Should serious bidders buy tax sales 'Seasonally'

[Dave2]

In reviewing my personal tax sale successes and non successes one thing that stands out is the seasonal pattern of my personal success.  My batting average from late fall to early spring is quite decent.  In summer / early fall to put it mildly it 'sucks' as I seem to have little success.

What is even more interesting is if I seriously look at bids that won a number of the summer properties and had a chance to rebid $10 above the winning bid I would not be interested.   

Its not just me.  If I look at townships where we can see who the winner is, in general people I would consider as Pro's are not winning in summer.  The amateurs are.

There was an old saying in the stock market for Penny mines; which said; 'Sell in May and go away (for the summer).  Maybe for tax sales we should be doing the same thing.   

I know the problem(s) of winter buying and its difficulty of examining rural property.   Maybe however its the time the members of this board should be active. 

Any one else notice the same pattern?  Maybe we should all give Rob a summer vacation?

Dave2
 

[worldjohn]

Looking at it, I see the same pattern  All my wins have come in fall or winter.  I think summer brings out the overbidders.

[Rob]

I think there are a few reasons for that.  Most properties come out spring / fall when council is sitting so reduced inventory can be reason.  I think March and late September/ early October seem to be the best time for inventory. But the biggest problem is the weather.  A fun summer time drive to see a property and explore the area can be a lot more fun in the summer compared to late fall or winter.    People are in the mind frame of getting a cottage or property.  Winter comes and all is forgotten.


"Maybe we should all give Rob a summer vacation?"

I'll take it!