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Oh AgencyAgency_terminationMEDIUM

Under Ohio law, a listing agreement contains a clause requiring the seller to pay a cancellation fee of $5,000 if the seller terminates the agreement early. The seller wants to cancel after two weeks. Is this cancellation fee provision enforceable?

Correct Answer

C) The enforceability depends on whether the fee is a reasonable estimate of the broker's actual damages or merely a penalty

Under Ohio contract law principles, a cancellation fee functions as a liquidated damages clause. It is enforceable only if the amount is a reasonable estimate of the broker's actual damages. If the fee is excessive and functions as a penalty, a court may find it unenforceable.

Answer Options
A
Yes, because any cancellation fee agreed to in writing is automatically enforceable in Ohio
B
No, because Ohio law prohibits all cancellation fees in listing agreements
C
The enforceability depends on whether the fee is a reasonable estimate of the broker's actual damages or merely a penalty
D
Only if the fee was approved by the Ohio Superintendent of Real Estate before the agreement was signed

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

cancellation_feeliquidated_damageslisting_agreementenforceabilityORC_4735

Related Concepts

A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.

An agency relationship created by a clear, explicit agreement between the principal and agent, either orally or in writing.

The highest legal obligation of trust and confidence owed by an agent to their principal, requiring the agent to act solely in the principal's best interest.

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