Chapter 4763 | Real Estate Appraisers

Section 4763.01 | Real estate appraiser definitions.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Real estate appraisal" or "appraisal" means the act or process of developing an opinion of value of real property in conformity with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice.

(B) "Valuation" means an estimate of the value of real estate.

(C) "Analysis" means a study of real estate for purposes other than valuation.

(D) "Appraisal report" means a written communication of a real estate appraisal or appraisal review, or an oral communication of a real estate appraisal or appraisal review, that is documented by a writing that supports the oral communication.

(E) "Appraisal assignment" means an engagement for which a person licensed or certified under this chapter is employed, retained, or engaged to act, or would be perceived by third parties or the public as acting, as a disinterested third party in rendering an unbiased real estate appraisal.

(F) "Specialized services" means all appraisal services, other than appraisal assignments, including, but not limited to, valuation and analysis given in connection with activities such as real estate brokerage, mortgage banking, real estate counseling, and real estate tax counseling, and specialized marketing, financing, and feasibility studies.

(G) "Real estate" has the same meaning as in section 4735.01 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Appraisal foundation" means a nonprofit corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois on November 30, 1987, for the purposes of establishing and improving uniform appraisal standards by defining, issuing, and promoting those standards; establishing appropriate criteria for the certification and recertification of qualified appraisers by defining, issuing, and promoting the qualification criteria and disseminating the qualification criteria to others; and developing or assisting in development of appropriate examinations for qualified appraisers.

(I) "Prepare" means to develop and communicate, whether through a personal physical inspection or through the act or process of critically studying a report prepared by another who made the physical inspection, an appraisal report or specialized service report. If the person who develops and communicates the appraisal or specialized service report does not make the personal inspection, the name of the person who does make the personal inspection shall be identified on the appraisal or specialized service report.

(J) "Report" means any communication, written, oral, or by any other means of transmission of information, of a real estate appraisal, appraisal review, or specialized service that is transmitted to a client or employer upon completion of the appraisal or service.

(K) "State-certified general real estate appraiser" means any person who satisfies the certification requirements of this chapter relating to the appraisal of all types of real property and who holds a current and valid certificate or renewal certificate issued to the person pursuant to this chapter.

(L) "State-certified residential real estate appraiser" means any person who satisfies the certification requirements only relating to the appraisal of one to four units of single-family residential real estate without regard to transaction value or complexity and who holds a current and valid certificate or renewal certificate issued to the person pursuant to this chapter.

(M) "State-licensed residential real estate appraiser" means any person who satisfies the licensure requirements of this chapter relating to the appraisal of noncomplex one-to-four unit single-family residential real estate having a transaction value of less than one million dollars and complex one-to-four unit single-family residential real estate having a transaction value of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars and who holds a current and valid license or renewal license issued to the person pursuant to this chapter.

(N) "Certified or licensed real estate appraisal report" means an appraisal report prepared by a certificate holder or licensee under this chapter acting within the scope of certification or licensure and as a disinterested third party.

(O) "State-registered real estate appraiser assistant" means any person, other than a state-certified general real estate appraiser, state-certified residential real estate appraiser, or a state-licensed residential real estate appraiser, who satisfies the registration requirements of this chapter for participating in real estate appraisals and who holds a current and valid registration or renewal registration issued to the person pursuant to this chapter.

(P) "Institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in section 4735.01 of the Revised Code.

(Q) "Division of real estate" may be used interchangeably with, and for all purposes has the same meaning as, "division of real estate and professional licensing."

(R) "Superintendent" or "superintendent of real estate" means the superintendent of the division of real estate and professional licensing of this state. Whenever the division or superintendent of real estate is referred to or designated in any statute, rule, contract, or other document, the reference or designation shall be deemed to refer to the division or superintendent of real estate and professional licensing, as the case may be.

(S) "Appraisal review" means the act or process of developing and communicating an opinion about the quality of another appraiser's work that was performed as part of an appraisal or appraisal review. "Appraisal review" does not include an examination of an appraisal for grammatical errors, typographical errors, or completeness, provided the review for completeness does not require an opinion about the quality of the work of an appraiser. The real estate appraiser board may define, by rule, "review for completeness."

(T) "Work file" means documentation used during the preparation of an appraisal report or necessary to support an appraiser's analyses, opinions, or conclusions.

(U) "Automated valuation model" means a computer software program that analyzes data using an automated process, such as regression, adaptive estimation, neural network, expert reasoning, or artificial intelligence programs, that produces an output that may become a basis for appraisal or appraisal review if the appraiser believes the output to be credible for use in a specific assignment.

Section 4763.02 | Real estate appraiser board.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) There is hereby created the real estate appraiser board, consisting of five members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Four members shall be persons certified or licensed under this chapter, at least two of whom shall hold a state-certified general real estate appraiser certificate, and one of whom shall be an owner, controlling person, or management-level employee of an appraisal management company licensed and in good standing under Chapter 4768. of the Revised Code. One member shall represent the public and shall not be engaged in the practice of performing real estate appraisals or have any financial interest in such practices, or be actively engaged in real estate brokerage or sales. At least one of the certificate holders or licensees members shall be a real estate broker licensed pursuant to Chapter 4735. of the Revised Code whose license is in good standing. For the purpose of appointment to an eligibility for appointment to the board, the license of a real estate broker may be on deposit with the division of real estate of the department of commerce. No more than three members shall be members of the same political party and no member of the board concurrently may be a member of the board and the Ohio real estate commission created pursuant to section 4735.03 of the Revised Code. Of the initial appointments to the board, one is for a term ending June 30, 1990, two are for terms ending June 30, 1991, and two are for terms ending June 30, 1992. Thereafter, terms of office are for three years, commencing on the first day of July and ending on the thirtieth day of June. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which appointed. Prior to entering upon official duties, each member shall subscribe to, and file with the secretary of state, the constitutional oath of office. Vacancies that occur on the board shall be filled in the manner prescribed for regular appointments to the board. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until ninety days have elapsed, whichever occurs first. No person shall serve as a member of the board for more than two consecutive terms. The governor may remove a member pursuant to section 3.04 of the Revised Code.

(B) Annually, upon the qualification of the members appointed in that year, the board shall organize by selecting from its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The board shall meet at least once each calendar quarter to conduct its business with the place of future meetings to be decided by a vote of its members. Each member shall be provided with written notice of the time and place of each board meeting at least ten days prior to the scheduled date of the meeting. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum to transact and vote on all business coming before the board.

(C) Each member of the board shall receive an amount fixed pursuant to division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day employed in the discharge of official duties, and the member's actual and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of those duties.

(D) The board is part of the department of commerce for administrative purposes. The director of commerce is ex officio the executive officer of the board, or the director may designate the superintendent of real estate and professional licensing to act as executive officer of the board.

