Are flashcards effective for the Ohio real estate exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective study methods, especially in short, spaced sessions. Because the Ohio exam rewards instant recall of statutes, agency rules, disclosure forms, and math formulas, the cards make that knowledge automatic.

What topics do the Ohio flashcards cover?

The Ohio state portion — the Division and ORC 4735, the Ohio Real Estate Commission, agency and the Agency Disclosure Statement, the Residential Property Disclosure Form, trust funds and the Recovery Fund, fair housing, dower, and the conveyance fee — plus the national content areas: property and legal descriptions, ownership and title, value and appraisal, contracts and agency, practice and fair housing, disclosures and environment, financing and settlement, and real estate math.

How should I study with these Ohio flashcards?

Lead with the Ohio license-law cards — the Division, the Agency Disclosure Statement, the disclosure form, dower, and the conveyance fee — because the state portion has unusual rules. Then drill contracts and agency and the math formulas. Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself.

Are the Ohio real estate flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall and no sign-up.

Do these flashcards match the Ohio real estate exam?

Yes. The cards are organized around both portions of the PSI Ohio salesperson exam — the Ohio state-specific law and the national/general principles — so you study exactly what the test measures.

An Ohio marital right: a non-owning spouse holds a life-estate interest in one-third of real property the other spouse owned during marriage; the spouse signs the deed to release it.

Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing

The Ohio agency, within the Department of Commerce, that licenses and regulates real estate salespersons and brokers under ORC Chapter 4735.

The Ohio Revised Code chapter governing real estate brokers and salespersons — licensing, agency, disclosure, trust funds, and discipline.

Superintendent of Real Estate

The chief officer of the Division, appointed by the Director of Commerce; issues and disciplines licenses and runs the licensing program.

Ohio Real Estate Commission (OREC)

A five-member board appointed by the Governor — four brokers (10+ years' experience) and one public member — that adopts the canons of ethics and hears appeals of discipline.

OREC composition (ORC 4735.03)

Five members: four licensed brokers with at least 10 years' experience and one public (non-licensee) member, all appointed by the Governor.

Superintendent vs. Commission

The Superintendent runs day-to-day licensing and discipline; the Commission adopts rules (canons of ethics) and hears appeals of disciplinary actions.

Conveyance fee (ORC 319.54)

Ohio's transfer tax: a mandatory state fee of $1 per $1,000 of sale price, plus a permissive county fee of up to $3 per $1,000; customarily paid by the seller to the county auditor.

Ohio pre-license hours

120 hours of education across four courses before sitting the salesperson exam.

Ohio 120-hour course split

40 hrs Principles & Practices, 40 hrs Ohio Real Estate Law, 20 hrs Appraisal, 20 hrs Finance = 120 hours.

Ohio Real Estate Law course requirement

The 40-hour Ohio Real Estate Law course must include instruction on civil rights, housing discrimination, and desegregation.

Ohio salesperson eligibility

At least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, and sponsored by an Ohio brokerage.

Ohio salesperson passing score

70% on each portion — the national portion and the Ohio state portion — scored separately.

Ohio exam administrator

PSI Services administers the Ohio real estate salesperson and broker licensing exams.

120 questions total: an 80-question national portion and a 40-question Ohio state portion, in one 180-minute session.

Ohio post-licensing education

A newly licensed salesperson must complete 20 hours of post-licensing education within 12 months of license issuance.

Ohio continuing education (CE)

30 hours every three years, including at least 3 hours each of Core Law, Civil Rights, and Canons of Ethics.

Ohio license renewal cycle

Every three years, tied to the licensee's date of birth, with CE completed before renewal.

Ohio broker experience requirement

Actively licensed for at least 2 of the past 5 years with at least 20 completed transactions, plus broker education.

Holding a salesperson license (Ohio)

The license is held by the affiliated (managing) broker; the salesperson may only work and be paid through that brokerage.

Salesperson compensation rule (Ohio)

A salesperson may accept compensation only from the brokerage they are affiliated with — never directly from a buyer or seller.

Agency Disclosure Statement (ORC 4735.57)

The Ohio form a licensee uses to disclose whom each agent represents; given before the party signs an offer to purchase or lease.

Timing of the Agency Disclosure Statement

It must be provided before the buyer or seller signs an offer to purchase or lease, so they know the agency relationships.

