{"id":6019,"date":"2024-08-25T22:26:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T22:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/?p=6019"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:40:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T23:40:42","slug":"understanding-the-ohio-title-search-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/understanding-the-ohio-title-search-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Ohio Title Search Process\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background-color:#f4f4f4; border-left:4px solid #aaaaaa; border-radius:4px; padding:8px 14px; margin:0 0 24px 0; font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#666666;\"><strong>Updated:<\/strong> March 16, 2026<\/div>\n\n<p>When a prospective buyer and seller enter a purchasing agreement for a piece of real estate, one of the steps required for formally completing the transaction is a property title search. A title search essentially verifies that the prospective seller is the legal owner of the property. Although ownership of the property may appear obvious, claims or liens on (against) the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohiorealtors.org\/consumers-home-buying-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">property<\/a>&nbsp;may exist from others, or the seller might be in the process of bankruptcy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In this Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/understanding-the-ohio-title-search-process\/#Ohio_Title_Search_What_Investors_Need_to_Know_Before_Buying_at_Sheriff_Sales\" >Ohio Title Search: What Investors Need to Know Before Buying at Sheriff Sales<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/understanding-the-ohio-title-search-process\/#Ohio_Transfer_Fees_Calculator\" >Ohio Transfer Fees Calculator<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ohio_Title_Search_What_Investors_Need_to_Know_Before_Buying_at_Sheriff_Sales\"><\/span>Ohio Title Search: What Investors Need to Know Before Buying at Sheriff Sales<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Title searches are a necessary&nbsp;means&nbsp;of assuring and proving that a seller is the owner of real property. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The title search is one of many potential steps involved in these real estate transactions, such as property inspections or property appraisals. The title examination and inspection processes are performed by professionals who review all records related to the property, such as mortgages. If the findings of the search indicate that another party has a valid \u201cclaim\u201d to the property, the title is not considered clear; therefore, the buyer is freed of any obligations contained in the provisions of the purchase agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Performs Title Searches?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Standard \u201c30-year\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/understanding-title-searches-to-profit\/\" target=\"_blank\">title searches<\/a> are primarily conducted by title companies or attorneys, who act as third-party service providers to real estate transactions. These entities typically will check sources that record federal or state tax liens, domestic court judgments, county land transactions, and others for any potential \u201cdefects\u201d or encumbrances. A finalized title search will confirm the seller(s) is the vested owner of the parcel free of any judgments or liens and disclose the existence of any loans and the property tax status.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ownership &amp; Encumbrance Reports (O&amp;E)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternative to a full \u201c30-year\u201d title search, <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/full-30-year-title-search-vs-o-e-report-whats-the-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\">an ownership and encumbrance (O&amp;E) report<\/a> is a quicker and less expensive means of checking for potential defects or encumbrances associated with a property. Sometimes referred to as \u201cpencil searches,\u201d O&amp;E reports are often conducted on behalf of property investors, such as those bidding on a foreclosure at a county auction. After reviewing an O&amp;E report, a prospective buyer will be reasonably confident that they will not encounter title problems later on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/title-seach-walkthrough\/\" target=\"_blank\">PropertyOnion<\/a> now provides these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/titlecheck\/why-our-search\" target=\"_blank\">title search services<\/a>&nbsp;in Florida for only a fraction of the price of a full 30-year title search, and the report is ready in one or two days. Some of the information typically contained in these reports include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deed information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chain of title details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federal, state, or county tax liens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Homeowners Association Liens (HOAs)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utility liens and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Title Insurance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Title searches are a necessary&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/ohio-revised-code\/section-3953.01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">means<\/a>&nbsp;of assuring and proving that a seller is the owner of real property. Title insurance is a means of protecting other parties involved in the transaction from any future damages or losses. Title insurance provides coverage for any unforeseen financial or legal ramifications that may result from defending against defects. Like a homeowner\u2019s insurance policy offers protection from losses associated with theft or storm damage, title insurance protects the owner\u2019s investment in the home if unknown claims to the title arise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title searches are generally a requirement for properties that are subject to restrictive covenants, such as those involving homeowner\u2019s associations (HOAs), which often apply to condominiums. HOAs vote on rules that all of the property owners must abide by, such as prohibiting the property from being used for commercial purposes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who belong to HOAs are also accountable for HOA fees. If the current property owner has unpaid HOA fees, the association may file a lien, which a title search should reveal. Another common concern or encumbrance that a title search may reveal is unpaid property taxes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This right to claim an interest in a property may apply even when the deceased spouse has already sold the property.