Section 4763.03 | Duties of board.

• Effective: March 23, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 199, House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) In addition to any other duties imposed on the real estate appraiser board under this chapter, the board shall:

(1) Adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, in furtherance of this chapter, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Defining, with respect to state-certified general real estate appraisers, state-certified residential real estate appraisers, and state-licensed residential real estate appraisers, the type of educational experience, appraisal experience, and other equivalent experience that satisfy the requirements of this chapter. The rules shall require that all appraisal experience performed after January 30, 1989, meet the uniform standards of professional practice established by the appraisal foundation.

(b) Establishing the examination specifications for state-certified general real estate appraisers, state-certified residential real estate appraisers, and state-licensed residential real estate appraisers;

(c) Relating to disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with section 4763.11 of the Revised Code, including rules governing the reinstatement of certificates, registrations, and licenses that have been suspended pursuant to those proceedings;

(d) Identifying any additional information to be included on the forms specified in division (C) of section 4763.12 of the Revised Code, provided that the rules shall not require any less information than is required in that division;

(e) Establishing the fees set forth in section 4763.09 of the Revised Code;

(f) Establishing the amount of the assessment required by division (A)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code. The board annually shall determine the amount due from each applicant for an initial certificate, registration, and license in an amount that will maintain the real estate appraiser recovery fund at the level specified in division (A) of section 4763.16 of the Revised Code. The board may, if the fund falls below that amount, require current certificate holders, registrants, and licensees to pay an additional assessment.

(g) Defining the educational requirements pursuant to division (C) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code;

(h) Establishing a real estate appraiser assistant program for the registration of real estate appraiser assistants.

(2) Prescribe by rule the requirements for the examinations required by division (D) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code;

(3) Periodically review the standards for the development and reporting of appraisal reports provided in this chapter and adopt rules explaining and interpreting those standards;

(4) Hear appeals, pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, from decisions and orders the superintendent of real estate issues pursuant to this chapter;

(5) Request the initiation by the superintendent of investigations of violations of this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant thereto, as the board determines appropriate;

(6) Determine the appropriate disciplinary actions to be taken against certificate holders, registrants, and licensees under this chapter as provided in section 4763.11 of the Revised Code.

(B) In addition to any other duties imposed on the superintendent of real estate under this chapter, the superintendent shall:

(1) Prescribe the form and content of all applications required by this chapter;

(2) Receive applications for certifications, registrations, and licenses and renewal thereof under this chapter and establish the procedures for processing, approving, and disapproving those applications;

(3) Retain records and all application materials submitted to the superintendent;

(4) Establish the time and place for conducting the examinations required by division (D) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code;

(5) Issue certificates, registrations, and licenses and maintain a register of the names and addresses of all persons issued a certificate, registration, or license under this chapter;

(6) Perform any other functions and duties, including the employment of staff, necessary to administer this chapter;

(7) Administer this chapter;

(8) Issue all orders necessary to implement this chapter;

(9) Investigate complaints, upon the superintendent's own motion or upon receipt of a complaint or upon a request of the board, concerning any violation of this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant thereto or the conduct of any person holding a certificate, registration, or license issued pursuant to this chapter;

(10) Establish and maintain an investigation and audit section to investigate complaints and conduct inspections, audits, and other inquiries as in the judgment of the superintendent are appropriate to enforce this chapter. The investigators and auditors have the right to review and audit the business records of certificate holders, registrants, and licensees during normal business hours. The superintendent may utilize the investigators and auditors employed pursuant to division (B)(4) of section 4735.05 of the Revised Code or currently licensed certificate holders or licensees to assist in performing the duties of this division.

(11) Appoint a hearing examiner for any proceeding involving the disciplinary action of a certificate holder, licensee, or registrant under section 4763.11 of the Revised Code;

(12) Administer the real estate appraiser recovery fund;

(13) Conduct the examinations required by division (D) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code at least four times per year.

(C) The superintendent may do all of the following:

(1) In connection with hearings, investigations, or audits under division (B) of this section, subpoena witnesses as provided in section 4763.04 of the Revised Code;

(2) Apply to the appropriate court to enjoin any violation of this chapter. Upon a showing by the superintendent that any person has violated or is about to violate this chapter, the court shall grant an injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate relief, or any combination thereof.

(D) All information that is obtained by investigators and auditors performing investigations or conducting inspections, audits, and other inquiries pursuant to division (B)(10) of this section, from certificate holders, registrants, licensees, complainants, or other persons, and all reports, documents, and other work products that arise from that information and that are prepared by the investigators, auditors, or other personnel of the department of commerce, shall be held in confidence by the superintendent, the investigators and auditors, and other personnel of the department.

(E) This section does not prevent the division of real estate and professional licensing from releasing information relating to certificate holders, registrants, and licensees to the superintendent of financial institutions for purposes relating to the administration of Chapter 1322. of the Revised Code, to the commissioner of securities for purposes relating to Chapter 1707. of the Revised Code, to the superintendent of insurance for purposes relating to the administration of Chapter 3953. of the Revised Code, to the attorney general, or to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. Information released by the division pursuant to this section remains confidential.

(F) Any rule the board adopts shall meet or exceed the requirements specified in federal law or regulations.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Section 4763.04 | Powers of board or superintendent.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

The real estate appraiser board or the superintendent of real estate may compel, by order or subpoena, the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter over which the board or the superintendent has jurisdiction and which is the subject of the inquiry and investigation by the board or superintendent, and require the production of any book, paper, or document pertaining to such matter. For such purpose, the board or the superintendent has the same power as judges of county courts to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish witnesses for refusal to testify. service of the subpoena may be made by constables or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and the subpoena shall be deemed served on the date delivery is made or the date the person refuses to accept delivery. Sheriffs or constables shall return such process and shall receive the same fees for doing so as are allowed for like service if service of the subpoena is made by sheriffs or constables. Witnesses shall receive, after their appearance before the board or the superintendent, the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code. If two or more witnesses travel together in the same vehicle, the mileage fee shall be paid to only one of those witnesses, but the witnesses may agree to divide the fee among themselves in any manner.

