Recorder alerts Carroll County homeowners about MV Realty contract cancellation window

Carroll County Recorder Patricia Oyer is advising homeowners of a limited-time opportunity announced by the Ohio Attorney General that allows certain Ohio residents to cancel long-term real estate contracts with MV Realty of Ohio LLC.

The option applies to homeowners who signed MV Realty “Homeowner Benefit Agreements” and may have a related document recorded with the county recorder. Eligible homeowners have until April 29 to cancel without repaying the upfront funds they received when the contract was signed, according to the release. Homeowners must notify MV Realty of their intent to cancel by that date and pay a one-time $75 fee. MV Realty then is required to record a termination document with the county recorder to release the previously recorded memorandum.

The cancellation window stems from an investigation and resolution between MV Realty and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Oyer said concerns have been raised that the agreements may create long-term financial obligations that homeowners may not have fully understood. The release states that, between about 2019 and 2023, MV Realty entered into agreements granting the company an exclusive right to list a home for up to 40 years and recorded memoranda of those agreements with county recorder offices.

In October 2023, Ohio enacted a law identifying certain exclusive residential listing practices as unfair or deceptive under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. While agreements signed before the law took effect were not automatically voided, the attorney general’s resolution created a one-time cancellation option.

“The Recorder’s Office does not evaluate or enforce private contracts. However, considering the Ohio Attorney General’s cancellation offer, we want residents to be aware of the deadline and to watch for correspondence from the Attorney General if they believe they may have an agreement with MV Realty,” Oyer said. “Where applicable, our office is providing informational notice to property owners whose recorded documents may be affected, and residents may use our online document search to review records on file with the Recorder’s Office.”

For more information, visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website or email MVRInquiries@OhioAGO.gov. Residents can review property records through the Carroll County Recorder’s online document search. For questions, call the recorder’s office at 330-627-4545.