Clermont Recorder warning residents of a local property deed scheme – Clermont County, Ohio
Batavia, Ohio. An increase in calls requesting the cost for obtaining a “certified” copy of a property deed led to the discovery of a scheme occuring in Clermont County. National Deed Service Inc. and other companies are sending residents letters, offering a service to obtain certified copies of their property deeds. Most likely, a property owner already has a copy of their deed, which is provided during a closing when they purchased property. The companies contacting residents are privately held companies, not affiliated with any government agency. The letters may state the importance of having a certified copy of your property deed or even quoted the U.S Government Federal Citizens Information Center website. These companies also estimate a price of $60.00 or more to obtain a copy of your deed for you. Although this is not illegal, you will be paying a significantly higher amount for the record than you would pay by personally requesting a copy from the Recorder’s Office.
Deborah Clepper, Clermont County Recorder, stated a property deed is considered a public record and is avaliable at the Recorder’s Office. Clepper said, “As your County Recorder, I would like to let citizens know the real cost of getting a certified copy of your deed, mortgage or other recorded documents. The cost is $2.00 per page and $1.00 to apply the certification stamp and seal. The staff at the Recorder’s Office can do this while you wait.” Clepper explained residents are able to receive a certified copy of requested documents with same day services from the Recorder’s Office. The average deed is three pages, the total cost of a certified copy would be $7.00. Citizens will save yhe time and hassle of filling out forms, mailing them in to these companies and waiting for the delivery of a certified copy.
In addition to Deeds and Mortgages, the Recorder receives documents for Powers of Attorney, Mortgage Releases, Assignments of Mortgages, Federal Tax Liens, Home Owners Association Liens, Ohio Job and Family Services Liens and some Leases. Citizens are able to access records and print a copy free of charge through the Recorder’s website: www.clermontcountyrecorder.gov and accessing the online record site at: www.landaccess.com.
In order to obtain copies, citizens must know the township where their property is located, the date the property was purchased and the name of the person who signed the document. No appointments are necessary, citizens are welcome anytime during regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Content Provided By: Clermont County Recorder’s Office
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director, Annette Meagher at (513) 732-7557 or by e-mail, ameagher@clermontcountyohio.gov
