At Scioto Title, our priority is ensuring your property rights are protected and your home’s title is clear of unexpected encumbrances. Recently, Delaware County Recorder Melissa Jordan, along with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, issued a critical alert regarding long-term real estate contracts signed with MV Realty of Ohio, LLC.
If you or someone you know signed a "Homeowner Benefit Agreement" (HBA) with MV Realty, there is a limited-time window closing on April 29, 2026, to cancel this contract—without having to repay the upfront cash you received.
Between roughly 2019 and 2023, MV Realty offered homeowners an upfront cash payment, typically ranging from $300 to $5,000. In exchange, homeowners signed an agreement that granted MV Realty the exclusive right to list their home for up to 40 years.
While the upfront cash may have seemed appealing at the time, the long-term consequences were severe. If a homeowner—or even their heirs—sold or transferred the property without using MV Realty as their agent, they were hit with a massive penalty equal to at least 3% of the home's value (as determined by MV Realty).
Crucially for us in the title industry, MV Realty didn't just have homeowners sign a piece of paper; they recorded memoranda of these agreements with county recorder offices.
This means the agreement became a matter of public land record, effectively clouding the title of the home. A recorded memorandum tied to a 40-year exclusive listing agreement acts much like a lien. If you want to sell, transfer, or refinance your property, this recorded agreement will surface during a title search. It can significantly complicate, delay, or even derail real estate transactions, creating a massive headache for homeowners who may not have fully understood the long-term financial implications when they signed.
After the Ohio Recorders' Association spotted this troubling trend in land records, they raised the alarm with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. A subsequent investigation and lawsuit led to Ohio enacting a new law in October 2023 (R.C. 5301.94), which declared such long-term exclusive listing practices unfair and deceptive.
As part of a resolution with the Attorney General, MV Realty is now required to offer affected homeowners statewide a one-time chance to walk away.
If you signed one of these agreements, you must take action before the April 29, 2026 deadline. Here is what you need to do:
Once the termination document is recorded, the memorandum is officially released from the public record, and your title is cleared of this heavy burden.
If you live in Delaware County, Recorder Melissa Jordan encourages you to search your property records via the Delaware County Recorder’s online document portal to see if an MV Realty agreement is attached to your home.
If you believe you are affected and have questions, watch for correspondence from the Attorney General's office, or reach out to them directly with consumer inquiries at MVRInquiries@OhioAGO.gov.
At Scioto Title, we believe that peace of mind comes from knowing exactly what is attached to your property. We highly encourage any homeowner who interacted with MV Realty to take advantage of this rare opportunity to clear their title before the April 29 deadline.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or refinance and want to ensure a smooth, transparent process with a clear title, contact the trusted experts at Scioto Title today!
About Scioto Title LLC
Scioto Title is a Central Ohio-based, independent title and escrow agency dedicated to the highest level of service and closing experience. By combining industry expertise with advanced security and proactive communication, we ensure seamless residential and commercial transactions for real estate professionals and their clients. At Scioto Title, service is our commitment.
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