What is an Auditor's Sale?
An Auditor's Sale is an auction of real estate previously forfeited to the State of Ohio. The County Auditor is the selling agent for the state and is required by law to maintain a list of forfeited properties seized due to nonpayment of real estate taxes and offer these properties for sale.

Why do we have an Auditor's Sale?
The purpose of the Auditor's Sale is to sell the forfeited parcels to owners who will then pay the property tax going forward and return the properties to revenue-generating parcels for the people of Franklin County.

When is the Auditor's Sale?
The Auditor's Sale will be conducted Tuesday, September 10^th, 2024. The sale will be held in the auditorium of the county courthouse located on the first floor of 373 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

How do I obtain a listing of properties available for sale?
The complete list of properties being offered for sale is available on the Franklin County Auditor's website at www.franklincountyauditor.com. The list will also be published in The Columbus Dispatch newspaper on August 27^th and September 3^rd, 2024.

How do I register as a bidder for the Auditor's Sale?
Everyone who intends to bid during the sale must register with the name that is to be typed on the deed. You may pre-register on our website at www.franklincountyauditor.com, or you may also register in person on the day of the sale starting at 7:30 am in the auditorium of the county courthouse. Pre-registration will close at 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 5^th, 2024.

What are Terms of Sale?
They are the rules and procedures established for the Auditor's Sale. You can view the terms of sale at www.franklincountyauditor.com.

Can I register the day of the Auditor's Sale?
You may register on the day of the sale starting at 7:30 am in the auditorium of the county courthouse.

Do I need documentation if I am bidding under a partnership / business or a corporation?
Yes. The clerk will verify that the general partnership / business or other corporate entity is in good standing with the Secretary of State. If the deed is to be listed in the name of a general partnership/business or other corporate entity, you must provide proof of filing with the Secretary of State at the registration table.

Can I purchase properties at the Auditor's Sale if I am delinquent on real estate taxes?
No. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 5723.06(a)(3)(a), forfeited lands shall not be sold to any person that is delinquent on real property taxes anywhere in the state of Ohio.

How do I bid on a property?
Bids are opened for either the lesser of the fair market value set by the Auditor or the taxes due. If there is no bid for the opening amount, the auctioneer will then control the opening bid. The auctioneer will also control the increments of each bid. No independent or verbal bids will be accepted. The sale is final at the time the gavel goes down. At the time of bidding, please be sure to raise your bidder number so that it can be seen clearly.

***THERE IS NO LIMITATION TO THE MINIMUM BID THAT MAY BE ASSIGNED TO A PROPERTY***

What if the successful bidder does not pay the remaining balance of the bid?
A "next highest bidder" will be sought for every parcel except those secured for the Land Reutilization Program or sold for $50 or less.

What is the deposit if I am the successful bidder?
Successful bids up to $500 shall be paid in full on sale day, including recording, transfer and deed fees. Sales over $500 will require a deposit of $500. All sale day payments will be made at the designated table in the Auditorium. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

What is "BUYER BEWARE"?
All parcels are sold "AS IS" and subject to Federal Tax Liens and all prior liens, if any. Participants should proceed with extreme caution. It is strongly recommended that you contact a real estate attorney and/or title company to perform a thorough title examination prior to the day of the sale. The Auditor’s office does not have keys or access to the parcels listed for sale.

What forms of payments are accepted?
All payments must be made by cash, certified check, cashier's check or money order (exact amount due) payable to Franklin County Auditor. Absolutely no personal checks, business checks, or trust checks will be accepted without bank certification.

When do I have to pay the remaining balance due?
Any balance of bid, recording fees, $45 deed fee and $0.50 transfer fee must be paid in person between 9:00 am Tuesday, September 17, and 4 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Payments can be made at 373 S. High Street, 19th Floor at the front counter of the Transfer and Conveyance department.

What happens if the successful bidder fails to pay the remaining balance?
Failure to pay the remaining balance in person by 4:00 pm Wednesday, September 18^th, 2024 will result in the forfeiture of your deposit and the "next highest bidder" will be contacted.

What type of deed is used to transfer title?
The Auditor's Office will issue an Auditor's Deed. The Franklin County Auditor cannot give any warranty of title.

What is an Auditor's Deed?
An Auditor's Deed conveys title to a new owner but does not give the standard warranties like clear title.

When is the Auditor's Deed issued and how will I receive it?
Upon receipt of final payment, the Auditor's Office will issue and record an Auditor's Deed to the successful bidder which will be mailed to the address provided on the registration form. Fees will have already been collected from you (See "When do I have to pay the remaining balance due?" above).

Are all liens removed on the property after the property is sold?
No. All sales are subject to Federal Tax Liens, AND ALL PRIOR LIENS, if any. For additional information on liens, please contact an attorney. The Auditor's Office cannot give legal advice.

Can I see the property prior to the sale?
The property is not available for tour or inspection prior to the sale. The complete list of properties being offered for sale is available on the Franklin County Auditor's Office website at www.franklincountyauditor.com. The buyer gets the property "AS IS" or "BUYER BEWARE".

How can I redeem my property if it is on the Auditor's Sale list?
In order to redeem the property, the delinquent real estate taxes, assessments, penalties, interest, court costs, deed fees, transfer fees, recording fees, and any other required charges / fees must be paid in full prior to the Auditor's Deed being executed.