News

NACo APPOINTS RECORDER BECKY LYNCH TO VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICES COMMITTEE

October 7, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; National Association of Counties President Gary W. Moore appoints Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch as Vice Chair of NACo’s Veterans and Military Services Committee. “You were chosen because my goal is to build a talented and committed leadership team for NACo, said President Moore, “our strength is in our members and their involvement. Now is a critical time for our nation’s counties, and your leadership in this committee is a serious commitment and responsibility.”

“Lake County Veterans are my priority, said Recorder Becky Lynch, “I am honored to be appointed to serve on the NACo Veterans and Military Services Committee.” Becky works closely with Lake County Veterans Services Office Director Jon Warmeling. The purpose for this effort is to get the word out to Veterans and their families about the resources available to them. Contact the Lake County Veterans Services Office at 440-350-2904.

The Lake County Recorder offers the Ohio Legislature’s Veteran I.D. card program. Improvements were made in 2017 by dissolving the fee which was being charged to our Veterans. Says Recorder Becky Lynch, “I am honored to have this important policy change as my first act as Lake County Recorder and to offer our Veterans a way to preserve their discharge documents along with providing them with a convenient State I.D. This is a stronger program instituted at the state level and we are thankful for the efforts both statewide and nationally.”

The Lake County Recorder's Office maintains the county’s land records. The first Lake County Ohio Deed was recorded on April 16, 1840. Recorder Becky Lynch is the 25th Lake County Recorder. Each day recordings are scanned, indexed and preserved by some of the most modern methods available.

RECORDER BECKY LYNCH IMPROVES ALERT TO FIGHT PROPERTY FRAUD

October 3, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; Lake County Recorder Lynch improves Property Fraud Alert Service making it more secure for homeowners in Lake County. In these increased times of digital communications, we see ever more stories on property fraud/ home title theft from cybercriminals! Monitor your property’s document activity in both personal and business names and in names of relatives who might benefit from additional assistance, since property document scams will often target the elderly, vacant properties, or the recently deceased. With our Fidlar Technologies, Inc. Property Fraud Alert Service, you will be alerted of Official Records being recorded in the name/s you have registered. It is a comprehensive way to help detect property fraud and provide protection at no cost to the subscriber.

Please remember, the alert alone will not stop cybercriminals, so don’t be misled, but it will give you the opportunity to take action stop it. “When I was elected Recorder, this valuable program was left to die on the proverbial political vine, but I could not allow that to happen. This is an awesome complimentary service provided by our longtime vendor Fidlar Technologies, Inc. and so I asked them to sign Lake County up so we could help fight property fraud in Lake County!” said Recorder Becky Lynch.

Improvements were made immediately when Recorder Lynch saw that the customer consent box needed to be checked by the customer only. Lynch confirmed the proper signup procedures with the Prosecutor, securing registration integrity, and then Property Fraud Alert was made available by online registration only. This is now a true, very helpful, and directly customer-registered way to fight property fraud!

Recorder Lynch makes Property Fraud Alert available for your property protection, and encourages Realtors to share it with their real estate customers. At www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com click “Sign Up for Property Fraud Alert” at the Lake County Link.

The Lake County Recorder's Office preserves, protects and maintains your land records. The first Lake County Ohio Deed was recorded April 16, 1840. Each day your recordings are scanned, indexed and preserved by some of the most modern methods available.

RECORDER BECKY LYNCH HELPS US FIGHT PROPERTY FRAUD

September 3, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; Lake County Recorder Property Fraud Alert Services are offered by the County from Recorder Becky Lynch’s Office. Everyday new stories emerge that underscore the importance of being aware of the security of our property, especially in these increased times of digital communications and remote access. Ohio is no stranger to cyber threats. A recent article from the National Notary Association reminds its readers that “some forged documents don’t come to light for a decade or more...In the case of fraud against a family member, it often is not discovered until the property owner dies and the heirs realize their inheritance is gone!”

Recorder Becky Lynch says, “Property Fraud Alert is available for your property protection.” Realtors and land professionals could also share this service with their customers. Lake County residents, property owners, family historians and other interested parties can visit the website at www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com and click on the “Sign Up for Property Fraud Alert” Link.

Subscribers can sign up to monitor both personal and business names, as well as names of relatives who might benefit from additional assistance, as often times, property document scams will target the elderly, vacant properties, the recently deceased, or families in dire economic situations. With Property Fraud Alert, subscribers will be made aware of official records being recorded in their name, including Power of Attorney, Deed transfer documents, Mortgage documents, and many of the other document types kept on Official Record. The PFA program is available 24/7 and is a comprehensive way to help detect property fraud and provide community protection at no cost to the subscriber.

