Auditor Sales

Properties that have been tax-foreclosed and have not sold at two separate Sheriff's Sales are forfeited to the State of Ohio. The Auditor conducts an annual forfeited land sale of these properties. The County Auditor must offer the property for sale within 1 year of notice. At the sale the property must be offered for the back taxes plus any fees. If it doesn't sell, the Auditor will re offer it again after the completion of all sales that day. The second sale will remove any back taxes. Prior to any sale, the county Prosecutor will release any State and Local liens on the property. Properties are subject to any federal liens. 

Any buyer of a property can't be delinquent on any property taxes in the State of Ohio. Also, If the county auditor discovers within three years after the date of the sale that a parcel was sold to that owner or a member of the specified class of parties connected to that owner for a price less than the amount so described, and if the parcel is still owned by that owner or a member of the specified class of parties connected to that owner, the auditor within thirty days after such discovery shall add the difference between that amount and the sale price to the amount of taxes that then stand charged against the parcel and is payable at the next succeeding date for payment of real property taxes.

Properties for Sale

The Auditors Office will be hosting a Forfeited Land Sale on April 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

The Putnam County Auditor has scheduled a Forfeited Land Sale for April 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place on the 1^st floor of the of the Putnam County Courthouse, located at 201 E Main Street, St. Ottawa, OH 45875.

The property listed for sale is located at 440 E Second St Ottawa, OH 45875 (parcel #32-068030.0000).  This property was offered at a Tax Foreclosure sale but did not sell and has since been forfeited to the State of Ohio. 

The initial bid for the property will be set at the amount of current taxes and court costs owed. If no bids are received, the property will then be offered at a minimum bid. The winning bidder will be responsible for paying the deed, conveyance, and recording fees.  No person delinquent on real property taxes in the State of Ohio may purchase a property at an Auditor’s Sale. Also, the owner of record or a member of their immediate family prior to the judgment of foreclosure or forfeiture may not purchase the property for less than the total amount of taxes, assessments, penalties, interest and costs.  It's important to note that this sale will be conducted as an in-person auction only, and there will be no pre-bids or negotiations.

Any taxes, charges, or costs not covered by the sale will be remitted. Furthermore, if there is a Federal lien on a property, the Federal Government retains the "Right of Redemption" and may re-take the property for one year after the original foreclosure was filed. Additionally, it's crucial to understand that regardless of any improvements made after the purchase, the buyer will only receive the amount paid at the Auditor’s sale and no more.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Putnam County Auditor's Office at 419-523-6686.