In addition to the powers and duties granted to the board and the superintendent under this section, in case any person fails to file any statement or report, obey any subpoena, give testimony, answer questions, or produce books, records, or papers as required by the board or the superintendent under this chapter, the court of common pleas of any county in the state, upon application made to it by the board or the superintendent setting forth the failure, may make an order awarding process of subpoena or subpoena duces tecum for the person to appear and testify before the board or the superintendent, and may order any person to give testimony and answer questions, and to produce books, records, or papers, as required by the board or the superintendent. Upon the filing of such order in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas, the clerk, under the seal of the court, shall issue process or subpoena, and each day thereafter until the examination of the person is completed. The subpoena may contain a direction that the witness bring with the witness to the examination any books, records, or papers mentioned in the subpoena. The clerk also shall issue, under the seal of the court, such other orders, in reference to the examination, appearance, and production of books, records, or papers, as the court directs. If any person summoned by subpoena fails to obey the subpoena, to give testimony, to answer questions as required, or to obey an order of the court, the court, on motion supported by proof, may order an attachment for contempt to be issued against the person charged with disobedience of any order or injunction issued by the court under this chapter. If the person is brought before the court by virtue of the attachment, and if upon a hearing the disobedience appears, the court may order the offender to be committed and kept in close custody.

Section 4763.05 | Applying for initial certificate, license or registration.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1)(a) A person shall make application for an initial state-certified general real estate appraiser certificate, an initial state-certified residential real estate appraiser certificate, an initial state-licensed residential real estate appraiser license, or an initial state-registered real estate appraiser assistant registration in writing to the superintendent of real estate on a form the superintendent prescribes. The application shall include the address of the applicant's principal place of business and all other addresses at which the applicant currently engages in the business of performing real estate appraisals and the address of the applicant's current residence. The superintendent shall retain the applicant's current residence address in a separate record which does not constitute a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code. The application shall indicate whether the applicant seeks certification as a general real estate appraiser or as a residential real estate appraiser, licensure as a residential real estate appraiser, or registration as a real estate appraiser assistant and be accompanied by the prescribed examination and certification, registration, or licensure fees set forth in section 4763.09 of the Revised Code. The application also shall include a pledge, signed by the applicant, that the applicant will comply with the standards set forth in this chapter; and a statement that the applicant understands the types of misconduct for which disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against the applicant pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Upon the filing of an application and payment of any examination and certification, registration, or licensure fees, the superintendent of real estate shall request the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation, or a vendor approved by the bureau, to conduct a criminal records check based on the applicant's fingerprints in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding division (L) of section 121.08 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of real estate shall request that criminal record information from the federal bureau of investigation be obtained as part of the criminal records check. Any fee required under division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code shall be paid by the applicant.

(2) For purposes of providing funding for the real estate appraiser recovery fund established by section 4763.16 of the Revised Code, the real estate appraiser board shall levy an assessment against each person issued an initial certificate, registration, or license and against current licensees, registrants, and certificate holders, as required by board rule. The assessment is in addition to the application and examination fees for initial applicants required by division (A)(1) of this section and the renewal fees required for current certificate holders, registrants, and licensees. The superintendent of real estate shall deposit the assessment into the state treasury to the credit of the real estate appraiser recovery fund. The assessment for initial certificate holders, registrants, and licensees shall be paid prior to the issuance of a certificate, registration, or license, and for current certificate holders, registrants, and licensees, at the time of renewal.

(B) An applicant for an initial general real estate appraiser certificate, residential real estate appraiser certificate, or residential real estate appraiser license shall possess experience in real estate appraisal as the board prescribes by rule. In addition to any other information required by the board, the applicant shall furnish, under oath, a detailed listing of the appraisal reports or file memoranda for each year for which experience is claimed and, upon request of the superintendent or the board, shall make available for examination a sample of the appraisal reports prepared by the applicant in the course of the applicant's practice.

(C) An applicant for an initial certificate, registration, or license shall be at least eighteen years of age, honest, and truthful and shall present satisfactory evidence to the superintendent that the applicant has successfully completed any education requirements the board prescribes by rule.

(D) An applicant for an initial general real estate appraiser or residential real estate appraiser certificate or residential real estate appraiser license shall take and successfully complete a written examination in order to qualify for the certificate or license.

The board shall prescribe the examination requirements by rule.

(E)(1) The board shall issue a residential real estate appraiser license, a residential real estate appraiser certificate, real estate appraiser assistant registration, or a general real estate appraiser certificate in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant if either of the following applies:

(a) The applicant holds a certificate, license, or registration in another state.

(b) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a residential real estate appraiser, real estate appraiser assistant, or general real estate appraiser in a state that does not issue that certificate, license, or registration.

(2)(a) The board shall recognize on a temporary basis a certification or license issued in another state and shall register on a temporary basis an appraiser who is certified or licensed in another state if all of the following apply:

(i) The temporary registration is to perform an appraisal assignment that is part of a federally related transaction.

(ii) The appraiser's business in this state is of a temporary nature.

(iii) The appraiser registers with the board pursuant to this division.

(b) An appraiser who is certified or licensed in another state shall register with the board for temporary practice before performing an appraisal assignment in this state in connection with a federally related transaction.

(c) The board shall adopt rules relating to registration for the temporary recognition of certification and licensure of appraisers from another state. The registration for temporary recognition of certified or licensed appraisers from another state shall not authorize completion of more than one appraisal assignment in this state. The board shall not issue more than two registrations for temporary practice to any one applicant in any calendar year. The application for obtaining a registration under this division may include any of the following:

(i) A pledge, signed by the applicant, that the applicant will comply with the standards set forth in this chapter;

(ii) A statement that the applicant understands the types of misconduct for which disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against the applicant pursuant to this chapter;

(iii) A consent to service of process.

(d) A nonresident appraiser whose certification or license has been recognized by the board on a temporary basis and who is acting in accordance with this section and the board's rules is not required to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code.

(F) The superintendent shall not issue a certificate, registration, or license to, or recognize on a temporary basis an appraiser from another state that is a corporation, partnership, or association. This prohibition shall not be construed to prevent a certificate holder or licensee from signing an appraisal report on behalf of a corporation, partnership, or association.

(G) Every person licensed, registered, or certified under this chapter shall notify the superintendent, on a form provided by the superintendent, of a change in the address of the licensee's, registrant's, or certificate holder's principal place of business or residence within thirty days of the change. If a licensee's, registrant's, or certificate holder's license, registration, or certificate is revoked or not renewed, the licensee, registrant, or certificate holder immediately shall return the annual and any renewal certificate, registration, or license to the superintendent.

(H)(1) The superintendent shall not issue a certificate, registration, or license to any person, or recognize on a temporary basis an appraiser from another state, who does not meet applicable minimum criteria for state certification, registration, or licensure prescribed by federal law or rule.

(2) The superintendent shall not refuse to issue a general real estate appraiser certificate, residential real estate appraiser certificate, residential real estate appraiser license, or real estate appraiser assistant registration to any person because of a conviction of or plea of guilty to any criminal offense unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:00 AM

Section 4763.06 | Renewing certificate, license or registration.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) A person licensed, registered, or certified under this chapter may obtain a renewal certificate, registration, or license by filing a renewal application with and paying the renewal fee set forth in section 4763.09 of the Revised Code and any amount assessed pursuant to division (A)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code to the superintendent of real estate. The renewal application shall include a statement, signed by the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, that the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee has not, during the immediately preceding twelve-month period, been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense described in division (H)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code. The certificate holder, registrant, or licensee shall file the renewal application at least thirty days, but no earlier than one hundred twenty days, prior to expiration of the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's current certificate, registration, or license.

