Messages

1

Member Experiences / Re: Talking to the Owner

« on: October 27, 2009, 06:58:10 PM »

Thanks to all for the information.  I see I have a lot to learn and I will definitely take the advice that was offered.  I have one question about the soft costs though.  Once I have done my due diligence and have put down my deposit and lose the bid, I get my deposit back don't I?   Wouldn't I just be out of pocket for the title searches and my time and gas?

Also, regarding title searches, is there any way of doing them on line so I don't have to drive all over the country?  One last question, I have noticed on the Gazette that there are tax sales in different locations on the same day and I can't be in two places at once.  Is there a method of dealing with this or must I do the obvious and hire someone to go in my place?

This is a great site.  I hope to become a contributor at some point rather than a recipient.

2

Meetings / Gatherings / Re: Meetings and Gatherings - Possible Fall Get Together

« on: October 26, 2009, 09:48:42 PM »

My spouse and I would be interested, however, we are about 2+ hours from Toronto.  Anything coming up in the Newmarket area?  We are 50 minutes away from there.

3

Member Experiences / Re: Talking to the Owner

« on: October 26, 2009, 09:17:05 PM »

I am new to this site so forgive me if I am asking dumb questions.  I am a quick learner so shouldn't be a pain in the butt for long.  Regarding talking to the owner...I haven't done this, however, if you read the Robert Kyosoki investment and Robert Allen books regarding real estate investing,  that is exactly what they tell you to do.  So, although I am not defending Domino, I can see why he thought this was a good idea.  I can honestly say that it never occurred to me that by asking questions directly to the owner that I could "queer" the deal but after reading all of the posts, I now understand why that could be a problem.

One poster said not to park in the driveway, don't talk to the neighbours and above all, don't talk to the owner.  What are you supposed to do?  Buy a property blind?  Where do you go to get the information you need? I cannot afford to have a title search done on every tax sale that appeals to me only to be outbid or have the sale canceled the day before sale date. I have lost my pension and most of what I had in the stock market so if I don't do something for my retirement, I will be living in a cardboard box under a bridge somewhere.

Please spare me any sarcasm and just give me the facts.  I am probably old enough to be your grandmother and would appreciate being addressed as you would your grandmother.