Brokerage policy on agency (ORC 4735.56)

Every Ohio brokerage must have a written policy on agency, disclosed to clients, stating how it handles representation and whether it permits dual agency.

Representing both buyer and seller in one transaction; legal only with the informed, written consent of both clients, disclosed on the Agency Disclosure Statement.

In-company (brokerage-level) dual agency

When two agents from the same Ohio brokerage represent the buyer and seller, it can create a brokerage-level dual agency that must be disclosed and consented to.

Residential Property Disclosure Form (Ohio)

The form a seller of most 1–4 family residential property gives the buyer, based on the seller's actual knowledge of the property's condition.

Basis of the Residential Property Disclosure Form

The seller's actual knowledge of the property's condition — not a guarantee or an inspection.

Right of rescission (Ohio disclosure form)

If the seller fails to deliver the Residential Property Disclosure Form before the buyer signs, the buyer may rescind in writing within 3 business days after delivery (or before transfer of title).

Lead-based paint disclosure (Ohio sales)

For pre-1978 housing, the federal lead disclosure applies in addition to Ohio's form — give the EPA/HUD pamphlet and a 10-day inspection window.

Where earnest money goes (Ohio)

In a separate, non-interest-bearing special or trust account at an Ohio financial institution, separate from the broker's own funds.

Trust account labeling (Ohio rules)

Checks and deposit tickets must contain the words 'trust account' or 'special account.'

Record retention (Ohio brokers)

A broker must keep complete and accurate records of real estate transactions for at least 3 years.

Earnest money dispute (Ohio)

The broker generally keeps the funds in the trust account until the parties agree in writing, a court orders release, or the broker interpleads the funds.

Improperly mixing a client's trust funds with the broker's own or business funds — a license-law violation under ORC 4735.18.

Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund (ORC 4735.12)

Reimburses members of the public who win a court judgment for actual losses from a licensee's fraud or misconduct but cannot collect it.

Recovery Fund cap (Ohio)

$40,000 is the aggregate cap for all claims against any one licensee.

Effect of a Recovery Fund payout

The licensee's license is automatically suspended until the licensee repays the fund in full plus interest.

Ohio fair housing enforcement

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) enforces the state's fair housing and anti-discrimination laws under ORC Chapter 4112.

Ohio fair housing protected classes

All seven federal Fair Housing Act classes PLUS military status and ancestry (ORC 4112.02).

Steering and Ohio law

Steering buyers toward or away from neighborhoods by protected class violates both ORC 4112.02 and Chapter 4735 license law — a licensee must refuse.

Dower's practical effect at closing

Because Ohio retains dower, a married seller's non-owning spouse should also sign the deed to release dower, even if not on the title.

State conveyance fee amount

$1 per $1,000 of the sale price (one mill), collected by the county auditor.

Permissive county conveyance fee

A county may levy up to $3 per $1,000 (three mills) on top of the mandatory state fee.

Who pays the Ohio conveyance fee

Customarily the seller (grantor), paid to the county auditor at the time of transfer.

Your FREE Ohio Real Estate Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

Realistic Ohio real estate exam flashcards across both portions — ORC 4735 license law, Ohio disclosure forms, dower, agency, financing, and math. Flip, match, type, and quiz yourself.

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Ohio Real Estate Exam Flashcards

