Property Searching Tip

QUICK UPDATE: This may be only available in Michigan. I was trying to search the software for other States real quick and didn't find one yet. Let me know if you find it and pass the information on so everyone can utilize this awesome tool in other states.

Hey Everyone, I have read and heard some podcasts lately about people not finding out about back taxes until coming to the closing table.

I recently (this past weekend) had another opportunity to purchase some properties, and on seller finance, from another investor. The claim was that just hasn't had time to do the repairs and has been sitting on them.

Long story short as I am actually interested in one of the 3 properties, the seller doesn't realize I know about the back taxes. So I asked for some numbers and more information about the property when he called me Sunday. I have yet to hear back from him now.

Listen, these sellers know they have back taxes. Statements are sent out usually two times a year with this information. But if they want to try and hide it, and it happens, then you need to be armed with the right information from the start.

In 2003 I started teaching myself to research properties. I didn't have any money so I was on a mission to find FREE information. Since then I have accumulated some great sites to do research on. But the one I am sharing with everyone today is specifically for property history and tax researching.

BS & A Software Internet Services site ( link is counties in Michigan, but you should be able to do a search for you State online or find a link somewhere within this link) allows you to look up lots of property history. Many cities post their information on this site. Some cities charge and many are free. Not all cities utilize this site but in any case it is definitely a handy tool to have in your tool box.

The only thing I suggest is that you cross check it with the corresponding County records because sometimes the city level doesn't update as fast as the County level. Many Counties offer property tax search for free but will not give you the amount unless you pay for a copy of the tax statement.

How much does this cost? Well, BS & A Software Internet Services is usually $2 per report. Make sure you print it because once you leave that page, you have to pay again.

As for County level, in my area anyways, is also $2 per statement.

So I hope this helps everyone who is worried about back taxes and whether the seller is being honest or not. Do your research. I do this usually before ever looking at a property. This helps me calculate an offer that much faster.

Best wishes to everyone on BP.