Is there a quicker way to identify waterfront property from tax sale lists?

[baz]

Hello,  The tax sale list provide very little physical / geographical description.  Is there a quick way to identify from the tax sales lists waterfront property at first glance?  Any assistance/ suggestions is appreciated.  Thanks

[Pawel]

If you are a real estate agent or have a friend that is, many agents have the rights to the online system which gives more property details. Otherwise, doing internet searches, making phone calls, or physically going to the properties will be the only way. I guess the easiest way (if available) is finding out the municipal address and searching it on the internet - Google maps or something related. You will not know the specifics of the property although this will give you an initial understanding of the area and the site you will be dealing with.

[Pfm1011]

The easiest is to subscribe to a teranet access software, but that is 3 k a year.

For Free you can download Google earth which is a great mapping  program. I use it, get the aerials, get directions etc.  I have all the property's that I am  interested in marked out on google earth .

Additionally many towns have mapping software on their websites which show zoning, flood plains etc

Thirdly you can use claim maps which show lots and concessions, watercourses, hydro lines etc.  As long as you can get within a few miles, you can then  use the lots and concessions to land on the property. Claimsmaps also shows claims which when buying in the north , you really need that as under the law , your lovely property can be a open pit mine in a year unless you own the mineral rights. Some charming feelow can come along and stake a claim and there is absolutely nothing you cando about it and you only get paid for the trees he cut down

There is no free software that will show actual Land title pins so although the description may say Part lot ...which part of the lot?

Ontariotaxsales.ca is your best bet. The tender packs are 10 bucks which give you descriptions, assessed value ( which really is no true reflection of value) and maps   I usually check out the listings and , If I am interested at all I then spend the 10 bucks.  Reality is what is your time worth. Also you dont need to be a member to get the packages.But you do need to be a member to buy title searches.

I have teranet for my business and I still use Ontariotaxsales as I couldnt do a full title search with the survey etc for less  then twice what they charge.

Then if are serious on a piece, they will do the full land title etc for 100 to 130 . Its a proper one, not just a 29 dollar teranet print out

(Ok Ontario taxsales..theres your plug..give me a few free title searches hahaha)

The biggest problem with waterfront property and tax sales, Most are unbuildable as they are too small or the geology wont allow
for septic ( rock) In addition, it is very hard to get the flood plain, zoning, conservation maps etc .

Great you have 300 ft of frontage , which is solid rock and a dodo was seen there 500 years ago so it is now protected land

Mind you there are exceptions. at rideau lake last week I think that little cottage went for 102, which is an alright deal as Im sure its worth 150min

[baz]

Thanks very much to Pawel and PFM1011 for your response and advice.  It would seem that "due diligence" as suggested in many of the postings is the best advice given.  I'll try out the tools suggested and see if I can figure this out.  Much appreciated.