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that many older properties have changed hands dozens of times, dating back for more than a century. Some of the risks that might arise include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fraud involving the false impersonation of the property owner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgery involving legal documents, such as deeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clerical errors by local agencies&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unknown or undisclosed heirs or spouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liens from unpaid child support or taxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Title insurance policies will provide compensation for legal expenses incurred defending against claims and any related financial losses. The two primary types of title insurance policies either protect the owner or the lender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Owner\u2019s Policy&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/insurance.ohio.gov\/wps\/wcm\/connect\/gov\/9c0e5cca-7351-4b7c-8baf-c480cb04a756\/title_insurance_2021.pdf?MOD=AJPERES\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">explains<\/a>&nbsp;that the provisions of owner\u2019s policies contain a description of the property and any \u201climitations\u201d that apply to the owner. Limitations are liens or other claims that were disclosed within the purchasing agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ODI encourages all homebuyers to purchase owner\u2019s title insurance to protect themselves from unknown risks. Although incidents are rare, errors sometimes occur during the title transfer process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Lender\u2019s Policy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other type of title insurance is a lender\u2019s policy or loan policy. This policy protects lenders and is often included in the mortgage loan agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Difference Between the Title and the Deed?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, people will incorrectly use the terms \u201ctitle\u201d and \u201cdeed\u201d interchangeably when referring to the official document used for proving property ownership. Unlike the title, the deed is a physical document that is signed by the seller and notarized. The title is best described as a concept that indicates who legally owns a property.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a property is sold, the title company will ensure that the deed is recorded by a county agency or court. The deed contains the type of ownership that applies to the property, which is one of four&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dunganattorney.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/title-and-deed-are-not-the-same-in-real-estate-transactions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">options<\/a>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sole ownership: A sole owner is an individual who exclusively holds the property\u2019s title.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint tenancy: When two or more individuals equally own a property, the title is jointly held.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tenancy in common: When two or more individuals own a property in unequal shares, the ownership is tenancy in common.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marital property: When a property is acquired during a marriage, the title is considered as community (marital) property.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A deed must contain some basic information, including the identities of the current owner (seller) and the new owner (buyer). The existing owner or \u201cgrantor\u201d must sign the deed in the presence of a notary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The&nbsp;<em>title search process<\/em>&nbsp;is an important proactive measure and title insurance provides protection from potentially costly losses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real Estate Transfers Without a Deed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ohio Bar Association explains that private property may be&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohiobar.org\/public-resources\/commonly-asked-law-questions-results\/housing-and-real-estate\/transferring-real-estate-in-a-nut-shell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transferred<\/a>&nbsp;without a deed in cases where the government acquires a parcel through eminent domain. The power of eminent domain applies to local, state, or federal governments, which may assume control of property for public use. With eminent domain, the government will \u201cjustly\u201d&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov\/FAQ\/Eminent-Domain-FAQs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compensate<\/a>&nbsp;the current property owner, which in Ohio is fair market value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spousal or \u201cDower\u201d Rights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ohio law extends \u201cdower\u201d rights to spouses. Here, the spouse of an individual who dies may make a claim to a property ,  although they are not named on the deed. This right to claim an interest in a property may apply even when the deceased spouse has already sold the property. For this reason, any spouse of a property owner must sign the deed to formally relinquish any future interest claims to a property at the time of a sale.