Real estate professionals came together with one strong message
Last night, the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) mobilized a powerful coalition of real estate professionals to oppose the Hamilton County Administration’s proposal to raise the real-estate transfer tax by 1 mill. More than a dozen REALTORS®, Realtists, commercial brokers, investors, REIA members, and lenders filled the Board of Elections hearing room, far outnumbering any other group in attendance.
The message was unmistakably clear: a transfer tax increase is not a smart or sustainable long-term financial strategy for Hamilton County.
A One-Time Band-Aid With Long-Term Consequences 
Speakers emphasized that while a transfer-tax hike may appear to offer a short-term budget patch, it comes at the expense of homeowners, property owners, and an already strained housing market. Real estate is a volatile and cyclical industry, not a reliable foundation for core government revenue.
Even though property-sale revenue appears steady, it is primarily the result of fewer homes selling at higher prices. That means a shrinking pool of residents is shouldering an increasingly disproportionate share of the county’s tax burden.
Across nearly every perspective (residential, commercial, investor, lending, and housing-equity) the conclusion was unanimous: this proposal harms homeowners, buyers, small landlords, and the broader economy.
Economic Realities: Hamilton County Is Already Over-Taxed
Our advocates grounded their testimony in data that County leaders cannot ignore:
- Hamilton County’s effective property-tax rate is significantly higher than the U.S. average—more than double in some analyses.
- Lower-income households pay 2.08%, while
- Upper-income households pay roughly 1.5%.
This regressive structure disproportionately impacts the very residents struggling the most, and in a county with one of the lowest Black homeownership rates in the nation, a transfer-tax increase would further widen the equity gap.
“It’s Only $200–$300” Is Not Reality in Today’s Market 
Several commissioners and supporters of the increase minimized the impact by claiming the added cost amounts to “only a few hundred dollars.”
Our experts dispelled that myth.
Lenders explained that even small changes can cause financing to fail. Patty Hoff, Heartland Bank, shared that she once saw a deal fall apart over $14 due to federal lending guidelines.
REALTORS® testified that they regularly see negotiations collapse over $200–$400 because buyers and sellers are operating on razor-thin margins.
Maura Black, incoming Chair of RAGC’s Advocacy Committee, described a client who could not afford a $400 repair requested by a buyer, forcing the sale to die.
If $14 or $400 can kill a deal, a new transfer tax absolutely can.
The Human Impact: Small Landlords and Black Homeownership
The narrative that “landlords can afford it” was also debunked. Jim Shapiro, representing investors and rental owners, explained that over 90% of Hamilton County’s landlords are small, family-owned operations owning 1–5 units. These are retirees, single-property investors, and local families … not deep-pocketed institutions who can absorb new taxes.
Felicia Bell, incoming President of the Realtists Association of Greater Cincinnati®, delivered a powerful message: a transfer tax threatens to push Black homeownership even further out of reach, undermining generational wealth and widening the racial wealth gap.
This is not just a financial issue – it is a fair-housing and equity issue.
A Call for Smarter, More Equitable Revenue Solutions 
Heather Kopf, Chair of RAGC’s Advocacy Committee, pushed back on the narrative that the county’s decision to honor its longstanding property-tax rebate commitment was “irresponsible.” Instead, she argued:
“What is irresponsible is targeting struggling homeowners and would-be buyers with yet another tax. We need a broader, more reliable revenue stream—one that doesn’t fall on the shoulders of a shrinking slice of Hamilton County residents.”
Former RAGC President and respected commercial/residential REALTOR® and broker, Kelly Meyer closed with a strong appeal:
“Please work with us to find a viable, long-term solution for Hamilton County. A transfer-tax increase may feel like the easy route, but it is far from the most financially prudent one. Let us help.”
Commissioner Alicia Reece
Throughout this debate, Commissioner Alicia Reece has emerged as a steadfast advocate for homeowners, taxpayers, and Hamilton County’s long-term economic well-being.
At last night’s hearing, and in every public discussion on this issue, Commissioner Reece has been the sole Commissioner consistently standing up for responsible, sustainable revenue frameworks rather than defaulting to additional taxes on property owners. Her leadership underscores a profound truth: economic success in Hamilton County requires policies that uplift homeowners, support mobility, and promote inclusive growth, not policies that penalize the very people working hardest to live and invest here.
A Unified Front and a Clear Message
The message was unified across the industry: A transfer tax increase harms affordability, hinders economic competitiveness, and disproportionately burdens the very residents Hamilton County should be uplifting.
RAGC will continue to advocate for responsible, equitable, and forward-thinking fiscal strategies that support, not weaken, our housing market, our small businesses, and our communities.
More updates will follow as the Commissioners move toward a final vote.
If you see any of your leader advocates, please thank them for showing up for our profession and home and property owners!