(B) A certificate holder, registrant, or licensee who fails to renew a certificate, registration, or license prior to its expiration is ineligible to obtain a renewal certificate, registration, or license and shall comply with section 4763.05 of the Revised Code in order to regain certification, registration, or licensure, except that a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may renew the certificate, registration, or license without having to comply with section 4763.05 of the Revised Code by doing either of the following:

(1) Filing a renewal application and submitting payment of all fees for renewal and payment of the late filing fee set forth in section 4763.09 of the Revised Code within three months after the expiration of the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's certificate, registration, or license;

(2) Obtaining a medical exception under division (C) of this section, filing a renewal application, and submitting payment of all fees for renewal and payment of the late filing fee set forth in section 4763.09 of the Revised Code. A certificate holder, registrant, or licensee who applies for late renewal of the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's certificate, registration, or license may not engage in any activities permitted by the certification, registration, or license being renewed during the three-month period following the certificate's, registration's, or license's normal expiration date, or during the time period for which a medical exception applies, until all renewal fees and the late filing fee have been paid.

(C) The superintendent may grant a medical exception upon application by a person certified, registered, or licensed under this chapter. To receive an exception, the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee shall submit a request to the superintendent with proof satisfactory that a medical exception is warranted. If the superintendent makes a determination that satisfactory proof has not been presented, within fifteen days of the date of the denial of the medical exception the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may file with the division of real estate a request that the real estate appraiser board review the determination. The board may adopt reasonable rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this division.

Section 4763.07 | Continuing education.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

(A) Every state-certified general real estate appraiser, state-certified residential real estate appraiser and state-licensed residential real estate appraiser shall submit proof of successfully completing a minimum of fourteen classroom hours of continuing education instruction in courses or seminars approved by the real estate appraiser board. The certificate holder and licensee shall have satisfied the fourteen-hour continuing education requirements within the one-year period immediately following the issuance of the initial certificate or license and shall satisfy those requirements annually thereafter.

In accordance with federal law, each state-registered real estate appraiser assistant shall submit proof of successfully completing a minimum of fourteen classroom hours of continuing education instruction in courses or seminars approved by the real estate appraiser board. Each registrant shall satisfy the fourteen-hour continuing education requirements annually.

This division does not apply to an appraiser with a certification or license from another state that is temporarily recognized in this state pursuant to division (E)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code.

A certificate holder, licensee, or registrant who fails to submit proof to the superintendent of meeting these requirements is ineligible to obtain a renewal certificate, license, or registration and shall comply with section 4763.05 of the Revised Code in order to regain a certificate, license, or registration, except that the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant may submit proof to the superintendent of meeting these requirements within three months after the date of expiration of the certificate, license, or registration, or by obtaining a medical exception under division (E) of this section, without having to comply with section 4763.05 of the Revised Code. A certificate holder, licensee, or registrant may not engage in any activities permitted by the certificate, license, or registration during the three-month period following the certificate's, license's, or registration's normal expiration date or during the time period for which a medical exception applies.

A certificate holder, licensee, or registrant may satisfy all or a portion of the required hours of classroom instruction in the following manner:

(1) Completion of an educational program of study determined by the board to be equivalent, for continuing education purposes, to courses or seminars approved by the board;

(2) Participation, other than as a student, in educational processes or programs approved by the board that relate to real estate appraisal theory, practices, or techniques.

A certificate holder, licensee, or registrant shall present to the superintendent of real estate evidence of the manner in which the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant satisfied the requirements of division (A) of this section.

(B) The board shall adopt rules for implementing a continuing education program for state-certified general real estate appraisers, state-certified residential real estate appraisers, state-licensed residential real estate appraisers, and state-registered real estate appraiser assistants for the purpose of assuring that certificate holders, licensees, and registrants have current knowledge of real estate appraisal theories, practices, and techniques that will provide a high degree of service and protection to members of the public. In addition to any other provisions the board considers appropriate, the rules adopted by the board shall prescribe the following:

(1) Policies and procedures for obtaining board approval of courses of instruction and seminars;

(2) Standards, policies, and procedures to be applied in evaluating the alternative methods of complying with continuing education requirements set forth in divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section;

(3) Standards, monitoring methods, and systems for recording attendance to be employed by course sponsors as a prerequisite to approval of courses for continuing education credit.

(C) No amendment or rescission of a rule the board adopts pursuant to division (B) of this section shall operate to deprive a certificate holder or licensee of credit toward renewal of certification or licensure for any course of instruction completed by the certificate holder or licensee prior to the effective date of the amendment or rescission that would have qualified for credit under the rule as it existed prior to amendment or rescission.

(D) The superintendent of real estate shall not issue a renewal certificate, registration, or license to any person who does not meet applicable minimum criteria for state certification, registration, or licensure prescribed by federal law or rule.

(E) The superintendent may grant a medical exception upon application by a person certified, registered, or licensed under this chapter. To receive an exception, the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee shall submit a request to the superintendent with proof satisfactory that a medical exception is warranted. If the superintendent makes a determination that satisfactory proof has not been presented, within fifteen days of the date of the denial of the medical exception, the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may file with the division of real estate a request that the real estate appraiser board review the determination. The board may adopt reasonable rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement this division.

Section 4763.08 | Certificate, registration or license term.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

On and after December 22, 1992, each certificate, registration, and license issued under this chapter, other than a temporary certificate or license issued under division (E)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code, is valid for a period of one year from its date of issuance. The superintendent of real estate shall provide renewal notices to certificate holders, registrants, and licensees no later than thirty days prior to the expiration of the certificate, registration, or license. The superintendent shall issue to each person initially certified, registered, or licensed under this chapter a certificate, registration, or license in the form and size the superintendent prescribes. The initial certificate, registration, and license shall indicate the name of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, bear the signatures of the members of the real estate appraiser board, be issued under the seal prescribed in section 121.20 of the Revised Code, and contain a certificate, registration, or license number assigned by the superintendent. The superintendent shall issue to each person who renews a certificate, registration, or license a renewal certificate, registration, or license in the size and form the superintendent prescribes. The renewal certificate, registration, or license shall contain the name of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee and the expiration and number of the certificate, registration, or license. Each certificate holder and licensee shall place the certificate holder's or licensee's certificate or license number adjacent to the title "state-licensed residential real estate appraiser," "state-certified residential real estate appraiser," or "state-certified general real estate appraiser," when issuing an appraisal report or in a contract or other instrument used in conducting real estate appraisal activities as required by section 4763.12 of the Revised Code. If a state-registered real estate appraiser assistant participated in the appraisal or specialized service report, the certificate holder or licensee shall also place the registrant's name, registration number, and the title "state-registered real estate appraiser assistant" on the report.

