Seguin results

[speedfreeksteve]

First the disclaimer. I did get the package for this property and then talked to the town treasurer who claimed it was landlocked and had a provincial lien. I then shared this information on this forum and didn't plan on even checking it out. Fast forward a week and a half later and I just happened to be in the area so I checked it out. Here's what I found:

Property was abutting a short right of way road, and is just behind a property that is across the street from waterfront cottages on Horseshoe Lake. Due to the higher elevation around this lake, from certain parts of the property you can see the lake. With some added fill brought in, a nice lakeview on much of the property could likely be achieved. The property is technically landlocked but has access to 3 right of ways one of which gives it access to the small right of way road. It's in a cottage community where I encountered friendly locals strolling up the road with drinks in hand both times I checked the property out. After witnessing all of this in person I went from almost no interest in this property to alot of interest.

The results of the tender was as follows:

3 bids - highest bid $11,202

I was the highest bidder.

One thing that does concern me though is that the treasurer said the bidders would be notified after the lawyers look over the bids. Is this normal for this process?

[Rob]

Send the cheque as quickly as possible then get the deed to complete the sale.  If the lawyers try to refuse the sale based on 'whatever grounding' you will have a stronger legal case if you have already send in the money and obtained the deed. 

[Frank]

One thing that does concern me though is that the treasurer said the bidders would be notified after the lawyers look over the bids. Is this normal for this process?

Congratulations Speed, I've said it time and again - trust no one.  I have come across several situations where I believe that neighbours and/or town officials have purposesly attempted to midlead, and then had their brothers, etc.  show up at the sale. 

It is quite normal for these tenders to be sent to the lawyers, just in case some guy comes along and sues them over a penny error (you know).  Also, it is the lawyers that will draw up the deed so they need the correct spelling of your name for the land transfer document.  I wouldn't waste any time getting the money over to the town, and in one case I didn't wait for them to give me a figure - I added $10,000 to my bid (to cover gst, land transfer, etc) and gave it to them (credit later of course for any excess), and said give me the deed quickly.  Danger is the old owner awakens and comes forward and you are out.  This can happen any time until the new deed is registered in your name, so you want to cut our any delay points such as the town finally figuring out your total and you can't get there for three days.

[worldjohn]

what happened with the Provincial lien?  Was the treasurer lying? Are they allowed to?

[speedfreeksteve]

what happened with the Provincial lien?  Was the treasurer lying? Are they allowed to?

I have no idea about where the provincial lien info came from. When I had search done for executions against the property they were all for municipal taxes.

As for claiming it was "completely landlocked".. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they didn't know that the property has 3 right-of-ways and was easily accessible with a road going right up to it.

[pjwlk]

I added $10,000 to my bid (to cover gst, land transfer, etc) and gave it to them (credit later of course for any excess), and said give me the deed quickly.

Frank, a quick question.  What's your secret in getting government employees to hurry things up? ...lol

[Frank]

Frank, a quick question.  What's your secret in getting government employees to hurry things up? ...lol
[/quote]

Rule #1 - don't harrass them
Rule #2 - be nice, they are all human beings too.

Don't forget that running a tax sale is usually a job that they do once or twice a year at best, and in many cases it is only every five years.  Some of the people running the sales have never run them before, or do so very sporadically.  They all have other taxing jobs (pun intended) to perform on a regular basis, and running a sale is something they don't usually have time to do (and in many cases, the in dept knowledge), but they are expected to run it smoothly and without a hitch.  The delays are usually with the corporate legal departments, who are also over-run with work - and they are humans as well, if they are busy (and they usually are), then only the squeaky wheels will get greased.

Be specific in terms of asking them for timelines.  Be prompt with whatever is required on your end, especially money - and if indoubt as to the exact amount required, then give them extra if they'll take it, you will get a credit for any overpayment on your tax account.  Follow-up with them only if they have failed to make the timelines that were agreed on.

That's it, just be as friendly and accomodating as you can be, and hope for a quick return.  Make sure that they understand the reason for your urgency, many of them are still unaware of the fact that these properties can be redeemed right up to the registration of your deed, and are under an assumption that it is a done deal, and you have no worries.