The Seneca County Auditor maintains the most comprehensive set of real estate records available in Seneca County. The Real Estate Division oversees the appraisal of more than 35,000 parcels and compiles information for all residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and tax exempt properties in Seneca County. This division offers a wide array of information, including maps and ownership records, with five PC’s for public access – two in the Auditor’s Office, two in the Treasurer’s Office and one in the Recorder’s Office.
Transfer and identification documents track the transfer of parcels and maintain the Auditor’s parcel numbering system for tax purposes. Under Ohio Law, all real estate transfer-related documents must be presented to the County Auditor before recording. Transfers are done in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code Section 319.203.
Transfer Fees: Real Estate transfers are subject to two types of fees at the Auditor’s Office: the conveyance fee and the transfer fee.
Conveyance Fee: The conveyance fee for Seneca County is $4.00 per thousand dollars conveyed (rounded to the nearest $ .10). For example, if the sale amount is $100,000, the conveyance fee would be determined by multiplying $100,000 by $ .004 ($100,000 x .004 = $400.) Make checks payable to the Seneca County Auditor. Certain property transfers are exempt from conveyance fees.
Transfer Fee: The transfer fee is $ .50 per parcel transferred. For example, if 3 parcels are transferred in a deed, $1.50 will be charged as a transfer fee. Make checks payable to the Seneca County Auditor.
Effective 01/21/2022: The Auditor's Office will no longer accept blank checks for payment of conveyance and/or transfer fees. All checks must be made payable to the Seneca County Auditor's Office and written for the correct fees due. Incorrect fees and blank checks will result in your document(s) being rejected and returned to you unrecorded.
Deeds: Must have an accurate legal description and appropriate parcel number(s). Legal description must include township or city/village, county and state where the parcel is situated.
Prior Deeds and New Surveys: All legal descriptions must be checked and approved by the Seneca County Tax Map Office. Legal descriptions on the instrument for transfer should exactly match the legal description on the prior deed or new survey.
Splits: Land surveys are generally required in order to accurately describe and transfer a newly split parcel. The transfer must be approved by either the Seneca Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) for all unincorporated areas; the City Engineer for properties located within municipalities; or the Village Council for properties located in incorporated villages. This approval must take place before the split is presented to the Tax Map Office for approval. Any questions concerning splits should be directed to SRPC at 419-447-0692. More information may be found on SRPC's Website by clicking here.