Key Takeaways
- Ohio closings can be conducted by title companies, attorneys, or escrow agents
- Ohio uses warranty deeds (general and limited) and quitclaim deeds for transfers
- Property taxes in Ohio are paid in arrears and prorated at closing
- The closing disclosure must be provided at least 3 business days before closing
- Recording occurs at the county recorder's office where the property is located
Last updated: January 2026
Ohio Closing Procedures
Ohio closings have specific requirements and procedures.
Who Conducts Closings
In Ohio, closings may be conducted by:
| Closing Agent | Role |
|---|---|
| Title Company | Title search, insurance, closing |
| Attorney | Legal review, document prep |
| Escrow Agent | Hold funds, coordinate |
| Lender | May provide closing services |
Title Company Role
Most Ohio residential closings use title companies:
- Perform title examination
- Issue title insurance
- Prepare closing documents
- Conduct the closing
- Disburse funds
Pre-Closing Requirements
Closing Disclosure (Federal TRID)
| Document | Timing |
|---|---|
| Loan Estimate | Within 3 business days of application |
| Closing Disclosure | At least 3 business days before closing |
| New 3-day wait triggers | APR increase, product change, prepayment penalty |
Title Examination
The title company or attorney:
- Searches public records
- Identifies liens and encumbrances
- Examines chain of title
- Issues title commitment
- Clears objections before closing
Types of Deeds in Ohio
General Warranty Deed
Provides greatest protection to buyer:
| Warranty | Description |
|---|---|
| Seisin | Grantor owns the property |
| Right to convey | Grantor can transfer |
| Against encumbrances | No undisclosed liens |
| Quiet enjoyment | Buyer won't be disturbed |
| Warranty | Grantor defends title |
Limited Warranty Deed
Limited protection - warrants only against grantor's actions:
- Covers only grantor's period of ownership
- Does not warrant against prior defects
- Common in commercial transactions
Quitclaim Deed
No warranties:
- Transfers whatever interest grantor has
- No promises about title quality
- Used for title clearing, family transfers
- Not typical for regular sales
Fiduciary Deed
Used by:
- Executors of estates
- Trustees
- Court-appointed representatives
Ohio Property Tax System
Taxes Paid in Arrears
Ohio property taxes are paid in arrears:
| Billing | When Taxes Paid |
|---|---|
| First half | February (for prior July-December) |
| Second half | July (for prior January-June) |
Proration at Closing
| Calculation | Method |
|---|---|
| Annual taxes | Divided by 365 days |
| Seller owes | January 1 to day before closing |
| Buyer owes | Closing day through December 31 |
| Direction | Typically seller credits buyer |
Recording Requirements
County Recorder
Deeds are recorded at the County Recorder's Office:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | County where property is located |
| Transfer fee | Based on sale price |
| Recording fee | Per page |
| Conveyance fee | Percentage of sale price |
Ohio Conveyance Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| State | $1.00 per $1,000 of value |
| County | Up to $3.00 per $1,000 (varies) |
| Total | $1.00-$4.00 per $1,000 |
Note: Some counties charge different rates. Check local requirements.
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Test Your Knowledge
How are property taxes typically paid in Ohio?
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Test Your Knowledge
Where are real estate deeds recorded in Ohio?
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