Dower (ORC 2103.02): An Ohio marital right: a non-owning spouse holds a life-estate interest in one-third of real property the other spouse owned during marriage; the spouse signs the deed to release it.
Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing: The Ohio agency, within the Department of Commerce, that licenses and regulates real estate salespersons and brokers under ORC Chapter 4735.
ORC Chapter 4735: The Ohio Revised Code chapter governing real estate brokers and salespersons — licensing, agency, disclosure, trust funds, and discipline.
Superintendent of Real Estate: The chief officer of the Division, appointed by the Director of Commerce; issues and disciplines licenses and runs the licensing program.
Ohio Real Estate Commission (OREC): A five-member board appointed by the Governor — four brokers (10+ years' experience) and one public member — that adopts the canons of ethics and hears appeals of discipline.
OREC composition (ORC 4735.03): Five members: four licensed brokers with at least 10 years' experience and one public (non-licensee) member, all appointed by the Governor.
Superintendent vs. Commission: The Superintendent runs day-to-day licensing and discipline; the Commission adopts rules (canons of ethics) and hears appeals of disciplinary actions.
Conveyance fee (ORC 319.54): Ohio's transfer tax: a mandatory state fee of $1 per $1,000 of sale price, plus a permissive county fee of up to $3 per $1,000; customarily paid by the seller to the county auditor.
Ohio pre-license hours: 120 hours of education across four courses before sitting the salesperson exam.
Ohio 120-hour course split: 40 hrs Principles & Practices, 40 hrs Ohio Real Estate Law, 20 hrs Appraisal, 20 hrs Finance = 120 hours.
Ohio Real Estate Law course requirement: The 40-hour Ohio Real Estate Law course must include instruction on civil rights, housing discrimination, and desegregation.
Ohio salesperson eligibility: At least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, and sponsored by an Ohio brokerage.
Ohio salesperson passing score: 70% on each portion — the national portion and the Ohio state portion — scored separately.
Ohio exam administrator: PSI Services administers the Ohio real estate salesperson and broker licensing exams.
Ohio exam structure: 120 questions total: an 80-question national portion and a 40-question Ohio state portion, in one 180-minute session.
Ohio post-licensing education: A newly licensed salesperson must complete 20 hours of post-licensing education within 12 months of license issuance.
Ohio continuing education (CE): 30 hours every three years, including at least 3 hours each of Core Law, Civil Rights, and Canons of Ethics.
Ohio license renewal cycle: Every three years, tied to the licensee's date of birth, with CE completed before renewal.
Ohio broker experience requirement: Actively licensed for at least 2 of the past 5 years with at least 20 completed transactions, plus broker education.
Holding a salesperson license (Ohio): The license is held by the affiliated (managing) broker; the salesperson may only work and be paid through that brokerage.
Salesperson compensation rule (Ohio): A salesperson may accept compensation only from the brokerage they are affiliated with — never directly from a buyer or seller.
Agency Disclosure Statement (ORC 4735.57): The Ohio form a licensee uses to disclose whom each agent represents; given before the party signs an offer to purchase or lease.
Timing of the Agency Disclosure Statement: It must be provided before the buyer or seller signs an offer to purchase or lease, so they know the agency relationships.
Brokerage policy on agency (ORC 4735.56): Every Ohio brokerage must have a written policy on agency, disclosed to clients, stating how it handles representation and whether it permits dual agency.
Dual agency in Ohio: Representing both buyer and seller in one transaction; legal only with the informed, written consent of both clients, disclosed on the Agency Disclosure Statement.
In-company (brokerage-level) dual agency: When two agents from the same Ohio brokerage represent the buyer and seller, it can create a brokerage-level dual agency that must be disclosed and consented to.
Residential Property Disclosure Form (Ohio): The form a seller of most 1–4 family residential property gives the buyer, based on the seller's actual knowledge of the property's condition.
Basis of the Residential Property Disclosure Form: The seller's actual knowledge of the property's condition — not a guarantee or an inspection.
Right of rescission (Ohio disclosure form): If the seller fails to deliver the Residential Property Disclosure Form before the buyer signs, the buyer may rescind in writing within 3 business days after delivery (or before transfer of title).
Lead-based paint disclosure (Ohio sales): For pre-1978 housing, the federal lead disclosure applies in addition to Ohio's form — give the EPA/HUD pamphlet and a 10-day inspection window.
Where earnest money goes (Ohio): In a separate, non-interest-bearing special or trust account at an Ohio financial institution, separate from the broker's own funds.
Trust account labeling (Ohio rules): Checks and deposit tickets must contain the words 'trust account' or 'special account.'
