- Who sends it
- The court of common pleas, through the clerk, after the sheriff reports the sale
- What it starts
- The deed to the buyer, the move-out process and the payout of sale money
- Do this first
- If you still want to redeem, act before this entry; after it, plan your move and check for excess funds
What this document is in Ohio
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.31, if the court finds the sale followed the law, it confirms the sale within 30 days of the return of the writ, and the clerk enters on the journal that the court is satisfied the sale was legal. Ohio Legal Help says the sheriff has up to 60 days after the sale to report it to the court. The Franklin County Sheriff says confirmation usually comes 30 to 60 days after the sale.
In practice the confirmation entry often does more. The Franklin County Sheriff says it names the buyer, orders the deed, orders how the sale money is paid out and cancels liens, and gives the buyer the right to ask for a writ of possession. See the national page on sheriff's deeds.
What it does and does not mean
- Your right to redeem ends at confirmation. Before it, you could deposit the full judgment, costs and 8 percent yearly interest on the purchase price with the clerk under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.33.
- The court may delay confirmation to give an owner time to redeem. Confirmation then happens within 30 days after that stay ends.
- It does not by itself put you out that day. The buyer must pay and get a writ of possession, and the sheriff tells you when you must leave.
- It may lead to money for you if the sale brought in more than the judgment and costs. See Notice of Excess Funds.
The deadlines after confirmation
- Buyer's payment: the balance is due within 30 days of confirmation, under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.31.
- Deed: the officer records the deed within 14 days after confirmation and payment.
- Move-out: some confirmations let the buyer get a writ of possession right away, and others only after payment and a recorded deed, according to the Franklin County Sheriff. Ohio Legal Help says the sheriff's letter states how long you have, and it varies by county.
- Deficiency: for a one or two family home you lived in, a deficiency judgment cannot be enforced more than two years after confirmation, under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.08, unless collection began earlier. See Ohio deficiency judgments.
What to do this week
- If confirmation has not been entered yet and you have the money or a refinance, call legal aid about redeeming and about asking the court to delay confirmation.
- If it has been entered, start planning your move and watch for a letter or notice from the sheriff's office.
- Give the clerk of courts your current mailing address and phone number in writing so you get any excess funds notice.
- Read what happens after a foreclosure sale in Ohio.
Help and scam warnings
Legal aid through Ohio Legal Help can explain your options and your county's move-out practice. After a sale, people may offer to "recover" your money for a large cut. The clerk must pay excess funds to you on demand, so you do not need a paid service. Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General at 800-282-0515.
The rest of the Ohio process
See how foreclosure works in Ohio, the timeline, ways to stop it and free help in Ohio, or read the national guide to this letter.
Common questions
Can I redeem my Ohio home after the sale is confirmed?
No. Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.33 your right to redeem lasts only until the court confirms the sale. The court can delay confirmation to give you time, so ask before the entry is made.
How long after confirmation do I have to leave my Ohio home?
It depends on the county and the buyer. The buyer asks for a writ of possession, and the sheriff tells you when to leave. Some confirmation orders allow the writ right away and others only after the deed is recorded.
When is the Ohio sheriff's deed recorded?
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.31, the buyer pays the balance within 30 days of confirmation, and the officer records the deed within 14 days after confirmation and payment.
Other Ohio letters
- Summons and Complaint in ForeclosureIn 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.
- Request for Foreclosure MediationMany 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.
- Judgment Entry and Decree of ForeclosureA 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.
- Notice of Sheriff's SaleIn 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.
- Notice of Excess FundsIf 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.