Commercial Leasing

The Real Estate Services section attempts to place all state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities in state-owned facilities (including the Riffe Center, Rhodes Tower and Lausche Building). If adequate space in a state-owned facility is not available, Real Estate Services will assist customers in locating suitable space in the commercial sector. Customer assistance includes: survey of the desired market area for available space opportunities, coordination of property tours, negotiating and preparation of contract, facilitation of Attorney General review, obtaining DAS Director and Controlling Board approval, and monitoring of construction through occupancy.

Planning & Design

The Planning and Design Section offers a wide range of interior planning and design services that are available to any requesting state entity in DAS-managed buildings (including Riffe Center, Rhodes Tower and Lausche Building), other state-owned buildings or commercial lease spaces. These services include but are not limited to programming of space needs, space analyses, feasibility studies, space planning design layouts, performance or design intent plans, furniture options, finish recommendations, and tenant improvements including modifications to walls, doors, card readers, windows, blinds, electric outlets, and data locations. Planning and Design will be the main point of contact for these services and will assist customers from initial request through project completion.

Property Acquisition

The Real Estate Services section provides professional real estate acquisition services to state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities. These services include: identification of available property, appraisal review, environmental review, contract negotiations and preparation, legislative review, legal processing, establishment of right-of-way, tax exemption, Attorney General title opinion, DAS Director and Controlling Board approval, and closing and post closing services.

Property Divestiture/Transfer

The Real Estate Services section provides professional property divestiture services to state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities. These services include assistance in identification of real estate selling method i.e. direct sales, public auction, or donation, appraisal review, contract negotiation and preparation, legislative review, legal processing, DAS Director and Controlling Board approval, closing and post closing services. In special situations, Real Estate Services may facilitate the transfer of property between two state agencies.

Appraisal Review

The Real Estate Services section critically reviews appraisals performed by private sector entities commissioned by state agencies, boards, commission, colleges and universities when purchasing or leasing property or selling state-owned property. The review process assures the public, government leaders and legislators that the real estate transaction under review is fair to both parties. On occasion, Real Estate Services may perform the actual appraisal or assist a customer writing a request for proposal (RFP) for appraisal services.

Professional Surveying Services

The primary responsibility of the Real Estate Surveyor is to provide direct survey assistance in the preparation of legislation to transfer or convey state owned real estate and to assist the general public inquiring about state owned property. Additionally, the Real Estate Surveyor assists the Real Estate Services staff in the review of legal boundary descriptions incorporated in real estate legal documents. The Real Estate Surveyor also aids state entities in survey related matters such as obtaining county approval for conveyances or transfers of state owned real estate, writing a request for proposal (RFP) for surveying services, and acts as a repository for surveys conducted for the State of Ohio.

Ombudsman

The Real Estate Services section serves as the state's information desk or subject matter expert for real estate related inquiries. Government Leaders frequently contact Real Estate Services for advice and counsel. Subsequently, Real Estate Services handles numerous real estate related policy issues such as parking, space allocation methodologies, and contract terms and provisions to encourage uniformity throughout the state of Ohio.