The Recorder's Office maintains land records. The first Lake County Ohio Deed was recorded April 16, 1840. Documents that are submitted for recording, are scanned, indexed and preserved by some of the most modern methods available to allow for secure access. The County Recorder's office fuels economic stabilizers for interests such as; accurate land ownership, title transfers and mortgage histories. These are good measures for our economic health. For additional details on the PFA Product Information visit: https://fidlar.com/PropertyFraudAlert.aspx.

Email Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov

Office 440-350-2510

Cell 678-662-8839

For Immediate Release:

LAKE COUNTY RECORDER ‘ESSENTIALLY’ BLESSED!

DONATES $500 TO LOCAL CHARITY

April 20, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; When the Lake County Recorder Office was declared ‘essential’ by the Governor they could not ‘stay home’, cut back staff or remote work. So they adapted and became essentially blessed! Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch credits the outstanding performance of her deputies during the Covid challenges! “After the crisis-changes and ‘essential’ designation, we stayed true to form and dedicated to purpose,” says Lynch, “our staff has braved the storm of Covid like the true professionals they are.” When the county buildings needed to limit access, we reacted by accommodating customers with drop-box deliveries and extended temporary services to help keep recording services accomplished. Each day a steady and productive effort is achieved by the Recorder Office Staff, to preserve the ‘essentially’ reconfigured ‘routine’ during the crisis.

Recorder Lynch appreciates her staff and all their extra efforts have not gone unnoticed. Today, Lynch received a letter of recognition and appreciation from long time technology vendor Fidlar Technologies, Inc., for Lake County and the Recorder Office, “The responsibilities that your office and the county provide are one of those essential services that people depend on. As your land records vendor, we are incredibly honored to call all of you our partners”, said Fidlar Technologies Owners Ernest Riggen and Dave Steil, “You understand the impact of halting the recording of documents and you have found ways to keep functioning, while still protecting your staff and constituents.”

Out of the darkness of Covid comes the light of well-placed confidence in good partnerships! Recorder Becky Lynch says, “We are all ‘essentially’ blessed, I’m thankful and honored to lead the Recorder efforts in Lake County with the gift of a great staff...the ‘essential’ part of the equation!” Fidlar Technologies, Inc. has participated in the successes of the Lake County Recorder Office in many ways over more than 20 years. The Recorder accepts and acknowledges this wonderful gesture for our community, “To thank you for your efforts and partnership, we are offering a donation of $500 to the local charity of your choice. In these trying, times, we believe it’s important to give back and support the communities who are so vital to our customers.” Congratulations to Lake County and the Recorder Office!

For more information, contact the Lake County Recorder’s office at 440-350-2510.

Recorder Services Status update #9: April 14, 2020

Dear Customers: At your Lake County Recorder office we are balancing the requirements of multiple governmental directives while keeping your recordings current.

Recorder’s Office updates can be found at www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com general county updates are posted at https://www.LakeCountyOhio.gov. Find the latest news on the health emergency at www.lcghd.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/. Thank you for your patience!

Sincerely, Becky Becky Lynch Lake County Recorder

RECORDING SERVICES: 1) Send by mail 2) Put in Dropbox 3) eRecord

MAIL: Lake County Recorder - Admin Building C – Suite C001 - 105 Main St - Painesville, Ohio 44077 Please include payment and SASE for document return. (Recorder Office: 440-350-2510)

DROPBOX: Located inside the foyer of the ADMIN CENTER Building.

1) Please put each filing in its own separate large envelope with correct fees.

2) Include a stamped return envelope & contact information in case we need to reach you.

3) Recorder Business dropped in this box/file drawer is retrieved several times each day.

4) Your Recorded document images are immediately available online upon Recording at www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com

PLEASE NOTE: If a deed is transferred but is not recordable, we will try to reach you for correction. If we cannot reach you and your filing is not recordable, it will be sent back to you. This may cause delays.