Record retention (Ohio brokers): A broker must keep complete and accurate records of real estate transactions for at least 3 years.
Earnest money dispute (Ohio): The broker generally keeps the funds in the trust account until the parties agree in writing, a court orders release, or the broker interpleads the funds.
Commingling: Improperly mixing a client's trust funds with the broker's own or business funds — a license-law violation under ORC 4735.18.
Ohio Real Estate Recovery Fund (ORC 4735.12): Reimburses members of the public who win a court judgment for actual losses from a licensee's fraud or misconduct but cannot collect it.
Recovery Fund cap (Ohio): $40,000 is the aggregate cap for all claims against any one licensee.
Effect of a Recovery Fund payout: The licensee's license is automatically suspended until the licensee repays the fund in full plus interest.
Ohio fair housing enforcement: The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) enforces the state's fair housing and anti-discrimination laws under ORC Chapter 4112.
Ohio fair housing protected classes: All seven federal Fair Housing Act classes PLUS military status and ancestry (ORC 4112.02).
Steering and Ohio law: Steering buyers toward or away from neighborhoods by protected class violates both ORC 4112.02 and Chapter 4735 license law — a licensee must refuse.
Dower's practical effect at closing: Because Ohio retains dower, a married seller's non-owning spouse should also sign the deed to release dower, even if not on the title.
State conveyance fee amount: $1 per $1,000 of the sale price (one mill), collected by the county auditor.
Permissive county conveyance fee: A county may levy up to $3 per $1,000 (three mills) on top of the mandatory state fee.
Who pays the Ohio conveyance fee: Customarily the seller (grantor), paid to the county auditor at the time of transfer.
Grounds for discipline (ORC 4735.18): Misrepresentation, fraud, dishonest dealing, commingling trust funds, or other violations of Chapter 4735 or Division rules.
Sanctions OREC may impose: Suspension or revocation of the license and/or fines, after notice and a hearing.
Confidentiality after the agency ends (Ohio): Even after an agency relationship ends, a licensee must keep confidential the client's information obtained during the relationship.
Presenting offers (Ohio brokers): A broker must present all written offers to the seller promptly and objectively, even after an offer is accepted, unless instructed otherwise in writing.
Conduct requiring a license (ORC 4735.01): Negotiating the sale or lease of real estate for another, for compensation, requires a real estate license.
Duty owed to ALL parties (Ohio agency): Honesty, good faith, and disclosure of known material facts about the physical condition of the property — owed even to a customer.
Education validity window (Ohio): After education, an applicant must generally pass the exam within 12 months of filing for exam eligibility.
Canons of ethics (Ohio): Rules of conduct for Ohio licensees adopted by the Ohio Real Estate Commission; a required CE topic each renewal cycle.
Managing broker responsibility (Ohio): The managing broker supervises affiliated licensees, maintains trust accounts and records, and is responsible for the brokerage's compliance with ORC 4735.
Advertising rules (Ohio): A licensee must advertise under the brokerage's name; blind ads (no brokerage identification) are prohibited.
Net listing and Ohio conduct: A net listing (broker keeps any amount above the seller's set price) is disfavored as a conflict of interest under Ohio conduct rules.
Material facts a licensee must disclose (Ohio): Known material defects in the property's physical condition must be disclosed to all parties, even a customer.
Ohio is not community property: Ohio is a common-law (separate-property) state, not a community-property state, but it still recognizes dower.
Lien theory (Ohio): Ohio is a lien-theory state: the borrower keeps title and the lender holds a lien on the property.
Judicial foreclosure (Ohio): Ohio enforces a defaulted mortgage through court-supervised judicial foreclosure, ending in a sheriff's sale.
Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act: ORC Chapter 5321 governs Ohio residential leases — security deposits, landlord/tenant duties, and remedies.
Designated agency (Ohio): A brokerage may name different licensees to represent the buyer and seller (designated agency) to avoid a single dual agent.
Real property: Land plus everything permanently attached to it (improvements and fixtures) and the bundle of legal rights of ownership.
Personal property (chattel): Movable property not permanently attached to land; transfers by a bill of sale, not a deed.
Bundle of rights: The rights of ownership: possession, use (enjoyment), exclusion, disposition (transfer), and control.
Fee simple absolute: The most complete ownership — absolute, of unlimited duration, freely transferable by deed or will.
Life estate: An estate measured by someone's lifetime; on death, the property passes to the remainderman or reverts to the grantor.
Fixture: Personal property attached to real property so it becomes part of it and transfers with the land.
