How to Sell a House in Ohio: A County-by-County Guide

Quick Highlights

✅ Average closing costs range between 6%–9%

✅ You may owe real estate transfer tax + conveyance fees

✅ Top counties: Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Summit, Montgomery

✅ Ohio homes sell fastest in spring and early summer

✅ As-is and sale-leaseback sales are on the rise

Ohio’s Housing Market at a Glance

Ohio offers a relatively affordable housing market compared to national averages, but like most states, it’s driven heavily by local dynamics. Selling a house in Columbus is a very different experience from selling in Akron or Dayton.

Here’s what makes Ohio unique for sellers:

• Most homes are older, especially in Northern Ohio
  
  
• Point-of-sale inspections required in some municipalities
  
  
• Investors are active in cash purchases
  
  
• Sale-leaseback models (sell and stay) are gaining popularity among homeowners who need liquidity but don’t want to move
  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Sell a House in Ohio

Step 1: Understand Your County’s Specifics

Here’s a breakdown of the 5 most active counties and what sellers should know:

🏡 Franklin County (Columbus)

• Strongest seller’s market in the state
  
  
• Homes often sell in under 30 days
  
  
• School districts and job growth matter
  
  
• Consider pre-listing inspections to move faster
  
  
• Many buyers still expect seller concessions (closing cost help)
  
  

🏡 Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)

• Inventory is older; as-is sales are common
  
  
• Certain cities like Cleveland Heights require point-of-sale inspections
  
  
• Investors are very active
  
  
• Be ready to negotiate after inspection results
  
  

🏡 Hamilton County (Cincinnati)

• Mixed market with both suburban and urban buyers
  
  
• Price trends are rising, especially in areas like Oakley and Hyde Park
  
  
• First-time buyers dominate—staging can help
  
  
• Some municipalities require occupancy certificates
  
  

🏡 Summit County (Akron)

• Affordable homes attract out-of-town investors
  
  
• Move-in-ready homes get more attention
  
  
• Buyers look closely at roof and plumbing condition
  
  
• Cities like Barberton require point-of-sale inspections
  
  

🏡 Montgomery County (Dayton)

• Many homes priced under $200K
  
  
• Cash sales and leasebacks are very common here
  
  
• Fixer-uppers can still sell quickly if priced right
  
  
• Be aware of any zoning changes if your property was a rental
  
  

Step 2: Disclose What’s Required

Ohio requires a Residential Property Disclosure Form from most sellers. You must disclose:

• Water intrusion
  
  
• Electrical, HVAC, or plumbing issues
  
  
• Roof condition
  
  
• Pest treatments
  
  
• Structural repairs or damages
  
  

📌 You don’t need to fix everything, but you must tell the buyer.

Step 3: Decide if You’re Listing or Selling As-Is

Your two most common options:

✅ Want to sell fast and stay in your home? A sale-leaseback with Sell2Rent lets you do both.

Step 4: Prep the Home (Or Skip It)

Small updates can increase value:

• Paint walls neutral colors
  
  
• Fix visible damage
  
  
• Clean carpets or refinish wood floors
  
  
• Improve curb appeal with mulch and flowers
  
  

Or if your house needs major repairs, skip the hassle and sell as-is.

Step 5: Set the Right Price

Home prices in Ohio are highly local. Get a comparative market analysis (CMA) from an agent or investor.

• Look at pending sales, not just listings
  
  
• Avoid overpricing—it leads to stale listings
  
  
• Consider your timeline: quick sales = more negotiation power to the buyer
  
  

Step 6: Closing in Ohio

Here’s what closing looks like in most counties:

• Takes 30 to 45 days, or as little as 10–15 for a cash offer
  
  
• You’ll likely split title fees and pay your share of property taxes
  
  
• Transfer tax varies, often around $1–$4 per $1,000 of home value
  
  
• HOA or city docs may be required for some closings
  
  

Want to Sell and Stay in Your Home?

Many Ohio sellers don’t want to move—they just want their equity.

With Sell2Rent, you can:

✅ Get a competitive cash offer in 24 hours

✅ Close in as little as 15 days

✅ Stay in your home and rent it back

✅ Skip the showings, open houses, and repairs

Perfect for:

• Retirees who want cash, not chaos
  
  
• Sellers facing financial strain
  
  
• Owners with equity who don’t want a loan