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Ohio · What this letter means

Ohio foreclosure letters and notices

The papers Ohio homeowners receive, in the order they usually arrive. Each page uses the name on the Ohio document, explains the deadline it starts under Ohio law, and lists what to do this week.

  1. Step 1

    Summons and Complaint in Foreclosure

    In Ohio, a foreclosure starts when your lender files a complaint in the county court of common pleas and you are served with a summons. You have 28 days after service to file a written answer or ask for more time. If you do nothing, the court can rule against you in as little as 31 days.

    What it means
  2. Step 2

    Request for Foreclosure Mediation

    Many Ohio common pleas courts use a mediation program based on a Supreme Court of Ohio model. The Request for Foreclosure Mediation is how you ask for a meeting with a neutral mediator and your lender. Sending it does not replace your answer and does not pause the case.

    What it means
  3. Step 3

    Judgment Entry and Decree of Foreclosure

    A judgment entry and decree of foreclosure means the Ohio court has ruled for the lender and ordered your home sold. The home is appraised, and at the first auction it cannot sell for less than two-thirds of that value. You still own the home, and you can redeem it until the court confirms the sale.

    What it means
  4. Step 4

    Notice of Sheriff's Sale

    In Ohio, the lender must serve parties who appeared in the case with the date, time and place of the sheriff's sale, or the online start date and website, and file it with the clerk at least 7 calendar days before the sale. The sale is also advertised for three weeks. You can still redeem until the court confirms the sale.

    What it means
  5. Step 5

    Confirmation of Sale

    After an Ohio sheriff's sale, the court checks that the sale followed the law and confirms it, normally within 30 days after the sheriff returns the writ. Confirmation ends your right to redeem. The buyer then pays, the deed is recorded, and the buyer can seek a writ of possession.

    What it means
  6. Step 6

    Notice of Excess Funds

    If your Ohio sheriff's sale brought in more than the judgment, interest and costs, the clerk of courts holds the extra money for you and must send you a notice explaining how to claim it. Ohio Legal Help says to file a motion within 90 days of the notice. The clerk must pay you on demand even if the notice never reached you.

    What it means

Got a letter not listed here? See every foreclosure letter explained, or how foreclosure works in Ohio.