MARIA test for fixtures: Method of attachment, Adaptability, Relationship of parties, Intention, and Agreement decide whether an item is a fixture.
Easement: A nonpossessory right to use another's land for a specific purpose, such as a driveway or utility line.
Easement appurtenant: An easement benefiting an adjacent parcel (the dominant estate) and burdening another (the servient estate); it runs with the land.
Easement in gross: An easement benefiting a person or company (e.g., a utility) rather than a neighboring parcel.
Encroachment: An improvement that extends unlawfully onto a neighbor's land; it is an encumbrance on title.
Encumbrance: Any claim, lien, charge, or right that limits an owner's title — liens, easements, encroachments, deed restrictions.
Lien: A monetary claim against property as security for a debt — e.g., a mortgage, tax, or mechanic's lien.
Police power: Government's authority to regulate land for public health, safety, and welfare — zoning and codes, with no payment to the owner.
Eminent domain: Government's power to take private property for public use through condemnation, paying the owner just compensation.
Escheat: Property reverts to the state when an owner dies with no will and no legal heirs.
PETE (government powers): Police power, Eminent domain, Taxation, and Escheat — the four limits on private ownership.
Metes and bounds: A legal description using distances (metes) and compass directions (bounds) traced back to a point of beginning.
Rectangular (government) survey: Describes land by townships, ranges, and sections — used widely across Ohio (Northwest Territory).
Section: One square mile — 640 acres — and one thirty-sixth of a 6-mile-square township.
Acre: A unit of land area equal to 43,560 square feet.
Zoning: Local land-use regulation (an exercise of police power) dividing land into use districts — residential, commercial, industrial.
Severalty: Sole ownership of property by one person or entity.
Tenancy in common: Co-ownership with undivided, willable shares and no right of survivorship.
Survivorship tenancy (Ohio): Ohio co-ownership in which a deceased owner's share passes automatically to the surviving owners.
Four unities (joint tenancy): Time, Title, Interest, and Possession — all four are required to create a joint/survivorship tenancy.
Right of survivorship: On an owner's death, the share passes automatically to the surviving co-owners, outside probate.
General warranty deed: Gives the most protection; the grantor warrants clear title against all defects, even before the grantor's ownership.
Limited (special) warranty deed: The grantor warrants title only against defects arising during the grantor's own ownership.
Quitclaim deed: Conveys only whatever interest the grantor has, with no warranties; often used to clear a cloud on title.
Essential elements of a valid deed: Competent grantor, named grantee, words of conveyance, legal description, and the grantor's signature and delivery.
Delivery and acceptance: Title transfers when the deed is delivered by the grantor and accepted by the grantee — not when it is recorded.
Recording (constructive notice): Recording a deed at the county recorder gives constructive notice to the public and sets priority.
Title insurance: Protects the insured against loss from title defects that existed before the policy date, such as liens or recording errors.
Chain of title: The recorded history of conveyances and encumbrances showing how ownership passed over time.
Cloud on title: A claim or defect that impairs marketable title until it is cleared (often by a quitclaim deed or court action).
Dower release on a deed (Ohio): A married grantor's non-owning spouse signs the deed to release dower; otherwise the spouse's 1/3 life estate can cloud title.
Adverse possession: Acquiring title by open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and exclusive possession for the statutory period.
Intestate succession: When a person dies without a will, state law (Ohio's statute of descent and distribution) determines who inherits.
Survivorship deed (Ohio): An Ohio deed that expressly creates a right of survivorship among the named co-owners.
Market value: The most probable price a property should bring in a competitive, open market under fair-sale conditions; an opinion of value.
Market price vs. market value: Market price is the actual sale price; market value is an estimate of the most probable price.
Appraisal: An impartial, supported opinion of value by a licensed appraiser as of a specific date, following USPAP.
USPAP: The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the rules appraisers follow.
Comparative market analysis (CMA): A licensee's estimate of value from recent comparable sales to help price a listing — not a formal appraisal.
Sales comparison approach: Estimates value by comparing the subject to recently sold similar properties and adjusting for differences. Best for homes.
Cost approach: Land value + cost to rebuild the improvements new − depreciation. Best for new or special-use property.
Income (capitalization) approach: Value = net operating income ÷ capitalization rate. Best for income-producing property.
