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Know Before You Bid
Mon, Apr 13
|Virtual Event
Thinking about buying at the May 4 Tax Certificate Sale? Don't get stuck with a property that proves too costly! Learn the tools, maps, and research tricks that will help you avoid buying parcels that turn into expensive mistakes.
Time & Location
Apr 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CDT
Virtual Event
About the event
Don’t buy blind! Before you buy at the May 4 Tax Certificate Sale, be informed!
The Lake County Commissioners’ Tax Certificate Sale begins on May 4, 2026, and thousands of deeply discounted parcels will be available for purchase. But here’s the truth: many of the vacant lots and abandoned structures listed for sale carry hidden environmental histories that can dramatically increase redevelopment costs. Still, others may not be zoned for your intended use, and efforts to rezone may prove too costly or futile.
Before you invest your money, time, or hopes into a property, join us for a practical workshop where you’ll learn to:
Use maps, tools, and archives to uncover hidden histories.
Identify whether a parcel has a high‑risk industrial past.
Spot environmental indicators during a site visit.
Identify and interpret zoning classifications.
Make informed, confident decisions.
Whether you are a first‑time buyer, a small developer, or a resident looking to stabilize your block, this workshop will give you the tools to invest wisely and protect yourself.
The link to join us via Zoom will be included in the registration confirmation email. Workshop materials and guides will be available for download during and following the workshop.