Section 4763.09 | Fees.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) The real estate appraiser board shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the establishment of the following fees:

(1) The examination fee required under division (A) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code, up to a maximum of one hundred fifty dollars, which fee shall be nonrefundable;

(2) The initial state-certified general real estate appraiser and state-certified residential real estate appraiser certification and state-licensed residential real estate appraiser license fees, and the annual renewal thereof, up to a maximum of one hundred seventy-five dollars each;

(3) The initial real estate appraiser assistant registration fee, and the annual renewal thereof, up to a maximum of one hundred dollars;

(4) The late filing fee for renewal of a certification, registration, or license, which shall be one-half of the certification, registration, and licensure fees established pursuant to divisions (A)(2) and (3) of this section;

(5) The amount to be charged to cover the cost of the issuance of a temporary certificate or license under division (E)(2) of section 4763.05 of the Revised Code;

(6) Other reasonable fees as needed, including any annual pass-through charges imposed by the federal government.

(B) An applicant for certification or licensure under this chapter shall pay the examination fee directly to a testing service if so prescribed and in such amount as the superintendent of real estate prescribes. The balance, if any, of the examination fee shall accompany the application.

Section 4763.10 | Refusal to issue or renew certificate, registration or license.

• Effective: March 5, 1996
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 304 - 121st General Assembly

(A) The superintendent of real estate may refuse to issue a certificate, registration, or license to an applicant based upon any act or omission for which a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may be disciplined under section 4763.11 of the Revised Code or refuse to renew a certificate, registration, or license of a current certificate holder, registrant, or licensee for failing to comply with this chapter. If the superintendent refuses to issue or renew a certificate, registration, or license, the superintendent shall notify the applicant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee of the basis for the refusal. Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the notice shall comply with division (B) of section 4763.11 of the Revised Code and the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. An applicant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may appeal the superintendent's decision to the real estate appraiser board which shall provide the applicant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee with the opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel, or both. All appeals shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except that, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, an applicant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may appeal the decision of the board to any court of common pleas.

(B) The superintendent is not required to afford a hearing to an applicant who is refused a certificate or license because of failure to pass the examination required by section 4763.05 of the Revised Code.

Section 4763.11 | Disciplinary actions.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Within ten business days after a person files a written complaint against a person certified, registered, or licensed under this chapter with the division of real estate, the superintendent of real estate shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint by sending notice to the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee that includes a copy of the complaint. The acknowledgement to the complainant and the notice to the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may state that an informal mediation meeting will be held with the complainant, the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, and an investigator from the investigation and audit section of the division, if the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee both file a request for such a meeting within twenty calendar days after the acknowledgment and notice are mailed.

(B) If the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee both file with the division requests for an informal mediation meeting, the superintendent shall notify the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee of the date of the meeting, by regular mail. If the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee reach an accommodation at an informal mediation meeting, the investigator shall report the accommodation to the superintendent, the complainant, and the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee and the complaint file shall be closed upon the superintendent receiving satisfactory notice that the accommodation has been fulfilled.

(C) If the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee fail to agree to an informal mediation meeting or fail to reach an accommodation agreement, or fail to fulfill an accommodation agreement, the superintendent shall assign the complaint to an investigator for an investigation into the conduct of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee against whom the complaint is filed.

(D) Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator shall file a written report of the results of the investigation with the superintendent. The superintendent shall review the report and determine whether there exists reasonable and substantial evidence of a violation of division (G) of this section by the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee.

(1) If the superintendent finds evidence exists showing a violation of division (G) of this section by a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, the superintendent shall notify the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee of the determination. The certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may enter into a settlement agreement with the superintendent. The settlement agreement is subject to board approval, and the board shall prescribe requirements by rule for such settlement agreements. The certificate holder, registrant, or licensee may request a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. If a formal hearing is conducted, the hearing examiner shall file a report that contains findings of fact and conclusions of law with the division hearing administrator. The division hearing administrator shall serve the hearing examiner report on the superintendent, the assistant attorney general representing the superintendent in the matter, the board, the complainant and the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant, and if applicable, counsel representing the complainant, certificate holder, licensee, or registrant. Service of the hearing examiner report on the complainant and on the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant shall comply with division (K) of this section. Service of the hearing examiner's report on the superintendent, the assistant attorney general representing the superintendent in the matter, and the board shall be by either regular mail or electronic means. Service of the hearing examiner report on counsel representing the complainant, certificate holder, licensee, or registrant shall be by regular mail.

Within ten calendar days of receipt by the assistant attorney general representing the superintendent of the copy of the hearing examiner's report served by the division hearing administrator, the assistant attorney general may file with the board written objections to the hearing examiner's report, which shall be considered by the board before approving, modifying, or rejecting the hearing examiner's report. Within ten calendar days of receipt by the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant of the copy of the hearing examiner's report served by the division hearing administrator, the certificate holder, licensee, or registrant may file with the board written objections to the hearing examiner's report, which shall be considered by the board before approving, modifying, or rejecting the hearing examiner's report. Within ten calendar days of receipt by the superintendent of the copy of the hearing examiner's report served by the division hearing administrator, the superintendent may grant an extension of time to file written objections to the hearing examiner's report for good cause shown.

(2) If the superintendent finds, following the conclusion of the investigation, that evidence does not exist showing a violation of division (G) of this section by the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, the superintendent shall notify the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee of that determination and the basis for the determination. Within fifteen business days after the superintendent notifies the complainant and certificate holder, registrant, or licensee that such evidence does not exist, the complainant may file with the division a request that the real estate appraiser board review the determination. If the complainant files such request, the board shall review the determination at the next regularly scheduled meeting held at least fifteen business days after the request is filed but no longer than six months after the request is filed. The board may hear the testimony of the complainant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee at the meeting upon the request of that party. If the board affirms the determination of the superintendent, the superintendent shall notify the complainant and the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee within five business days thereafter. If the board reverses the determination of the superintendent, the matter shall be returned to the superintendent for additional investigation or review.

(E) The board shall review the hearing examiner's report and the evidence at the next regularly scheduled board meeting held at least fifteen business days after receipt of the examiner's report. The board may hear the testimony of the complainant, certificate holder, registrant, or licensee upon request. If the complainant is the Ohio civil rights commission, the board shall review the complaint.