Net operating income (NOI): Effective gross income minus operating expenses, before any mortgage payment.
Capitalization rate: Net operating income ÷ value; a higher cap rate signals more risk and a lower value.
Reconciliation: Weighing the three approaches' indications into one final opinion of value — not averaging them.
Highest and best use: The legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible, and most profitable use of a site.
Principle of substitution: A buyer pays no more than the cost of an equally desirable substitute — the basis of the sales comparison approach.
Depreciation (appraisal): Loss in value from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, or external (economic) obsolescence.
Functional obsolescence: A loss in value from outdated or poorly designed features (e.g., a one-car garage in a market expecting two).
Contract: A legally enforceable agreement between competent parties to do or refrain from a lawful act.
Essentials of a valid contract: Mutual agreement (offer and acceptance), consideration, legal purpose, and competent parties.
Statute of frauds: Requires real estate contracts (and most leases over a year) to be in writing to be enforceable.
Void vs. voidable: Void = missing an essential element (no contract); voidable = valid until a party with the right rescinds (e.g., a minor's contract).
Bilateral contract: Both parties promise to perform — e.g., a purchase agreement (promise to sell for a promise to buy).
Unilateral contract: One party performs only if the other acts — e.g., an open listing or an option.
Earnest money: A buyer's good-faith deposit, held in the broker's trust account and usually applied to the price at closing.
Contingency: A condition that must be met for the contract to become binding — financing, inspection, or appraisal.
Specific performance: A court order making a defaulting seller complete the sale, because land is unique.
Listing agreement: A contract employing a broker to find a buyer for the owner's property in exchange for compensation.
Exclusive right-to-sell listing: The listing broker earns the commission no matter who finds the buyer.
Exclusive agency listing: The broker earns the commission unless the owner sells the property themselves.
Open listing: Only the broker who actually finds the buyer earns a commission.
Net listing: The broker keeps any amount above the seller's set price — a conflict of interest, disfavored or prohibited.
Agency: A fiduciary relationship in which an agent represents a principal in dealings with third parties.
Fiduciary duties (OLD CAR): Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accounting, and Reasonable care — owed to the principal.
Principal vs. customer: The principal (client) is owed full fiduciary duties; a customer is owed honesty and fair dealing.
Express vs. implied agency: Express agency is created by written or spoken agreement; implied agency arises from conduct.
Procuring cause: The broker whose efforts directly produced a ready, willing, and able buyer — entitled to the commission.
Fair Housing Act (1968): Bans housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.
Federal protected classes: Race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability — seven classes.
Familial status: Protects households with children under 18 and pregnant persons from housing discrimination.
Steering: Illegally guiding buyers toward or away from neighborhoods based on a protected class.
Blockbusting: Inducing panic selling by claiming a protected class is moving into a neighborhood.
Redlining: A lender refusing to lend or insure in an area based on its racial or ethnic makeup.
Reasonable accommodation: A change in rules or services so a person with a disability can use housing (e.g., allowing a service animal).
Reasonable modification: A physical change to a unit (e.g., a ramp) a person with a disability may make, usually at their own expense.
ADA (public accommodations): Requires commercial facilities and public accommodations to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Antitrust — price fixing: Brokers agreeing to set commission rates is illegal price fixing; commissions are always negotiable.
Trust (escrow) account: Where a broker holds client funds like earnest money, separate from the broker's own money.
Conversion: Using a client's trust funds for the broker's own purposes — a serious license-law violation.
Property management agreement: A contract employing a manager to operate an owner's property — leasing, maintenance, and accounting.
Lease (lessor/lessee): Conveys the right to use property for a term in exchange for rent; landlord = lessor, tenant = lessee.
Gross vs. net lease: In a gross lease the landlord pays operating expenses; in a net lease the tenant pays some or all of them.
Megan's Law / sex-offender info: Agents direct buyers to the public registry rather than independently disclosing offender locations.
Material fact: A fact that would affect a reasonable buyer's decision or price; a known material defect must be disclosed.
Latent defect: A hidden physical defect not discoverable by ordinary inspection; a known latent defect must be disclosed.
Patent defect: An obvious defect a buyer could discover by reasonable inspection.
