Our New Google Maps Due Diligence Hack

Last Updated on September 7, 2025

When you’re preparing to bid at a tax deed auction, every bit of information matters. A few extra minutes of research can help you avoid costly mistakes and make better offers. In this post we share a street‑view timeline hack that helped us refine our maximum bids during a recent trip to a Texas auction. We will also explain how it fits into a full due‑diligence process and answer common questions.

Why is due diligence essential for tax deed investing?

Performing due diligence before bidding helps you avoid unexpected repairs, encumbrances, or legal issues. Verifying title, assessing property condition, checking for environmental or zoning problems and understanding redemption rules are all critical

Without thorough research, you could end up buying a property with hidden mortgages, outstanding utility bills or structural problems. Due diligence begins with verifying the property’s title and ownership. Legal experts recommend checking public records for mortgages or federal tax liens. You should also visit (or virtually inspect) the property to evaluate its condition review zoning ordinances for restrictions and understand the county’s redemption period if one exists. A good due‑diligence checklist includes:

• Verify title and ownership: Ensure there are no unresolved liens or heirs.
  
• Inspect the property: Drive by or use online tools to gauge condition and occupancy.
  
• Review zoning and environmental data: Avoid properties in flood zones or with contamination
  
• Understand redemption rules: Some states give owners time to redeem; plan for the wait.
  
• Estimate repair costs and market value: Compare assessed value, county appraisal data and recent sales.
  

How do you build your property list and prepare for an auction?

Start by downloading the county’s sale list, estimate assessed values and plan a driving route. Set a budget, focus on properties that fit your experience level and narrow the list after on‑site visits

We begin by pulling the auction roster and creating a spreadsheet. Each row contains the cause number, precinct, address, outstanding tax amount and our estimated market value. We combine data from sources like county appraisal districts, Zillow and home‑snap. During our Houston trip we drove more than 250 properties, noting exterior conditions and neighbourhood quality. After two days we trimmed the list from 275 properties to about 30, discarding lots with major title issues, heavy liens or evidence that the wrong owner had been sued. Setting a firm budget keeps us from chasing bids—when a property exceeds our maximum, we walk away

Sample fields in our bidding spreadsheet

What is the Google Maps street‑view timeline hack?

Google’s Street View feature lets you view historical images of a property and see how it looked in past years. By comparing snapshots from different years, you can identify changes such as neglect, new construction or occupancy shifts

Here’s how to use the hack:

1. Open Google Maps and type the property’s address.
   
2. Drag the Street View icon onto the street in front of the property.
   
3. Click the clock icon (if available) in the top‑left corner of Street View to access the timeline.
   
4. Select past dates to view older images. Compare the yard, roof and exterior condition over time.
   
5. Note any changes. A well‑kept lawn that suddenly becomes overgrown may indicate a change of occupants or a hoarding issue. If you see a demolition or new construction, adjust your bid accordingly.
   

Example: spotting a recent decline in a home’s condition

During our Houston trip we examined a property that appeared cluttered and poorly maintained. Using the street‑view timeline, we looked at images from 2007 through 2015. For several years the lawn was neatly cut and the exterior looked pristine, but by 2015 it was overrun with trash. This told us the hoarding likely started only within the past two years. Because the home had been in good shape recently, we estimated that the interior might still be salvageable and increased our maximum bid slightly. Without the historical images we might have assumed the house had been deteriorating for a decade and skipped it altogether.

How did we apply the hack during our auction trip?

We combined the street‑view timeline with field visits, title research and a detailed spreadsheet to refine our maximum bids. The timeline helped confirm when neglect started and whether a house had been demolished or substantially altered.

On our Houston trip we drove hundreds of properties and loaded each into Google Maps that evening. When we found a house that looked abandoned or messy, we checked the timeline to see whether the condition was long‑term or recent. For example, one home looked vacant, but images from 2012 and 2013 showed it occupied and well cared for. This suggested the decline was recent and might be easier to remedy. For another property, the timeline revealed that the house had been torn down in 2018, so we removed it from our list entirely. We also used the hack to see when new roofs were added or when additions were built. These details helped us set more accurate maximum bids and avoid overpaying. It’s crucial to remember that Street View images may not be current, so we always cross‑checked dates and combined them with on‑site inspections.

What other tools and research should you use?

Besides Street View, consult county property records, perform a title search, check for bankruptcies and use GIS maps to confirm parcel lines and hazard zones.

While the street‑view timeline is powerful, it is only one part of our due‑diligence toolkit. We obtain property records from the county tax assessor and appraisal district, which often include assessed values, plat maps and photos. We run title searches to uncover IRS liens or mortgages and avoid properties where the owner has filed for bankruptcy. County GIS systems and Google Earth help verify that structures sit within property lines and reveal floodplains or easements For a deeper view, we sometimes use historical satellite imagery in Google Earth, which can show land use changes over decades.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Conclusion and next steps

Using the Google Maps street view timeline is a smart way to help with your research. By looking at old pictures, you can learn about a property’s history.

You can find out if it has been taken care of or if it needs some work. This can help you decide how much to bid.  You should also do on-site inspections, check title information, and look at county records to make the best choices.  

If you want to learn how to create a list of properties and narrow down your options, we have an article that explains how to pick properties for tax deed sales. You can also see what traits you need to succeed in tax lien investing.  

Ready to move forward? We have a free mini-course on buying tax lien and deed properties. You can also book a call with us to help create a custom investment plan. Visit our Free Resources page or set up a call to get started. Whether you are just starting or have some experience, our team is here to help you.