A recent increase in calls regarding the cost for obtaining a “certified” copy of a property owners deed made me aware of a property deed scheme occuring in Clermont County. National Deed Service,Registered Property Services and other companies are sending residents letters, offering to get them certified copies of their property deeds. In most cases, a property owner already has a copy of their deed, provided at closing when they purchased their property. The deed is a public record and is avaliable at the Recorder’s Office.

These companies are privately held companies, not attached to any government agency. They may have stated the importance of having a certified copy of the deed to your property or quoted the U.S Government Federal Citizens Information Center website. These services also quote a hefty price of $60.00, $80.00 and more to obtain a copy of your deed for you. Although this may not be illegal, you will be paying a significantly higher amount for a record than you would pay by requesting a copy from the Recorder’s Office yourself.

As your County Recorder, I would like to let you know the real cost of getting a certified copy of your deed, mortgage or other recorded documents. It is $2.00 per page and $1.00 to apply the certification stamp and seal. The staff of the Recorder’s office can do this while you wait. You walk in and walk right out with a certified copy of your document. The average deed is three pages, the total cost of a certified copy would be $7. You will save all the time and hassle of filling out forms, mailing them in and waiting for the delivery of your certified copy. You may also access our records and get a copy free of charge through our website at: recorder.clermontcountyohio.gov and accessing our online record site at: www.uslandrecords.com.

Q. What do you need to know to obtain a copy of your documents?

A. The township where your property is located, the date you purchased your property and your name.

Q. Can I get a copy of my mortgage and what do I need to know?

A. Again, we need to know your name, township and date of your mortgage.

Q. What other documents are recorded?

A. Besides Deeds and Mortgages the Recorder receives: Powers of Attorney, Mortgage Releases, Assignments of Mortgages, Federal Tax Liens, Home Owners Association Liens, Ohio Job and Family Services Liens and some Leases.

Q. Is an appointment necessary?

A. No you can come in during normal business hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.