Caveat emptor (limited): 'Let the buyer beware' — now limited by disclosure law requiring sellers/agents to reveal known material defects.
Lead-based paint disclosure (Title X): Sellers/landlords of pre-1978 housing disclose known lead paint, give the EPA/HUD pamphlet, and allow a 10-day test window for sales.
Radon: An odorless, radioactive soil gas that can accumulate indoors; common in parts of Ohio.
Asbestos: A fibrous mineral in old insulation/flooring; remove or encapsulate to control airborne fibers.
Mold: Grows in damp areas; may require disclosure and remediation if it affects the property.
Underground storage tank (UST): A buried tank that can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater, creating cleanup liability.
CERCLA / Superfund: Federal law imposing liability for cleaning up hazardous-substance contamination on a property.
Wetlands: Protected areas where development is restricted; may require federal/state permits.
Flood zone disclosure: Properties in a FEMA flood zone may require flood insurance; location should be disclosed to buyers.
Stigmatized property: A property psychologically impacted by an event (e.g., a death); disclosure rules vary by state.
Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form (recap): Ohio's seller disclosure for most 1–4 family homes, based on actual knowledge; gives the buyer a 3-day rescission if delivered late.
Lead pamphlet (federal): Sellers/landlords of pre-1978 housing must give buyers/renters the EPA/HUD 'Protect Your Family From Lead' pamphlet.
Mortgage: A security instrument by which a borrower (mortgagor) pledges real property to a lender (mortgagee) while keeping title.
Promissory note: The borrower's written promise to repay the loan — the evidence of the debt.
Lien theory (Ohio recap): Ohio is a lien-theory state: the borrower keeps title; the lender holds a lien and uses judicial foreclosure.
Judicial foreclosure (recap): A court-supervised foreclosure ending in a sheriff's sale — Ohio's method for enforcing a defaulted mortgage.
Conventional loan: A loan not insured or guaranteed by the government; PMI is typically required when LTV exceeds 80%.
FHA loan: A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, allowing lower down payments.
VA loan: A loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans, often with 0% down.
Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): Loan amount ÷ value (or price); a higher LTV means a smaller down payment and more lender risk.
Private mortgage insurance (PMI): Insurance a conventional borrower pays when the LTV exceeds 80%, protecting the lender.
Discount points: Prepaid interest paid at closing to lower the rate; one point equals 1% of the loan amount.
RESPA: The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act — requires settlement-cost disclosures and bans kickbacks.
TILA: The Truth in Lending Act — requires lenders to disclose the cost of credit, including the APR.
Loan Estimate: A RESPA/TILA disclosure of estimated loan terms and costs, due within 3 business days of application.
Closing Disclosure: A final statement of loan terms and closing costs the borrower must receive at least 3 business days before closing.
Deficiency judgment: A court judgment for the unpaid balance when a foreclosure sale brings less than the debt.
Escrow / settlement agent: A neutral third party (often a title company in Ohio) that holds funds and documents and closes the transaction.
Conveyance fee at closing (Ohio): The seller customarily pays Ohio's conveyance fee ($1/$1,000 state + up to $3/$1,000 county) to the county auditor at transfer.
Commission formula: Commission = sale price × commission rate.
Price for a target seller net: Price = net ÷ (1 − commission rate). A $282,000 net at 6% = $282,000 ÷ 0.94 = $300,000.
Area of a rectangle: Area = length × width (in feet, giving square feet).
Square feet to acres: Divide square feet by 43,560 to get acres.
Acre / mile constants: 1 acre = 43,560 square feet; 1 mile = 5,280 feet; 1 section = 640 acres.
Loan-to-value (LTV) math: LTV = loan ÷ value. An 80% LTV on a $300,000 home is a $240,000 loan.
Property tax (mills): Tax = assessed value × rate; convert mills by multiplying by 0.001 (18 mills = 0.018).
Ohio conveyance fee math: Fee = (sale price ÷ 1,000) × rate. At the full $4/$1,000, a $250,000 sale = 250 × $4 = $1,000.
Income approach (value): Value = net operating income ÷ capitalization rate. $96,000 NOI ÷ 0.075 = $1,280,000.
Cap rate from price: Cap rate = NOI ÷ value. $135,000 NOI ÷ $1,500,000 = 9%.
Proration of taxes: Split annual taxes by the days each party owns the property; the seller is charged through the closing date.
Discount point math: One point = 1% of the loan. 1.5 points on a $425,000 loan = $425,000 × 0.015 = $6,375.
Transfer tax per $500 / $1,000: Divide the price by the unit (e.g., $500), then multiply by the per-unit rate.
Rent proration: Prepaid rent is split by the days; a tenant's unused days are credited to the buyer at closing.
Percentage problems (IRV): Income = Rate × Value; rearrange to find any one when two are known (the IRV/T-bar).
Profit / loss percentage: Percent change = (new − old) ÷ old. A $20,000 gain on a $200,000 cost is a 10% profit.

