Bedford does not make you pass a point-of-sale inspection to sell right now, but it does require a Certificate of Transfer before title can change hands, and that starts with a $40 special assessment search paid by check. Knowing that before you sign saves a surprise at the title company.
ACC Solutions buys houses in any condition in Cleveland and across Cuyahoga County, including Bedford. We buy as-is, with no agent fees, no commissions, and no repairs or cleaning on your end. This page explains Bedford's transfer steps from the city's own page, checked November 8, 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.
The Bedford Steps Before Title Can Transfer
- Special assessment search ($40, check only). The city calls this the first step. It verifies liens or special assessments tied to the property so they can be acknowledged and paid. Mail the property address, parcel number if you have it, buyer and seller information if available, and a $40 check payable to the City of Bedford to the Finance Department, 165 Center Road, Bedford, OH 44146.
- Certificate of Transfer (no fee). The city says this certificate is needed to transfer title. The Building Department needs the buyer's name, phone and email; whether the property will be owner-occupied, rental, or rehab/resale; the buyer's own contact details if it won't be owner-occupied; and the title company's fax or email so the certificate can be sent.
- Out-of-state buyers need a local contact. If the buyer is out of state, the city asks for a local agent or property management company's address, phone and email.
- Email the Building Department at Building@bedfordoh.gov or call (440) 735-6530. The office is at Bedford City Hall, 165 Center Road, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What About the Point-of-Sale Inspection?
The city's page says that as of Friday, May 13, 2016, Bedford enacted a freeze on all point-of-sale inspections. That is why sellers here are asked for the special assessment search and Certificate of Transfer rather than an inspection report. Rules like this can change, so ask the Building Department to confirm in writing that no inspection applies to your sale before you set a closing date.
Why the Special Assessment Search Can Slow a Sale
The search is mailed, paid by check, and handled by the Finance Department, so it isn't instant. Start it as soon as you have a buyer and a title company, not the week of closing. If it turns up a lien or assessment, it has to be acknowledged and paid for, which is the same issue a seller faces with back taxes. Our post on selling a house with delinquent property taxes in Cuyahoga County explains how that works.
How a Cash Sale to ACC Fits
- Any condition. We buy houses that need repairs, with mold, water or fire damage, and houses that are vacant or occupied.
- Any situation. Liens, behind on taxes or mortgage, code violations, foreclosure, divorce, an inherited house, or tired of being a landlord.
- No agent fees or commissions. No listing, open houses, repairs or cleaning. We pay closing costs.
- Your closing date. You choose it, subject to the city steps above.
- No obligation. Asking for an offer costs nothing.
Tell us the address and any city notices you've received, and ask how the Bedford paperwork above would be handled in your sale. We can't pre-approve city requirements, but we can plan around them.
Bedford Questions Sellers Ask Before Calling
- "Do I need a repair list?" Not for a sale to us. We buy as-is.
- "Do I need to clear a lien first?" Not before you ask. Tell us about it. See selling a house with liens in Cleveland.
- "What if there are code violations?" We buy houses with them. Read selling a house with code violations.
- "I inherited it." See selling an inherited house in Cleveland.
Nearby cities we've written up: Maple Heights, Garfield Heights and Shaker Heights. Each has its own transfer rules, so don't assume Bedford's steps apply there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bedford require a point-of-sale inspection to sell a house?
The City of Bedford's Certificate of Transfer page says that as of May 13, 2016, the city enacted a freeze on all point-of-sale inspections. Confirm with the Building Department at (440) 735-6530 that nothing has changed before you sign.
What is a Certificate of Transfer in Bedford?
It is a certificate the Building Department issues, at no fee, that the city says is needed to transfer title. It is sent to the title company after the city has the buyer, property-use and title company information.
What is Bedford's special assessment search and what does it cost?
It is the first step to the Certificate of Transfer. The city verifies liens or special assessments on the property. The fee is $40.00, payable by check only, and the request is mailed to the Finance Department at 165 Center Road.
Can I sell my Bedford house as-is for cash to ACC Solutions?
Yes. ACC Solutions buys houses in any condition in Cleveland and across Cuyahoga County, including Bedford, with no agent fees, no commissions and no repairs or cleaning. Asking for an offer is free and carries no obligation.
Does ACC Solutions pay closing costs on a Bedford sale?
We pay closing costs. Ask us how the Bedford city steps, such as the $40 special assessment search, would be handled in your sale when you request an offer.
Request a No-Obligation Cash Offer for Your Bedford House
Start on our We Buy Houses Cleveland page or call (216) 238-5999. You can also use our contact form.
ACC Solutions team
Phone: (216) 238-5999
Email: support@accmgmtsolutions.com
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6545 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44721
City requirements quoted from the City of Bedford Certificate of Transfer and Building Department pages, checked November 8, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the city; this is general information, not legal advice.