Going, going, gone! Unpaid taxes leads to auction of land in Trinity
Chris Ensing | CBC News | Posted: September 7, 2016 8:30 AM | Last Updated: September 7, 2016
Land described as meadow with beach access: Auctioneer getting interest from 'far and wide'
Interested parties from "far and wide" have their eyes on a pair of plots in historic Trinity that will soon come to public auction.
"What we're auctioning off are two pieces of land on a prominent headland within the Trinity harbour, known as Hogg's Nose," said Chris O'Dea of O'Dea's Realty and Auction Room.
O'Dea described the lots as "pastoral, meadowland" with "very little on the land, other than grass."
The 787.9-sq. metres lot at 15 High Street slopes down to a beach, "which is really a suitable place to build a wharf," said O'Dea.
The second lot is slightly larger, "perpendicular to the first property" and O'Dea said he has been fielding interest from all over.
"I have had inquiries from people far and wide, from people that are long term residents of Trinity, from people that are seasonal residents in Trinity, even outside of Newfoundland, who are considering bidding on this particular property."
Auction a tax sale
O'Dea said these properties are up for auction as a tax sale after the town attempted to recover unpaid taxes.
"Under the Municipalities Act the Town of Trinity has the right, after five or six years after making efforts to collect the taxes, to auction the lands," said O'Dea.
Interested bidders are required to register with the town to bid, place a $5,000 deposit and be present or have a power of attorney in Trinity on the auction date, September 23.
O'Dea said he's been known to spice up auctions in the past but plans to keep this public auction professional and straightforward.
"When someone is going to drop tens of thousands of dollars on a piece of land I just simply go very slowly and I'm very careful in making sure that every opportunity for everybody to bid is heard and entertained," said O'Dea.
For those who have watched auctions on TV — he has a few tips for an in person purchase.
"The onus with the individuals to make their bid known and not just sit on their hands and give a little wink and a nod and expect that I'll recognize the bid," said O'Dea.
The Town of Trinity has the right to put a reserve price on each lot — a price that must be met in order for the lot to be sold.
O'Dea wouldn't say what he expects the parcels to go for, but he does expect it to be over fast.
"For me it will be interesting, but it won't be an exciting event," said O'Dea. "It'll last about five minutes."