UC Clermont Professor Publishes Ohio Real Estate Book

Bruce Davis, professor of paralegal studies at UC Clermont College, has published his first book — and the first book about Ohio real estate laws geared toward non-agents.

“Fundamentals of Ohio Real Estate Law” (Carolina Academic Press, 2016) addresses the state’s somewhat complex real estate laws, which are unique due in part to the historical practice that awarded Revolutionary War veterans land instead of payment for the service.

“As part of the westward expansion, Ohio was often the first place that people went,” Davis said. “The U.S. government owned the land that would later become Ohio following the Revolutionary War and gave land grants not only to those who had fought in the war, but also to those who had been displaced by it or had their property damaged. As a result, Ohio is a hodgepodge of real estate laws. And while there are a few books out there for real estate agents, I saw a need for something that was for paralegals.”

Davis is currently using the book in his “Real Estate for Paralegals” course, and the college’s real estate agent pre-licensing certificate program is also teaching portions of the text. Fair housing, real estate agency and broker laws are among the topics covered in the book, which is available on Amazon.

Davis joined the UC Clermont faculty in 2005, following a successful and eclectic career in Silicon Valley, where he worked in marketing and sales for pioneer tech companies such as National Semic Conductor, Data Checker Systems and a number of startups. Originally a musician, he played jazz piano to pay his way through law school before discovering a passion for teaching that eventually led him to Cincinnati. Davis holds a law degree from the University of California and a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University.

“Teaching is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done,” Davis said. “The greatest joy is when former students come back and say, ‘remember that thing you told us in class? I’ve been using it.’ That’s so gratifying. And it’s amazing to see where they go in their studies and careers.”