutral position between the buyer and the seller. They may not advocate the position of one client over the best interests of the other client or disclose any personal or confidential information to the other party without written consent.

Representing Both the Buyer & Seller
On occasion, the buyer and seller will each be represented by two different agents from the same brokerage. In this case the agents may each represent the best interest of their respective clients. Or, depending on company policy, the agents may both act as dual agents and remain neutral in the transaction. When either of the above occurs, the brokerage will be considered a dual agent. As a dual agent the brokerage and its managers will maintain a neutral position and cannot advocate for the position of one client over another. The brokerage will also protect the confidential information of both parties.

Working With Dwelling Network Advisors
Dwelling Network Advisors does offer representation to both buyers and sellers. Therefore, the potential exists for one agent to represent a buyer who wishes to purchase property listed with another agent in our company. If this occurs each agent will represent their own client, but Dwelling Network Advisors and its managers will act as dual agents. This means the brokerage and its managers will maintain a neutral position and not take any actions that will favor one side over the other. Dwelling Network Advisors will still supervise both agents to assure that their respective clients are being fully represented and will protect the parties’ confidential information. In the event that both the buyer and seller are represented by the same agent, the agent and Dwelling Network Advisors will act as dual agents but only if both parties agree. As dual agents they will treat both parties honestly, prepare and present offers at the direction of the parties, and help the parties fulfill the terms of any contract. They will not, however, disclose any confidential information that would place one party at an advantage over the other or advocate or negotiate to the detriment of either party. If dual agency occurs, you will be asked to consent to it in writing. If you do not agree to your agent acting as a dual agent, you can ask that another agent in our company be assigned to represent you, or you can seek representation from another brokerage. As a buyer, you may also choose to represent yourself on properties Dwelling Network Advisors has listed. In that instance Dwelling Network Advisors will represent the seller and you would represent your own best interests. However, the listing agent will still be able to provide you with non-confidential information, prepare and present offers at your direction and assist you in the financing and closing process. Because the listing agent has a duty of full disclosure to the seller you should not share any information with the listing agent that you would not want the seller to know.

Working With Other Brokerages
When Dwelling Network Advisors lists property for sale it also cooperates with, and offers compensation to, other brokerages that represent buyers. Dwelling Network Advisors does reserve the right, in some instances, to vary the compensation it offers to other brokerages. As a seller, you should understand that just because Dwelling Network Advisors shares a fee with a brokerage representing the buyer, it does not mean that you will be represented by that buyer’s brokerage. Instead that company will be looking out for the buyer and Dwelling Network Advisors will be representing your interests. When acting as a buyer's agent, Dwelling Network Advisors also accepts compensation offered by the listing broker. If the property is not listed by another broker, or the listing broker does not offer compensation, then Dwelling Network Advisors will attempt to negotiate for a Seller-paid fee.

Compensation for Brokerage Services
Owners represented by Dwelling Network Advisors pay compensation pursuant to a written listing agreement. This compensation typically consists of both an administrative fee of $299 paid upfront, and a commission to be paid through escrow at the time of title transfer. The commission is typically split with the buyer's broker and the remainder of that shared with your individual agent; the flat fee amount is retained by Dwelling Network Advisors. Both components are for all the general brokerage services Dwelling Network Advisors has available and/or provides to you as the seller, including any sharing of compensation with the buyer's brokerage.

Buyers represented by Dwelling Network Advisors pay compensation pursuant to the Buyer Representation Agreement. This compensation typically consists of both an administrative fee of $299 paid upfront, and a commission to be paid through escrow at the time of title transfer. Typically, the commission is covered when Dwelling Network Advisors shares in the listing compensation paid by the seller, with such share being split with your individual agent, while the administrative fee amount is paid by you as buyer and retained by Dwelling Network Advisors. Both components are for all the general brokerage services Dwelling Network Advisors has available and/or provides to you as a buyer. If you as buyer wished to proceed in a transaction where there was no sharing of listing compensation, then you could be asked to pay both the administrative fee and a percentage of the purchase price for services to rendered to you; however, because it is Dwelling Network Advisors’ policy to accept a share of the listing compensation, most buyers pay only the administrative fee for their buyer services.

Unrepresented buyers pay compensation pursuant to the written sales contract. This compensation typically consists of an administrative fee of $299 paid upfront.

Dwelling Network Advisors may be compensated by the owner or buyer for services provided outside of the buying and selling transaction. Such services include but are not limited to coaching, consulting, estimates, property renovations and property management.

Dwelling Network Advisors may receive a fee from the home warranty provider if one is purchased.

Non-Refundable Fees
Sellers and Buyers agree that all fees paid to Dwelling Network Advisors, including but not limited to retainer fees, coaching fees, consultation fees, administrative fees and service fees, are non-refundable. These fees compensate for time, expertise, strategic planning, and resource allocation initiated upon engagement. Retainer fees secure availability and priority access to services and are not contingent upon the completion of any transaction. Coaching fees cover intellectual property, customized guidance, and strategic support provided during sessions or through digital materials. Once payment is made, it is considered earned and will not be returned under any circumstances, unless otherwise stated in writing by Dwelling Network Advisors or an authorized representative.

Fair Housing Statement
It is illegal, pursuant to the Ohio Fair Housing Law, division (H) of Section 4112.02 of the Revised Code and the Federal Fair Housing Law, 42 U.S.C.A. 3601, as amended, to refuse to sell, transfer, assign, rent, lease, sublease or finance housing accommodations, refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of housing accommodations, or otherwise deny or make unavailable housing accommodations because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status as defined in Section 4112.01 of the Revised Code, ancestry, military status as defined in that section, disability as defined in that section, or national origin or to so discriminate in advertising the sale or rental of housing, in the financing of housing, or in the provision of real estate brokerage services. It is also illegal, for profit, to induce or attempt to induce a person to sell or rent a dwelling by representations regarding the entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons belonging to one of the protected classes.