OTS Title Search vs Searching it Myself

[MHT]

Having read through most of the posts on here I have noticed that many people prefer to use the Ontario Tax Sales title search product.  Being a Realtor and having access to Geowarehouse/Teranet I can pull the title search at home or I have previously gone to the registry office myself to search title.  Is the main/only benefit to using the OTS product that they give it to you in plain english or is there more to it?  I'm just curious as to whether it is worth the additional cost or not when I already have access and believe that I can understand what I am looking at without having a plain english version.  I am always up for using a better product if it is worth the cost though.  Thoughts? 

[Rob]

Having read through most of the posts on here I have noticed that many people prefer to use the Ontario Tax Sales title search product.  Being a Realtor and having access to Geowarehouse/Teranet I can pull the title search at home or I have previously gone to the registry office myself to search title.  Is the main/only benefit to using the OTS product that they give it to you in plain english or is there more to it?  I'm just curious as to whether it is worth the additional cost or not when I already have access and believe that I can understand what I am looking at without having a plain english version.  I am always up for using a better product if it is worth the cost though.  Thoughts?  

In your case I wouldn't purchase a membership just for the title search product.  But, I think they offer additional benefits like having pictures of certain featured properties.  I personally don't know, someone else will have to answer that.


You have the ability to perform title searches on your own (and have done so professionally).  I'd sell/trade/give that ability to other members on the board looking for specific property title searches.   I get the sense other members really need a service like that..   It might also be a good way to partner up with someone with more experience...

[PG]

As a lawyer, I too can search property title, however, OTS offers greater value than just providing  a print out of the title. I was impressed in that in addition to receiving the title search, I also received a personal property registry search against the current owner of the property and also confirmation that the owners were not involved in any litigation that may attach to the property.

For the cost of the service, and for the fact that I understand the time involved in doing all of those searches, I find OTS to be excellent value, regardless if I could do the searches myself.

The only caveat that I would add is that claims of adverse possession  or "squatters rights" would not appear on any title. If the neighboring property has been using the tax property for more than 15 years, there may be a claim against the tax property that you may have to deal with.

[MHT]

Thank you both for your feedback. 

[MHT]

As a lawyer, I too can search property title, however, OTS offers greater value than just providing  a print out of the title. I was impressed in that in addition to receiving the title search, I also received a personal property registry search against the current owner of the property and also confirmation that the owners were not involved in any litigation that may attach to the property.

For the cost of the service, and for the fact that I understand the time involved in doing all of those searches, I find OTS to be excellent value, regardless if I could do the searches myself.

The only caveat that I would add is that claims of adverse possession  or "squatters rights" would not appear on any title. If the neighboring property has been using the tax property for more than 15 years, there may be a claim against the tax property that you may have to deal with.

Just a follow up question.....are these searches also available at the registry office or is this something done elsewhere?  Thanks.

[Pfm1011]

The only caveat that I would add is that claims of adverse possession  or "squatters rights" would not appear on any title. If the neighboring property has been using the tax property for more than 15 years, there may be a claim against the tax property that you may have to deal with.

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought adverse possession is only 12 years and requires the property to be fenced off completely and privacy enforced  for the entire period so it is actually quite rare.


As per OTS , They are reasonable and although I am on teranet, I still use them occasionally....That said..they originally only advertised their own featured propertys. The now advertise every property that is up for tax sale ,  Now every clown is bidding near retail as they have eliminated all research .  I can only suggest paying to join them is counter productive as they are elimating every deal out there.

 It was ok when he only advertised the properties he was involved with but sticking his nose in the rest has destroyed the market single handedly.. So paying to join Ontario tax sales is literally giving bullets to the enemy

I used to complain but say I was a tourist who found a great beach but complained when another tourist showed...Unfortunately now OTS is bringing twenty bus loads a day to the beach and has destroyed it

[MHT]

If I'm not mistaken, so long as the property is registered under Land Titles, there are no adverse possession worries (I'm not looking at going up north and competing with these guys for islands!!).

I had thought that it was 10 years for adverse possession and 20 years for prescriptive rights but thankfully I never have to deal with these issues around here.

[Pfm1011]

You are right..and you are wrong.. Under the land titles act adverse possession claims do not apply but a claim can still  be made for possesion starting prior to the land title conversion and it would be a valid claim.

So you still have to watch out for it. But unless the land is fully surrounded by a solid , well maintained fence , you don't have to even consider it.  

Here is a case that gives a good rundown of the current law

http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2007/2007canlii17024/2007canlii17024.html

And yes it is ten years  , my mistake ,,but I dont claim to be a lawyer