(F) If the board determines that a licensee, registrant, or certificate holder has violated this chapter for which disciplinary action may be taken under division (G) of this section, after review of the hearing examiner's report and the evidence as provided in division (E) of this section, or after review of a settlement agreement entered into pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section, the board shall order the disciplinary action the board considers appropriate, which may include, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Reprimand of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee;

(2) Imposition of a fine, not exceeding, two thousand five hundred dollars per violation;

(3) Requirement of the completion of additional education courses. Any course work imposed pursuant to this section shall not count toward continuing education requirements or prelicense or precertification requirements set forth in section 4763.05 of the Revised Code.

(4) Suspension of the certificate, registration, or license for a specific period of time;

(5) Revocation or surrender of the certificate, registration, or license.

The decision and order of the board is final, except that following the review of the hearing examiner report and the evidence as provided in division (E) of this section, the decision and order of the board is subject to review in the manner provided for in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and appeal to any court of common pleas. If the board orders a disciplinary action as provided in division (F)(2) or (3) of this section, the superintendent may grant an extension of time to satisfy the board-ordered disciplinary action for good cause shown.

(G) The board shall take any disciplinary action authorized by this section against a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee or an applicant who obtains a certificate, registration, or license pursuant to this chapter who is found to have committed any of the following acts, omissions, or violations:

(1) As an applicant, procuring or attempting to procure a certificate, registration, or license pursuant to section 4763.05, 4763.06, or 4763.07 of the Revised Code by knowingly making a false statement, submitting false information, refusing to provide complete information in response to a question in an application for certification, registration, or licensure, or by any means of fraud or misrepresentation;

(2) Paying, or attempting to pay, anything of value, other than the fees or assessments required by this chapter, to any member or employee of the board for the purpose of procuring a certificate, registration, or license;

(3) In a criminal proceeding, being convicted of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony; a crime involving moral turpitude; or a crime involving theft, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, passing bad checks, money laundering, drug trafficking, or any criminal offense involving money or securities, including a violation of an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to such an offense;

(4) Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, with the intent to either benefit the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee or another person or injure another person;

(5) Violation of any of the standards for the development, preparation, communication, or reporting of an appraisal report set forth in this chapter and rules of the board;

(6) Failure or refusal to exercise reasonable diligence in developing, preparing, or communicating an appraisal report;

(7) Negligence or incompetence in developing, preparing, communicating, or reporting an appraisal report;

(8) Violating this chapter or the rules adopted thereunder;

(9) Accepting an appraisal assignment where the employment is contingent upon the appraiser preparing or reporting a predetermined estimate, analysis, or opinion, or where the fee to be paid for the appraisal is contingent upon the opinion, conclusion, or valuation attained or upon the consequences resulting from the appraisal assignment;

(10) Violating the confidential nature of governmental records to which the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee gained access through employment or engagement as an appraiser by a governmental agency;

(11) Entry of final judgment against the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee on the grounds of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or gross negligence in performing any appraisal of real estate;

(12) Violating any federal or state civil rights law;

(13) Having published advertising, whether printed, radio, display, or of any other nature, which was misleading or inaccurate in any material particular, or in any way having misrepresented any appraisal or specialized service;

(14) Failing to provide copies of records to the superintendent or failing to maintain records as required by section 4763.14 of the Revised Code. Failure of a certificate holder, licensee, or registrant to comply with a subpoena issued under division (C)(1) of section 4763.03 of the Revised Code is prima-facie evidence of a violation of division (G)(14) of section 4763.11 of the Revised Code.

(15) Failing to provide notice to the board as required in division (I) of this section;

(16) In the case of a certificate holder acting as a supervisory appraiser, refusing to sign an appraiser experience log required by rule for a person making application for an initial state-certified general real estate appraiser certificate, state-certified residential real estate appraiser certificate, or state-licensed residential real estate appraiser license, unless there is reasonable and substantial evidence that there is false information contained within the log;

(17) Being sanctioned or disciplined in another jurisdiction as a real estate appraiser;

(18) Failing to provide assistance, whenever possible, to the members and staff of the board or to the division of real estate in the enforcement of this chapter and the rules adopted under it.

(H) The board immediately shall notify the superintendent of real estate of any disciplinary action taken under this section against a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee who also is licensed under Chapter 4735. of the Revised Code, and also shall notify any other federal, state, or local agency and any other public or private association that the board determines is responsible for licensing or otherwise regulating the professional or business activity of the appraiser. Additionally, the board shall notify the complainant and any other party who may have suffered financial loss because of the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's violations, that the complainant or other party may sue for recovery under section 4763.16 of the Revised Code. The notice provided under this division shall specify the conduct for which the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee was disciplined and the disciplinary action taken by the board and the result of that conduct.

(I) A certificate holder, registrant, or licensee shall notify the board within fifteen days of the agency's issuance of an order revoking or permanently surrendering any professional license, certificate, or registration by any public entity other than the division of real estate. A certificate holder, registrant, or licensee who is convicted of or pleads guilty or no contest to a crime as described in division (G)(3) of this section shall notify the board of the conviction or plea within fifteen days of the conviction or plea.

(J) If the board determines that a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee has violated this chapter for which disciplinary action may be taken under division (G) of this section as a result of an investigation conducted by the superintendent upon the superintendent's own motion or upon the request of the board, the superintendent shall notify the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee of the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's right to a hearing pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and, if applicable, to an appeal of a final determination of such administrative proceedings to any court of common pleas.

(K) Notwithstanding sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code, acknowledgment of complaint notices issued under division (A) of this section and continuance notices associated with hearings conducted under this section may be sent by regular mail and a certificate of mailing shall be obtained for the notices. All other notices issued to a complainant and to a certificate holder, registrant, licensee, or other party pursuant to this section shall be mailed via certified mail, return receipt requested. When any notice is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and is returned because the notice was unclaimed, then that notice is deemed served if the superintendent subsequently sends the notice by regular mail and a certificate of mailing is obtained for the notice. If a notice, whether sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by regular mail with a certificate of mailing, is returned for failure of delivery, then the superintendent shall make personal delivery of the notice by an employee or agent of the department of commerce or shall cause a summary of the substantive provisions of the notice to be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the last known address of the party is located. When notice is given by publication, a proof of publication affidavit, with the first publication of the notice set forth in the affidavit, shall be mailed by regular mail to the party at the party's last known address. The notice shall be deemed received as of the date of the last publication of the summary. An employee or agent of the department of commerce may make personal delivery of the notice upon the party at any time. Refusal of delivery by personal service or by mail is not failure of delivery and service is deemed to be complete. Failure of delivery occurs only when a mailed notice is returned by the postal authorities marked undeliverable, address or addressee unknown, or forwarding address unknown or expired.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 4:27 PM

Section 4763.12 | Certified appraisal or certified appraisal report.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) A person licensed or certified under this chapter may be retained or employed to act as a disinterested third party in rendering an unbiased valuation or analysis of real estate or to provide specialized services to facilitate the client or employer's objectives. An appraisal or appraisal report rendered by a certificate holder or licensee shall comply with this chapter. A certified appraisal or certified appraisal report represents to the public that it satisfies the standards set forth in this chapter.