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The finalization of a real estate sale or transfer is a process known as closing. The process of closing involves a variety of transactions performed by service providers who are compensated using closing costs. Typical closing costs in Ohio may include title service fees, real estate transfer taxes, the owner\u2019s policy (title insurance), county recording fees, attorney fees, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The title search and title transfer fees in Ohio typically equate to roughly 0.26% of the property\u2019s sales price. With the median home value in Ohio being roughly $227,000, these costs are approximately $590.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ohio-transfer-fees-calculator\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ohio_Transfer_Fees_Calculator\"><\/span>Ohio Transfer Fees Calculator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><form id=\"transfer-fees-form\"><div class=\"input-group\"><label for=\"property-price\">Property Purchase Price:<\/label><div class=\"input-wrapper\"><span class=\"input-prefix\">$<\/span><input type=\"text\" id=\"property-price\" name=\"property-price\" value=\"227,000\" required><\/div><\/div><div class=\"input-group\"><label for=\"title-transfer-fee\">Title & Transfer Fees:<\/label><div class=\"input-wrapper\"><input type=\"number\" id=\"title-transfer-fee\" name=\"title-transfer-fee\" value=\"0.26\" min=\"0\" step=\"0.01\" required><span class=\"input-suffix\">%<\/span><\/div><\/div><button type=\"submit\">Calculate<\/button><\/form><div id=\"result\"><p>Total Fees: $<span id=\"total-fees\">590.20<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of the Title Search Process&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the&nbsp;<em>title search process<\/em>&nbsp;is often viewed as an unnecessary formality, those who are purchasing a property in Ohio may ultimately appreciate it. The&nbsp;<em>title search process<\/em>&nbsp;is an important proactive measure and title insurance provides protection from potentially costly losses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>An ohio title search follows many of the same principles as title research in other states but has Ohio-specific nuances that investors need to understand. Conducting a thorough ohio title search before bidding at a sheriff sale or tax certificate auction is essential for evaluating what liens survive the sale and what your true acquisition cost will be.<\/p>\n<p>The county recorder office is the primary resource for any ohio title search. This database contains all recorded mortgages, judgments, liens, and ownership transfers that affect the property. A complete ohio title search starts here and then expands to include federal tax lien searches, court judgment databases, and municipal lien records.<\/p>\n<p>Ohio sheriff sales do not always extinguish all liens, which makes the ohio title search particularly important. Unlike some other states, certain junior lienholders may have rights after an ohio title search property is purchased at sheriff sale, so understanding the lien priority structure before you bid is critical.<\/p>\n<p>Investors who buy an <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/how-to-buy-a-sheriff-auction-property-in-ohio-without-getting-burned\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ohio sheriff auction property<\/a> should always complete a full ohio title search before bidding to understand exactly what title risks come with each property before committing capital.<\/p>\n<p>The ohio title search process shares similarities with research in Florida. Our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/florida-title-search-101-how-to-uncover-hidden-liens-encumbrances-and-red-flags-before-you-bid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">florida title search<\/a> covers the fundamental principles that apply across states, including lien priority, chain of title analysis, and encumbrance review.<\/p>\n<p>After completing your ohio title search and winning at auction, you may find that a <a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/quiet-title-action-what-is-it-how-to-do-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quiet title action florida<\/a> equivalent is needed in Ohio to fully clear title before the property can be sold or financed.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color:#eef6fd; border-left:5px solid #1a73b8; border-radius:6px; padding:24px 28px; margin:32px 0; font-family:Georgia, serif;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px; font-weight:bold; color:#1a3a5c; margin:0 0 10px 0;\">Ready to Invest Smarter in Florida Foreclosures?<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px; color:#2c4a6e; margin:0 0 14px 0;\">Join <strong>PropertyOnion.com<\/strong> free today and get instant access to Florida&#8217;s most complete foreclosure and tax deed auction database. Download our step-by-step eBook guides and start building your research process the right way from day one.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/?&#038;reference_member_id=wpposts45&#038;ref2=wpposts45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display:inline-block; background-color:#1a73b8; color:#ffffff; font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:bold; padding:12px 24px; border-radius:4px; text-decoration:none;\">Join and Get Instant Access<\/a>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated: March 16, 2026 When a prospective buyer and seller enter a purchasing agreement for a piece of real estate, one of the steps required for formally completing the transaction is a property title search.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":6035,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[925,930,926,506,927,929,924,928,931],"class_list":["post-6019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-investing-articles","tag-30-year-title-search","tag-hoas","tag-oe-reports","tag-ohio-real-estate","tag-ownership-and-encumbrance-reports","tag-title-insurance","tag-title-search-process","tag-title-search-services","tag-title-vs-deed"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6019"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13116,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6019\/revisions\/13116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertyonion.com\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}