The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) Professional Standards Committee has the authority to hear requests for arbitration (as described by Article 17 of the Code of Ethics) that are filed within 180 days from the date of closing, or other such event as identified in the Arbitration Manual. (For purposes of processing arbitration requests, “filed” means “received at the Board office.”)

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180-Day Deadline

It is the responsibility of the “Complainant” (the individual who files the arbitration request) to make sure the request is delivered to the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati by the 180-day deadline.

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Determination of Entitlement to the Selling Portion of a Real Estate Fee Cases

In cases involving determination of entitlement to the selling portion of a real estate fee, the REALTOR® Principal (Designated REALTOR® / Broker) is the party (Complainant or Respondent), that has the responsibility to participate in the procedure and must sign the form.

REALTOR® non-Principals (managers/agents) who have a vested financial interest in the outcome of the arbitration have a right to be present throughout the proceeding and to participate, yet are not considered to be parties.

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Information on Filing an Arbitration Request

If you would like to request information on filing a request for arbitration:

Email Us
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Earnest Money Arbitration Program

The Earnest Money Arbitration program was developed by the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) and Cincinnati Bar Association Joint Committee, which has been in effect since 1990.

Purpose of Program

The purpose of the program is to provide a public service for buyers and sellers of real estate who find themselves in a dispute over who is entitled to receive the earnest money that has been deposited with a RAGC member broker regarding a Contract to Purchase that does not close.

Trained Volunteers

The volunteers who donate their time to facilitate this service are members of the RAGC/CBA Joint Committee and the RAGC Arbitration Committee. They are trained in arbitration procedures and interpreting the contractual obligations of parties to real estate transactions.

Provided Free-of-Cost

The service is provided at no cost to clients and customers of RAGC members as an alternative to small claims court or other legal proceedings.

How a Request for Process Works

  • Earnest Money Arbitration is voluntary.
  • For a request for Earnest Money Arbitration to be processed, all parties must agree to participate in the arbitration and sign a release/agreement indicating so.
  • Arbitration hearings are scheduled once completed forms, signed by all parties to the contract, supporting documentation and the earnest money deposit are received at the RAGC office.
  • No litigation or other dispute resolution may be pending at the time of filing.

If you would like to participate in, or if you have a client or customer that you feel could benefit from, the Earnest Money Arbitration Program: 

Email Us