(B) No certificate holder or licensee shall accept a fee for an appraisal assignment that is contingent, in whole or in part, upon the reporting of a predetermined estimate, analysis, or opinion or upon the opinion, conclusion, or valuation reached, or upon consequences resulting from the appraisal assignment. A certificate holder or licensee who enters into an agreement to provide specialized services may charge a fixed fee or a fee that is contingent upon the results achieved by the specialized services, provided that this fact is clearly stated in each oral report rendered pursuant to the agreement, and the existence of the contingent fee arrangement is clearly stated in a prominent place on each written report and in each letter of transmittal and certification statement made by the certificate holder or licensee within that report.

(C) Every written report rendered by a certificate holder or licensee in conjunction with an appraisal assignment or specialized service performed shall include the following information:

(1) The name of the certificate holder or licensee;

(2) The class of certification or licensure held by and the certification or licensure number of the certificate holder or licensee;

(3) Whether the appraisal or specialized service is performed within the scope of the certificate holder's or licensee's certification or licensure;

(4) Whether the appraisal or specialized service is provided by a certificate holder or licensee as a disinterested and unbiased third party or as a person on an interested and biased basis or as an interested third party on a contingent fee basis;

(5) The signature of the person performing and reporting the appraisal or specialized service ;

(6) The license, certificate, or registration number of the appraisal management company that has engaged the appraiser for the assignment within the body of the appraisal report;

(7) If an appraisal report is completed for an appraisal management company, one of the following:

(a) The actual fees paid to the appraiser within the body of the appraisal report;

(b) If the appraiser is employed by the appraisal management company on an employee and employer basis for the performance of appraisals, a statement of that fact and a statement that the appraiser was not paid a fee.

If the certificate holder or licensee provides an oral real estate appraisal report or specialized service, the certificate holder or licensee shall send, within seven days of providing the oral report, a form to the client containing the appropriate information specified in this division and the rules adopted pursuant to this division.

(D) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring a certificate holder or licensee to provide a client with a copy of any writing prepared in support of an oral appraisal report except as provided in division (C) of this section or as agreed to between the certificate holder or licensee and the certificate holder's or licensee's client.

(E) No person, directly or indirectly, shall knowingly compensate, instruct, induce, coerce, or intimidate, or attempt to compensate, instruct, induce, coerce, or intimidate, a certificate holder or licensee for the purpose of corrupting or improperly influencing the independent judgment of the certificate holder or licensee with respect to the value of the dwelling offered as security for repayment of a mortgage loan.

Section 4763.13 | Compliance with standards.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) In engaging in appraisal activities, a person certified, registered, or licensed under this chapter shall comply with the applicable standards prescribed by the board of governors of the federal reserve system, the federal deposit insurance corporation, the comptroller of the currency, the national credit union administration, and the resolution trust corporation in connection with federally related transactions under the jurisdiction of the applicable agency or instrumentality. A certificate holder, registrant, and licensee also shall comply with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice, as adopted by the appraisal standards board of the appraisal foundation and such other standards adopted by the real estate appraiser board, to the extent that those standards do not conflict with applicable federal standards in connection with a particular federally related transaction.

(B) The terms "state-licensed residential real estate appraiser," "state-certified residential real estate appraiser," "state-certified general real estate appraiser," and "state-registered real estate appraiser assistant" shall be used to refer only to those persons who have been issued the applicable certificate, registration, or license or renewal certificate, registration, or license pursuant to this chapter. None of these terms shall be used following or in connection with the name or signature of a partnership, corporation, or association or in a manner that could be interpreted as referring to a person other than the person to whom the certificate, registration, or license has been issued. No person shall fail to comply with this division.

(C) No person, other than a certificate holder, a registrant, or a licensee, shall assume or use a title, designation, or abbreviation that is likely to create the impression that the person possesses certification, registration, or licensure under this chapter, provided that professional designations containing the term "certified appraiser" and being used on or before July 26, 1989, shall not be construed as being misleading under this division. No person other than a person certified or licensed under this chapter shall describe or refer to an appraisal or other evaluation of real estate located in this state as being certified.

(D) The terms "state-certified or state-licensed real estate appraisal report," "state-certified or state-licensed appraisal report," or "state-certified or state-licensed appraisal" shall be used to refer only to those real estate appraisals conducted by a certificate holder or licensee as a disinterested and unbiased third party provided that the certificate holder or licensee provides certification with the appraisal report and provided further that if a licensee is providing the appraisal, such terms shall only be used if the licensee is acting within the scope of the licensee's license. No person shall fail to comply with this division.

(E) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a partnership, corporation, or association which employs, retains, or engages the services of a certificate holder or licensee to advertise that the partnership, corporation, or association offers state-certified or state-licensed appraisals through a certificate holder or licensee if the advertisement clearly states such fact in accordance with guidelines for such advertisements established by rule of the real estate appraiser board.

(F) Except as otherwise provided in section 4763.19 of the Revised Code, nothing in this chapter shall preclude a person who is not licensed or certified under this chapter from appraising real estate for compensation.

Last updated September 6, 2023 at 2:54 PM

Section 4763.14 | Record retention and maintenance.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

A person licensed, registered, or certified under this chapter shall retain for a period of five years the original or a true copy of each written contract for the person's services relating to real estate appraisal work, all appraisal reports, and all work file documentation and data assembled in preparing those reports. The retention period begins on the date the appraisal report is submitted to the client unless, prior to expiration of the retention period, the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee is notified that the appraisal or report is the subject of or is otherwise involved in pending litigation, in which case the retention period shall commence two years from the date of final disposition of the litigation.

A certificate holder, registrant, and a licensee shall make available all records required to be maintained under this section for inspection and copying by the superintendent of real estate or the real estate appraiser board, or both, upon reasonable notice to the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee.

Section 4763.15 | Real estate appraiser operating fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Except for moneys required to be transferred into the real estate appraiser recovery fund pursuant to section 4763.16 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of real estate may deposit all fees collected under this chapter into the state treasury to the credit of the real estate operating fundcreated under section 4735.211 of the Revised Code. All operating expenses of the real estate appraiser board and the superintendent of real estate relating to the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 4768. of the Revised Code shall be paid from the real estate operating fund.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 4:28 PM

Section 4763.16 | Real estate appraiser recovery fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The real estate appraiser recovery fund is hereby created in the state treasury, to be administered by the superintendent of real estate. The treasurer of state shall credit to the fund amounts collected by the superintendent as prescribed in this section and interest earned on the assets of the fund. The superintendent shall ascertain the balance of the fund as of the first day of October of each year. If that balance is less than two hundred thousand dollars at any time, the director of budget and management, upon the request of the superintendent and approval of the controlling board, may transfer from the real estate operating fund created under section 4735.211 of the Revised Code to the real estate appraiser recovery fund a sum as will bring the real estate appraiser recovery fund to that amount.

