What background knowledge is needed for this Oh Agency question?

Protection clauses became standard in listing agreements across the United States as real estate brokerage became more professionalized in the 20th century, and Ohio codified their enforceability through its agency and contract law framework. The problem they solve is straightforward: brokers invest significant time, marketing dollars, and expertise introducing buyers to properties, and a listing expiration date alone should not erase that investment if the buyer-seller connection was clearly made during the listing period. Ohio courts have consistently upheld these clauses when the broker can demonstrate the buyer was introduced during the active listing term.

What is a good way to remember the answer to this Oh Agency question?

Remember the protection clause as a 'fishing line cast during the season' — even if the fishing season (listing period) ends, if you cast your line (introduced the buyer) before it closed and the fish bites (offer made) within the protection window, you still land the catch (commission). The key is that the hook was set during the active period. This analogy makes the timing logic intuitive and memorable.

What exam tip applies to this Oh Agency question?

For protection clause questions, always check two facts: (1) Was the buyer introduced during the listing period? and (2) Did the transaction occur within the protection period? If both are yes, the broker earns the commission — full stop. Be careful not to be distracted by the expiration date of the listing itself; the whole point of the protection clause is to extend commission rights beyond that date for buyers already in the pipeline.

How does this Oh Agency concept apply in real world practice?

Broker Evans spends weeks marketing Norton's property, holds open houses, and personally shows the home to Phillips on June 25. Phillips is interested but takes time to arrange financing, submitting an offer on July 5 — five days after the listing expired. Because Evans maintained a written prospect list (as required for the protection clause to be enforceable) that included Phillips, Evans is entitled to the commission if Norton accepts the offer, since the introduction clearly occurred during the listing period and the offer falls within the 90-day protection window.

Oh AgencyAgency_terminationMEDIUM

Under Ohio law, seller Norton has an exclusive right-to-sell listing with Broker Evans that expires on June 30. On June 25, Broker Evans shows the property to buyer Phillips. Phillips makes an offer on July 5 (after the listing expired). The listing agreement contains a 90-day protection clause with a list of prospects. Under Ohio law, is Broker Evans entitled to a commission?

Correct Answer

A) Yes, because Phillips was introduced during the listing period and the offer falls within the protection period

Under Ohio law, the protection clause entitles the broker to a commission if a buyer introduced during the listing period purchases the property within the protection period. Phillips was shown the property on June 25 (during the listing) and the offer on July 5 falls within the 90-day protection period.

Answer Options

Yes, because Phillips was introduced during the listing period and the offer falls within the protection period

No, because protection clauses are unenforceable in Ohio

No, because the listing expired before the offer was made

Yes, but only if Norton did not list the property with another broker after the listing expired

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Related Concepts

Seller Agent Duties

The fiduciary obligations owed by a listing agent to the seller, including marketing the property, presenting all offers, and protecting the seller's confidential information.

Single Agency

A practice where the agent or brokerage represents only one party in a transaction — either the buyer or the seller, but never both.

Subagency

A relationship where a listing broker authorizes other brokers to act as agents of the seller, extending the seller's agency relationship to cooperating brokers.

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