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By Career EmployerUpdated Jun 21, 2026

200+ free Ohio Real Estate Exam flashcards — 4 ways to study

Ohio Real Estate Exam Flashcard of the DayNew daily

The classic card. Do you know this one?

Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — 200 Ohio real estate cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the Ohio salesperson exam’s two portions, so you study exactly what the test measures.^[1] Pair them with our free practice test and study guide.

Ohio Real Estate Flashcard Study Modes

Most flashcard sites give you one thing: a card to flip. Ours has four modes so you can both learn the material and prove you know it — the difference between recognizing an answer and recalling it under exam pressure.

Flip (Study) — the classic card. Flip term ↔ definition, shuffle the deck, and mark each card “Got it” or “Still learning.”
Match (Game) — a timed game: pair each term to its definition as fast as you can. Great for cementing ORC 4735 rules, disclosure forms, and math formulas.
Type (Recall) — read the definition and type the term. Typing forces true active recall instead of passive recognition.
Quiz (Test) — multiple-choice questions generated from the cards, so you self-test exactly like exam day.

Free Ohio real estate exam flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the Division of Real Estate salesperson licensing exam

Why Flashcards Work for the Ohio Real Estate Exam

Flashcards aren’t busywork — they’re built on active recall: pulling an answer out of memory strengthens it far more than re-reading notes. Pair that with spacing — short sessions across several days rather than one cram — and you retain more in less time.

The Ohio exam rewards instant recall of the statutes and the Division’s rules, the agency and disclosure forms, and math formulas.^[1] Spaced flashcards are the most efficient way to make that knowledge automatic. Used alongside our practice test and study guide, they turn review time into measurable progress.

Ohio Real Estate Flashcards by Content Area

The cards cover both portions of the exam. Drill the Ohio state law first — it carries unusual rules and is where many candidates lose points — then lock in the national content areas:^[3]

Ohio real estate flashcards by content area
Content area	What the cards cover
Ohio License Law & Practice	The Division, OREC, ORC 4735, education & CE, Agency Disclosure Statement, Residential Property Disclosure Form, trust funds, Recovery Fund, dower, conveyance fee, fair housing
Property, Legal Descriptions & Use	Estates, fixtures, easements, government powers, legal descriptions
Ownership, Transfer & Recording	Co-ownership, survivorship, dower, deeds, recording, title insurance
Property Value & Appraisal	Value principles, the three approaches, CMA vs. appraisal
Contracts & Agency	Contract law, listings, fiduciary duties, dual agency
Real Estate Practice	Fair housing, trust funds, leases and management
Disclosures & Environmental	Material facts, latent defects, lead paint, radon, asbestos
Financing & Settlement	Notes, mortgages, judicial foreclosure, loan types, RESPA, TILA, closing
Real Estate Math	Commission, LTV, taxes and mills, conveyance fee, proration, area

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Lead with Ohio law. The Division, the Agency Disclosure Statement, the disclosure form, dower, and the conveyance fee anchor the state portion — start there.
Master the staples. Use Match and Type to lock in the fiduciary duties (OLD CAR), the government powers (PETE), the deed types, and the core math formulas.
Use Type and Quiz, not just Flip. Recognizing the right answer is easy; recalling and choosing it under pressure is the real test.
Then prove it. When the cards feel easy, confirm with the full practice test — read every rationale before exam day.

Ohio Real Estate Flashcards FAQ

Two hundred free Ohio real estate exam flashcards, weighted toward Ohio license law (ORC 4735, the Division and Commission, the Agency Disclosure Statement, the Residential Property Disclosure Form, dower, the conveyance fee, and trust funds) and covering all of the national content areas too. They're free with no account required.

References

1.Ohio Department of Commerce. “Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.” com.ohio.gov. ↑
2.Ohio Revised Code. “ORC Chapter 4735 — Real Estate Brokers.” codes.ohio.gov. ↑
3.PSI Services. “Ohio Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin.” PSI. ↑

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