Becky Lynch, Lake County Recorder Office: 440-350-2510 – Cell: 678-662-8839 Email: Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov Recorder Website: www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com IMPORTANT NOTE: We are accepting documents (including deeds) by mail. County website: www.LakeCountyOhio.gov

E-RECORDING:

Lake County Recorder accepts eRecordings from ant of these submitting vendors. Corporation Service Company (866) 652-0111 www.erecording.com eRecording Partners Network (888) 325-3365 www.GOePN.com Indecomm Global Services (877) 272- 5250 www.inteledocdirect.net Simplifile (800) 460-5657 www.simplifile.com

HB197-APPOINTMENTS RECORDER RECORDS ROOM & ARCHIVES: The Lake County Recorder Office operations are open. For H.B. 197 Appointments please email Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov – we will work with customers for access to the Records Room while the Ohio Governor’s Emergency, The Ohio Health Department Directive, The Lake County Commissioner Building Closure and the Ohio Legislature H.B. 197 Amended Emergency plans are in place, prioritizing the safety and health of our staff and customers. Lake County Recorder Land Records begin in 1840. Books from 1840-1996 are located at 105 Main St., Painesville, Ohio. Indexes are online from 1986 and Images are online from 1991. Recorder Website is www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com Email requests for public records to RecorderPublicRecordRequest@LakeCountyOhio.gov Passed on March 25, 2020 - Am.Sub. H.B. No. 197 As Concurred by the House Pages 727/728 Section 21. (A) During the period of the emergency declared by Executive Order 2020-01D, issued on March 9, 2020, and notwithstanding an order or directive from the court of common pleas or the board of county commissioners, the office of a county recorder, the office of a county auditor, the title office of a clerk of court of common pleas, and the county map office shall remain open and operational in order to allow land professionals physical access to the office as necessary to search records that are not otherwise available online, digital, or by some other means, so long as all necessary public land records are available. The office may provide such access during limited hours and for a limited duration, and may subject searchers to requirements and restrictions in the interest of public health. The office may allow persons other than land professionals’ physical access to the office at the discretion of the office during such limited hours, for such limited duration, and subject to such requirements and restrictions in the interest of public health as the office determines. All essential services to effectuate a property transfer shall remain open and available with all offices. THE LAKE COUNTY RECORDER PHYSICAL RECORDS GUIDELINES MUST CONSIDER SEVERAL DIRECTIVES. LIMITS ON TIMES AND REQUIREMENTS TO SPACE AND SANITIZING ARE IMPORTANT FOR ALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE. –BECKY LYNCH, RECORDER

ACCESS TO RECORDS/RESEARCH ONLINE: www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS:

RecorderPublicRecordRequest@LakeCountyOhio.gov Lake County Recorder Land Records begin in 1840. Books from 1840-1996 are located at 105 Main St., Painesville, Ohio. Indexes are online from 1986 and Images are online from 1991. THANK YOU! Becky Lynch, Recorder Update #9 – April 14, 2020

For Immediate Release:

Recorder Becky Lynch Re-Opens Records Room

April 24, 2020 – Painesville, Ohio; Monday April 27, 2020 the Lake County Recorder Records Room will be re-opened from 8am to 4pm during business days. It will no longer be necessary or Land Professionals to make an HB197-appointment. “Our land professionals need to be able to carry on their business.” said Recorder Becky Lynch. “When The Ohio Legislature passed HB197, some hurdles proved higher than others, I’m confident all parties will respect the national, state and local laws and Coronavirus health directives in place.” HB197 affects the Recorder, and other offices. Lake County Government Offices have continued operations.

Since March 17, 2020 building access was limited which closed the Recorder Records Room. Upon passage of HB197, guidance and authority for all County Recorders across Ohio to open up access to records, was provided. Lake County’s Recorder Becky Lynch could then consider a viable way to open Recorder areas within existing building access limits. In compliance with existing directives, those who need access to the Recorder’s areas will continue to be subject to rules for entry to the building.

According to Lynch, to gain access to the Records Room, let the Officer on duty know that your business is with the Recorder. With Records Room access expanded, Recorder Public Records requests fulfilled by Recorder staff will be charged according to O.R.C. at $2.00 per page. Be advised that there will be obvious changes in our operations for the health and safety of staff and customers such as the distancing and sanitizing requirements.

Once the building becomes open, the Lake County Recorder will continue to accept Deeds and other transfer documents by mail. If you record daily and require same day recording, be in the Recorder Office by 4:00pm with all approvals completed. Recorder Lynch has approved of electronic recording of Deeds and transfer documents. “Our office is already eRecording other document types and this would be a welcome additional service, it will help immensely with the flow of real estate transactions, once fully installed,” said Lynch. She believes that the timing for proactively preparing to add this security and convenience is now. Please contact the Recorder for information.

