View Active Franklin County Listings
Opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates
Overview
Franklin County (Columbus) is Ohio's most populous county and holds high-volume weekly in-person sheriff sales at the Sheriff's Office. No pre-registration is required to attend or bid. The Praecipe filed by the plaintiff's attorney sets each property's specific terms, including deposit amount and payment timeline.
Quick Reference
How to Bid at a Franklin County Sheriff Sale
Follow these steps to participate in an upcoming Franklin County auction:
Find upcoming listings
Browse Franklin County sheriff sale listings on SheriffIQ or the county sheriff’s website. Check sale dates and property details.
Research the property
Run a title search through the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds. Check property tax status, municipal liens, and IRS liens. Drive by the property to assess exterior condition.
Register to bid
Not required; walk in and bid. Complete registration before the deadline to receive your bidder credentials.
Attend and bid
Attend the auction at the designated location on sale day. Bidding is live, verbal, and ascending.
Pay the deposit
If you win, the deposit ($2,000-$10,000 depending on appraised value) is due per county rules. Have your payment ready in the accepted format — typically cashier’s check or money order.
Pay the balance
The remaining balance is due Within 30 days of Confirmation of Sale. Failure to pay typically results in forfeiture of your deposit and potential ban from future sales.
Receive your deed
After full payment, the Sheriff’s Deed is recorded and transferred to you.
Key Notes for Franklin County Investors
No registration is required; bring a completed Purchaser Information Form and your cashier's check.
Make the deposit check payable to yourself or your name plus the Sheriff, so non-winners can re-deposit it.
Tax sale properties are not appraised; the deposit equals delinquent taxes plus conveyance/recording fees.
Unsold tax properties offered a second time that remain unsold may be deeded to the Columbus Land Bank.
The Sheriff cannot sign settlement or closing documents and is not involved in the closing process.
If you do not follow through on a purchase, your deposit may be partially or fully forfeited.
Browse Franklin County Listings Now
See opening bids, estimated ARV, property photos, and equity spread for every active listing.
View Franklin County ListingsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a Franklin County sheriff sale?
Not required; walk in and bid. Check the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office website or SheriffIQ for current requirements and upcoming sale dates.
What deposit is required to bid in Franklin County?
The deposit requirement is: $2,000-$10,000 depending on appraised value. The remaining balance is due: Within 30 days of Confirmation of Sale. Payment is typically by cashier’s check or money order — confirm accepted payment methods with the county.
Are Franklin County sheriff sales in person or online?
Franklin County sheriff sales are conducted in person: In-person at 373 S. High St., 2nd Floor, Columbus. You’ll need to attend the auction location on sale day.
Can I inspect a property before bidding?
No. Sheriff sale properties are sold AS-IS. The Sheriff’s Office cannot provide property access or keys. Drive by to assess exterior condition and neighborhood, but interior inspections are not available before the auction.
Is there a redemption period in Ohio?
Ohio has no formal post-sale redemption period. However, the sale must be confirmed by the court (typically within ~8 days). Once confirmed, title transfers to the buyer.
What liens survive a Franklin County sheriff sale?
Property tax arrears, municipal liens (water, sewer, code violations), and IRS federal tax liens typically survive a sheriff sale. Junior mortgages and judgment liens are usually extinguished if properly named in the foreclosure suit. Always run a comprehensive title search before bidding.
Where can I find Franklin County sheriff sale listings?
SheriffIQ aggregates Franklin County sheriff sale listings with opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates. You can also check the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office website directly.
Official Resources
Franklin County Listings on SheriffIQ
Photos, opening bids, ARV, and equity spread