1. Have Permanent Parcel #. Example: 312-15-009. Sources: appraisal, tax records, deed, mortgage, county website at http://auditor.cuyahogacounty.us/REPI/.
2. Proceed to Map Room (Room 310) of Cuyahoga County Administration Building (Lakeside at Ontario). The 8-digit parcel numbers tell you where to find the map of your property. The 1st three digits (312) refer to the book, the 2nd 2 digits (15) refer to the page, the 3rd three digits (009) refer to the line on the left side of the book and the circle (lot) on the right side of the book.
3. The outer wall of map books are more recent, the inner section of map books are older. Generally, even the older map books only go back to 1930s.
4. These books will indicate date of property transfer and to whom. When you gein to find owner (grantee) names and dates of transfer, start to write them down in chronological order, most recent date listed first. It will help you when you begin to pull deeds. To go back prior to dates that are listed in the map book, you need to go to the Microfiche File. Ask for help.
5. Lakewood is divided into thirds: Eastern (section 1), Middle (Section 2) and Western (Section 3). There is a map on the wall to help you determine which section you live in.
6. Once the correct microfiche negative is pulled, your lot will list additional dates of transfer and property owners, but usually only to about 1900. Ask to have a copy made of the microfiche negative (or the Public Index personnel will make a copy for a fee).
7. Proceed to the Public Index Room (216). With your names and transfer dates, go to one of the computers along the wall of the room.
8. Click on PubInq (Public Inquiry). Then enter the name and date of the property transfer. You may need to enter a range of dates or a last name with a first initial only. Eventually, the computer will display a series of names and dates that will match you inquiry. Click on the name that indicates “Deed” next to it. The deed will appear on the screen and you can print it out for $0.25 per page. Repeat this process for every deed you would like to print. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Note: Deeds on the computer go back to 1900. Records prior to that are in volumes that are no longer available for public access.
Prepared by M. Gagen, 2/2000
Updated 3/2005