Contact: Becky Lynch

Phone: 440-350-2510 Cell: 678-662-8839

Email: Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov

For Immediate Release:

RECORDER LYNCH EDUCATES ON HB 197,

RECORDER OFFICE STRONGER!

April 10, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch and the Lake County Board of Commissioners were the target of a premature letter writing campaign on April 1 st . Recorder Lynch actually thought that it was an April Fools’ Joke! This was an advocacy form letter used to target public officials to act on HB 197. The idea that one ‘tiny but powerful county’, as Recorder Lynch refers to her county, could be ‘accused of causing the real estate industry sky to fall’ was a long shot! “I answered every single one of those letters and worked all week to reach the LGAAR Board and finally had a very productive conversation with President Piraino,” said Recorder Lynch.

Shortly after the Ohio State Legislature passed the emergency relief measure for COVID-19 on March 25 th , including HB 197, which stated physical records kept by the county recorders, “shall remain open and operational” the ‘land professionals’, realtors in this case, sprang into action for their industry family members like title companies, who rely on this access to search property ownership.

Of course this law was meant to help open access in the midst of the Governor’s earlier emergency declaration, the one that led to the shut down the March 17 th Primary Election. Due to this, many local and county governments closed buildings and court houses in the interest of public health. The Lake County Commissioners kept the lights on and offices operational, but closed county buildings to the public for public health. For the Recorder offices, the effect was that the actual Public Record Books in their care (in these buildings) was then closed off from the public. When news came that records rooms would be opened by passage of HB 197, those who needed access took action.

The ‘rest of the story’ or statute, in this case, says that recorders “may subject searchers to requirements and restrictions in the interest of public health.” Recorder Lynch diligently crafted a plan of access by appointment like many other Ohio recorders did, for their records access, keeping the safety of staff and customers the primary concern while allowing for ‘restricted’ access in compliance with HB 197.

Operations for many offices in many counties have had to be altered for the very same reasons. What a surprise to receive this onslaught after working to satisfy all the different directives of multiple laws. “I find the big picture view the best way to pick battles and then, what could have been a setback turns into a lesson, in this instance, an opportunity to educate on HB 197,” Lynch said, “This makes us stronger!” For more information, contact the Lake County Recorder’s office at 440-350-2510.

Contact Becky Lynch for information

Office 440-350-2510 Cell 678-662-8839

For Immediate Release:

RECORDER NOW ACCEPTING DEEDS BY MAIL

SUSPENDS 15-YEAR POLICY

April 7, 2020 Painesville, Ohio; Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch has suspended longstanding policy which was one reason that deeds were returned since 2005. This action is among many changes to routine operations during the covid19 crisis. Changing this policy will certainly help! “We will accept deeds by mail, courier, and by way of the Recorder Dropbox effective immediately,” said Recorder Lynch. Please be sure to keep multiple document filings in separate envelopes and check with the Recorder Office for proper payment amount if needed.

This adjustment to operations will help keep commerce, especially in the real estate sector, moving along in the county during these uncertain times. “Our office puts the icing on the cupcakes of deed transfers which land professionals rely upon for stable, current and consistent property knowledge,” said Lynch. The Recorder Office staff was classified by Ohio’s Governor DeWine as ‘government essential’ to achieve this important economic function. The recording process involves several steps depending on the type of document being recorded. When a person buys a house or a company expands its holdings, the deeds need to be transferred from one owner to the next, after the transfer approval stamp, the Recorder makes it official. The Official Records are found in the Recorder Public Record. The Lake County Recorder files over 200 different document types within their new, state of the art, AVID land records computer system. The Recorder Office Deputies have logged in decades of service recognizing the most accurate and efficient recording process for customers. “We like to be certain that the deeds are recordable before transfers in order to avoid delays or any issues prior to recording,” Recorder Lynch recommended, “and that’s why recording starts with The Recorder.” This is one light to shine through the darkness that coronavirus brings. Let’s keep working and finding more lights. Stay safe everyone.

For more information, contact the Lake County Recorder’s office at 440-350-2510. Guidelines are updated regularly at the Recorder website

www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com.

Contact Becky Lynch for information

Office 440-350-2510 Cell 678-662-8839

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2020 – Painesville, Ohio

On March 17, when the Lake County Commissioners announced the closure of county buildings to the public, work continued in county government from another perspective!

