FAQs • Fulton County, OH • CivicEngage

What if someone is living in the house?: If someone is living in the house and will not vacate, the Sheriff’s Office will remove them on issue of a Writ of Possession. You may be responsible for obtaining the Writ of Possession from the Clerk of Common Pleas Court and providing manpower to set out their belongings. Again, you should consult an attorney for questions regarding any of this.

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Sheriff's Office

1. Can we see the house?: We have no access to the interior of the houses for sale. No arrangements may be made for an internal inspection of the properties. You are urged to check out the property as best you can. The Fulton County Auditor can provide a printout on the property showing the numbers, and types of rooms, etc. or you can access the Auditor’s website at www.fultoncountyoh.com\auditor. Then on the left of the screen select “real estate”, then select “real estate information property search”. Sales are “BUYER BEWARE.” You are urged to consult an attorney if you need legal advice.

2. How does the Sheriff Sale work?: By law, the sale must be a public sale, unless ordered by the Court. Sales are held on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted, just inside the west doors of the Fulton County Courthouse. You, or a representative must appear to bid. All bidding is done at the sale. No prior or sealed bids are taken. It works the same as any common auction. There is no prior registration. Make sure you can meet the terms of the sale. Be ready to make your 10% deposit at the time of sale. Caution, this is a Court function; if the sale is not completed, you are subject to being held in contempt of court and losing your deposit.

3. What happens to the liens on the property?: Liens are marshaled, (placed in order and paid in order), and paid from the sale proceeds. A deficiency judgment may be granted to the plaintiff against the defendant (homeowner), if enough money is not generated at the sale. The liens are then canceled against the property. The exception is a Federal Lien, (which will be on file at the Fulton County Recorder’s Office). You are urged to check out any liens, and check with an attorney if you have questions. We do not have lien information at the Sheriff’s Office.

4. What if someone is living in the house?: If someone is living in the house and will not vacate, the Sheriff’s Office will remove them on issue of a Writ of Possession. You may be responsible for obtaining the Writ of Possession from the Clerk of Common Pleas Court and providing manpower to set out their belongings. Again, you should consult an attorney for questions regarding any of this.