Title Report Services_ REALM

Title information from the public records is to be obtained to provide a Title Report for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for the purposes of real estate appraisals, negotiations, acquisitions, and other real estate transactions.  An Updated Title Report is to determine if there are any significant changes to title since the original Title Report.

The Contractor, under the direction and to the satisfaction of ODNR, shall search the public records concerning the titles to the parcels of such real estate assigned by ODNR.  The Contractor shall submit a written report, following the Title Report Format or Updated Title Report Format, as to each parcel or chain, each of which shall include the factual information enumerated below, to the extent that such information can be ascertained from a search of the public records relating to the title of said real estate.  It is understood that the term “parcel” or “parcel of land” as used herein means that unit of land as delineated on any proposed acquisition plan(s) and all contiguous lands, the record title of which is the same person or persons, the whole or any part or parts of which, or any right or rights, interest or interest therein are acquired (without regard to the number of descriptions or County Auditor tax parcels that may be involved) on which the chain of title runs back, unbroken, for the period of examination.

The title search shall cover a period of time sufficient to satisfy ODNR that all matters presently affecting the title have been found, but in no event for a period of less than sixty (60) years , and the various transfers of the parcels shall be detailed in a Chain of Title, that shall be attached to the Title Report. An Updated Title Report shall cover the period of time back to the date of certification on the original Title Report.

The information shall constitute what is commonly known as an Attorney Certificate of Title, and as such, said title certifies that in the opinion of the Contractor that there is a good, safe, marketable, fee simple title and as such can be safely accepted and called upon for the purposes of a real estate transaction, including acquisitions.  In the event the title is not clear as to encumbrances, liens, defects, and other matters affecting title, the Contractor shall provide recommendations as to how to assist clearing the title.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder as determined by the State.