How does the job get done when the customers can’t be the customers? Since July 5, 2005 it was Recorder policy to not accept Deeds or other documents transferring an interest in real estate by mail, due to the many approvals needed. Each day customers travel the county government hallways getting these approvals. But now customers can’t get in the building! Does this important economic engine then come to a halt? Not in Lake County where three departments got together and improvised! They figured out how to ‘keep the economic motor runnin’! Documents can now be dropped at a designated location and securely ‘walked through’ the maze of approvals, ultimately landing right where it needs to be, the Recorder’s Office, where the magic happens and the Official Public Record expands. The dedicated staff at the Lake County Recorder Office gets the job done for the county economy even while the county building is closed!

Thankfully, three county leaders found a way and the Recorder, Engineer and Auditor keep the transfers flowing through the multiple steps. Recorder Lynch, then crafted an authorization statement to accompany the filings and ensure an organized and productive outcome for customers. This process is working so far and the level of business activity in the Recorder Department is staying strong. In addition, Recorder Lynch has implemented a fast track for Lake County to electronically record Deeds and transfer documents which, once operational, can insulate these document types from filing volatility in the future. Business-minded Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch says, “Timing is key for this excellent process, we are proactively preparing to offer this added convenience and security for Recording Department customers.”

Finally, Recorder Office services and access to records continues with added effort from our staff giving new meaning to excellent customer service! Recorder Lynch added, “Thanks to all personnel and elected officials who have taken great care to keep our people safe during this challenging time, our sincere appreciation to every citizen for your patience!”

Contact: Becky Lynch

Phone: 440-350-2510 Cell: 678-662-8839

Email: Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov

Website: www.LakeCountyOhioRecorder.com

March 19, 2020

For Release;

For Release;

Lake County Ohio Recorder Staff secures $108,183.00 for the county

View the story here.

Becky.Lynch@LakeCountyOhio.gov

440-350-2510

View PDF here

View PDF here

Click here for the full press release and images.

Contact: Becky Lynch, Lake County Recorder

Office: 440-350-2510 Direct: 440-350-2508

Email: becky.lynch@lakecountyohio.gov

For Immediate Release: Lake County Ohio; Painesville

Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch Announces Unanimous Passage of Legislation to Protect Ohio Homeowners

Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch announced today that legislation to help protect Ohio’s homeowners, seniors and other unsuspecting populations against deceptive marketing practices, has unanimously passed both the House and Senate Chambers. Amended House Bill 52 comes in response to deed solicitation scams which have plagued many Ohioans, including first time homeowners and our senior citizens, whereby companies will send official looking notifications that a homeowner may need a copy of their deed, and then in order to obtain their deed copy, they will charge typically in the range of $80.00 to $90.00. Homeowners can typically obtain a copy of their deed from the county recorder’s office for a minimal fee.

Amended House Bill 52, makes several reforms to regulate this solicitation of real property deeds.

Among the provisions under Amended House Bill 52 it is required that specific disclosures be make to consumers when they are solicited a fee for real property deeds. These include; showing the cost to obtain the deed from the county recorder, listing the contact information for the county recorder, informing the name and address of the person soliciting the fee.

The bill also prohibits charging more than four times the cost to obtain a copy of a deed from the county recorder. A violation of these requirements falls under the Ohio Consumer Practices Act and may result in a fine. The bill was sent to the Governor for his signature and was signed into law 2/8/2018, effective 90 days from the signed date.

For more information, contact the Lake County Recorder’s office at 440-350-2510

For Immediate Release: Lake County Ohio; Painesville

Lake County Lost and FOUND! $108,183.00

'Where I come from, you get what you pay for and if not, you get a re-fund', Becky Lynch responded to the vendor who fell short of delivering on a major media conversion project in the Lake County Recorder Office.

In 2015 the project was contracted to scan in and upload five years of regular document images from 1986 to 1991 into thousands of online digital format. It took longer than anticipated and subcontractor timing and scanning errors piled up, causing mistakes in thousands of document images. After five months of trying to resolve a virtual of document errors and irregularities, discovered intermittently throughout the project, the newly elected Recorder, Becky Lynch, decided that accuracy and completeness of the Public Record was too important to leave to chance. She says, the right thing to do if a contract is unfulfilled, is to get your money back. The invoices had all been paid in 2016 and the money was spent, but that did not deter the free-market thinking, business-minded Recorder. Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch deposited back to Lake County, $108,183.00 on June 1, 2017. These tax dollars, almost lost but now FOUND, were thankfully rescued, and will be put to better use for the people of Lake County.

Contact: Becky Lynch, Lake County Recorder

Office: 440-350-2510 Direct: 440-350-2508

Email: becky.lynch@lakecountyohio.gov