(B) When any person obtains a final judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction against a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, based upon conduct that is in violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, which conduct occurred on or after the date of their certification, registration, or licensure, and that is associated with an act or transaction of a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee specified in this chapter, that person may file a verified complaint, as described in this division, in the Franklin county court of common pleas for an order directing payment out of the real estate appraiser recovery fund of the portion of the judgment that remains unpaid and that represents the actual and direct loss of the person for the act or transaction upon which the underlying judgment was based, and court costs, if awarded in the underlying judgment, provided that no person shall receive more than ten thousand dollars from the fund for any one judgment. A bonding or insurance company or any partnership, corporation, or association that uses any tool to develop a valuation of real property for purposes of a loan or that employs, retains, or engages as an independent contractor a person licensed, registered, or certified as a real estate appraiser in its usual or occasional operations may not seek an order directing, and is not eligible for, payment out of the fund. Punitive or exemplary damages are not recoverable from the fund.

The complaint shall specify the nature of the act or transaction upon which the underlying judgment was based, the activities of the applicant in pursuit of remedies available under law for the collection of judgments, and the amount of the fee paid by the applicant to the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee. The applicant shall attach to the complaint a copy of each pleading and order in the underlying court action.

The Franklin county court of common pleas shall order the superintendent to make payments out of the fund when the person seeking the order has shown all of the following:

(1) The person has obtained a judgment, as provided in this division;

(2) All appeals from the judgment have been exhausted and the person has given notice to the superintendent, as required by division (C) of this section;

(3) The person is not a spouse of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, or the personal representative of the spouse;

(4) The person has diligently pursued the person's remedies against all the certificate holders, registrants, licensees, and all other persons liable to the person in the transaction for which the person seeks recovery from the fund;

(5) The person is making a complaint not more than one year after termination of all proceedings, including appeals, in connection with the judgment.

(C) A person who applies to the Franklin county court of common pleas for an order directing payment out of the fund shall file notice of the complaint with the superintendent. The superintendent shall send notice to the affected certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, where possible. The superintendent may defend the action on behalf of the fund and shall have recourse to all appropriate means of defense and review, including examination of witnesses. The superintendent may move the court at any time to dismiss the complaint when it appears there are no triable issues and the complaint is without merit. The motion may be supported by affidavit of any person having knowledge of the facts and may be made on the basis that the complaint, including the judgment referred to in the complaint, does not form the basis for a meritorious recovery claim. The superintendent may, subject to court approval, compromise a claim based upon the complaint of an aggrieved party. The superintendent is not bound by any prior compromise or stipulation of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee. Upon petition of the superintendent, the court may require all claimants and prospective claimants against one certificate holder, registrant, or licensee to be joined in one action, to the end that the respective rights of all such claimants to the fund may be equitably adjudicated and settled.

(D) If the superintendent pays from the fund any amount in settlement of a claim or toward satisfaction of a judgment against a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee, the certificate, registration, or license of the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee automatically is suspended upon the date of payment from the fund. No certificate, registration, or license that has been suspended pursuant to this division shall be reinstated until the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee has repaid in full, plus interest per annum at the rate specified in division (A) of section 1343.03 of the Revised Code, the amount paid from the fund on the certificate holder's, registrant's, or licensee's account. A discharge in bankruptcy does not relieve a person from the suspension and requirements for reinstatement provided in this section.

(E) If, at any time, the money deposited in the fund is insufficient to satisfy any duly authorized claim or portion of a claim, the superintendent shall, when sufficient money has been deposited in the fund, satisfy the unpaid claims or portions, in the order that the claims or portions were originally filed, plus accumulated interest per annum at the rate specified in division (A) of section 1343.03 of the Revised Code.

(F) When, upon the order of the court, the superintendent has paid from the fund any sum to the judgment creditor, the superintendent is subrogated to all of the rights of the judgment creditor to the extent of the amount so paid, and the judgment creditor shall assign all of the judgment creditor's right, title, and interest in the judgment to the superintendent to the extent of the amount so paid. The superintendent shall deposit in the fund any amount and interest so recovered by the superintendent on the judgment.

(G) Nothing contained in this section shall limit the authority of the real estate appraiser board to take disciplinary action against a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee under other provisions of this chapter. The repayment in full of all obligations to the fund by a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee does not nullify or modify the effect of any other disciplinary proceeding brought pursuant to this chapter, unless repayment is imposed as a condition in that proceeding.

(H) The superintendent shall collect from the fund a service fee in an amount equivalent to the interest rate specified in division (A) of section 1343.03 of the Revised Code multiplied by the annual interest earned on the assets of the fund, to defray the expenses incurred in the administration of the fund.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 4:29 PM

Section 4763.17 | Liability for damages.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

Every partnership, corporation, or association which employs, retains, or engages the services of a person licensed, registered, or certified under this chapter, whether the certificate holder, registrant, or licensee is an independent contractor or under the supervision or control of the partnership, corporation, or association, is jointly and severally liable for any damages incurred by any person as a result of an act or omission concerning a state-certified or state-licensed real estate appraisal report prepared or facilitated in the preparation by a certificate holder, registrant, or licensee while employed, retained, or engaged by the partnership, corporation, or association.

Section 4763.18 | Effect of child support default on license, or certificate.

• Effective: March 22, 2001
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 180 - 123rd General Assembly

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the real estate appraiser board shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license or certificate issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4763.19 | Appraisal for mortgage loan by unlicensed person prohibited.

• Effective: December 14, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 213 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Subject to division (B) of this section, no person shall perform or prepare a real estate appraisal, appraisal report, or real estate appraisal review for a mortgage loan, unless the person is licensed or certified under this chapter to do the appraisal.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to a lender using a market analysis or price opinion, an internal valuation analysis, or an automated valuation model or report based on an automated valuation model, and any person providing that report to the lender to validate or support the value conclusion provided by the person licensed or certified under this chapter to do the appraisal.

Section 4763.20 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.

• Effective: March 22, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 247 - 129th General Assembly

The real estate appraiser board shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4763.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: January 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 185 - 126th General Assembly

(A) Whoever violates division (B) of section 4763.12, division (B), (C), or (D) of section 4763.13, or section 4763.19 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(B) Whoever violates division (E) of section 4763.12 of the Revised Code is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree.