Since Ohio has a population of over 11 million, it is the seventh-most populous state in the U.S. Columbus is the largest city, the state’s capital, and has one of the biggest college campuses in the nation. An interesting fact is that it is within a one-day drive of half of the population in North America. It is ideal for commercial and residential purchases. Before buying, you need to do an Ohio title search, title check, title inquiry or title lookup in Ohio – these terms all refer to the same thing. Examining the land title records of a property.
There is no database summarizing or listing all the valid liens & deeds that can be checked. Instead, one must search the land records starting at some date in the past, then up to the present day, making notes of each.
Because Ohio’s counties maintain their public land records, a proper title search requires reviewing individual deed books, lien indexes, and tax assessments from each relevant jurisdiction.
If you need 5 or 5,000 searches per year, send us the contact form. Why? We’ll make your life easier…
- Management – Do in a few clicks what takes hours now. All in one spot. Automatic tracking, delivery, naming, saving, storage, finding, communicating, and payment.
- Fulfillment – We can add your search vendors into our marketplace, or you can use those already there.
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Why Ohio Title Searches are important in finding unknown heirs (or missing “interests”)
A thorough title search in Ohio must include all parties who have ownership interests in the property and provide a copy of the deed. It is critical to verify what parties hold a 100% ownership interest in the property. In situations where the owner died, an estate search is necessary to confirm that all heirs have been notified and have consented to any property sale. If you don’t perform this search before buying, then unknown heirs or missing interests can cause you legal and financial difficulties in the future.
What are liens and judgments in Ohio real estate?
Liens and judgments are legal claims against a property for unpaid debts of the property’s owner(s). These liens & judgments are legal records on the property. In Ohio, certain liens, such as municipal liens, HOA liens, and tax liens, remain attached to the property even after it is sold, whether through foreclosure or to a third party.
This means that the new owner becomes responsible for these debts, so you’d better find out if any exist before purchase, by doing a title search. Otherwise, this can negatively affect your property’s value and even prevent or delay future sales.
Judicial Reports in Ohio Foreclosure Proceedings
In Ohio, foreclosure processes require various judicial reports prepared by licensed title agencies:
Preliminary Judicial Report (PJR)
This is submitted at the time of a foreclosure complaint to benefit the guaranteed party and the purchaser at the judicial sale. It includes the name of the record owner, a legal description of the property, and a list of all parties that have an interest in the property.
Supplemental Preliminary Judicial Report (SPJR)
Filed during the foreclosure process, these reports update the court on any changes related to the property’s records.
Final Judicial Report (FJR)
This report provides the final status of the property’s records before judgment and the foreclosure sale, ensuring all information is current and accurate.
How to choose the right title search vendor in Ohio
Selecting a reliable title search provider is essential for a smooth transaction. When choosing a title search company in Ohio, consider the following:
- Experience & Reputation: Look for a proven track record and solid references.
- Service Area: Make sure they provide the specific type of title search you need, in the county you need it in. Types include residential, commercial, or foreclosure.
- Local Experience: Make sure they are very familiar with Ohio’s unique real estate laws and local regulations.
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FAQs about Ohio Title Searches
A title search company that covers all Ohio counties is preferable, like each of those in Title Leader’s marketplace. They each have tremendous experience, have been thoroughly vetted, and are used by the most discerning & demanding customers in the industry – The ‘big-4’ Fortune 500 title insurance companies.
Any party looking to verify property ownership, discover all liens, the tax status, and all other rights to a property, such as access via an easement. These parties include buyers, lenders, and investors.
Title searches on most residential properties are completed within 1-2 business days, and searches on commercial properties average 7-10 business days. These turn times assume no problems are encountered.
Book a demo on our home page – in our call, we’ll see what your needs are and get you taken care of. We are not ideal for a 1-search scenario. We are ideal for businesses that rely on title searches in their daily work.
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