Understanding the role of surveys is crucial in ensuring a smooth transaction. Here's why surveys are necessary and what buyers should consider.
Why is a Survey Required When Purchasing a Home?
Buyers need to verify the accuracy of the legal description, confirm structures comply with setbacks and easements, and ensure there are no encroachments. Surveys are the only reliable way to determine the exact square footage of the land.
Why Should Buyers Get Their Own Survey?
Surveyors stand behind their surveys for ten years, providing a safety net in case of disputes. Relying on a survey over a decade old may limit assistance from the survey company. Always scrutinize the fine print and consider the copyright protection of survey data.
What’s a Boundary Survey?
This survey defines property corners, including covenants, setbacks, easements, and utilities. For lots with houses, it becomes a final as-built survey. Buyers can choose whether to include improvements like existing structures on the survey, especially if planning modifications.
What’s the Importance of Title Policy in Full Surveys?
Access to the title policy is crucial for a comprehensive survey. It contains essential information about documents, setbacks, and agreements pertinent to the property. Verifying alignment with schedules A and B, and confirming the legal description, ensures accuracy in land transactions.
What Should You Look for When You Get the Survey Back?
Check that the legal description matches Schedule A of the title policy. Look for unexpected encroachments, discrepancies in measurements, and fence line issues. Unrecorded agreements may also pose challenges. Consider using points online for precise property line demarcation, especially before installing a fence.
What Are the Challenges in Surveying?
Issues arise with old or illegible plats, lack of monuments or pins, rain affecting access, and interference from neighbors or pets. An experienced surveyor with a reputable company will handle these challenges with expertise and careful consideration.
What Should You Do Before Putting Up a Fence?
To avoid boundary disputes, homeowners should hire a survey company for points online (POLs) every 25-50ft before installing a fence. This proactive approach ensures accurate property line demarcation.
What’s a Good Neighbor Fence?
Contrary to misconceptions, a good neighbor fence means giving the neighbor a visually appealing side. Regulations might vary, but ensuring a pleasant appearance for both parties is essential.
What Are Common Buyer Concerns During the Survey Objection Period?
Buyers often object to undisclosed encroachments and discrepancies in land measurements compared to tax records. A mismatch in square footage may lead to negotiation challenges. The lesson is clear: get a new survey during property purchase.
What Types of Surveys Are Needed for Land Purchase and Construction?
When buying land for construction, buyers typically need a boundary survey, topography survey, and tree survey. The extent of these surveys may vary based on factors like lot size and city requirements. Additional surveys, like an envelope survey and form survey, become crucial during the construction stages.
Understanding these survey nuances empowers buyers to navigate real estate transactions with confidence.
