Obtaining a home or land survey ensures your protection in any real estate transaction. A home or land survey discloses exactly what portion of property is being purchased and everything on that property. Every buyer should obtain a survey before a real estate transaction closes.
Many real estate transactions have some type of problem. These problems can be minor (a fence is over the property line) or more serious (a driveway, pool, or deck is over a property line, the deed outlining the parcel of property is incorrect, the house is in a flood zone, etc.). Some problems are irreparable. If a driveway is completely off the property, for example, the buyer has no ingress or egress to the home.
By getting a home or land survey, you can be sure that you know the location of everything on your property. Using an older survey of the property does not ensure your protection because new improvements may exist which are over the property line.
A survey is essential for any buyer, whether it is for the re-sale of a home or sale of a new home. If a buyer elects to avoid the expense of obtaining a survey, any related property issues that would have been revealed by a survey will be the sole responsibility of the buyer. These problems cost many times more what a residential survey would cost. A problem that may initially seem small can quickly become complicated and expensive.
Shawnee Professional Services can also provide an ALTA Title Survey if needed. An ALTA Title Survey is completed based on the “Minimum Standard Detail Requirements and Accuracy Standards For ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys.” This standards document was developed and is revised on a regular basis by a combination of Title industry and Surveying industry professionals.
An ALTA Title Survey is generally similar to a boundary or lot survey on a piece of property. But, the ALTA home or land survey goes a little farther in the requirements on the land surveyor as he/she carries out the survey, both in the field and in the office.
ALTA Title Surveys are generally used on commercial or multi-family residential sites and also when either the lender or owner is in another state jurisdiction. The ALTA standards are somewhat of a “national standard” for surveying, intended to yield a consistent survey no matter what state the work is done in. While most States have land or home surveying standards, they vary widely from one state to the other. So, the ALTA standard is used to cut down on this variation.
Getting a survey before closing is the key to a positive real estate transaction. Other people involved in the real estate transaction are most interested in finalizing the deal. By getting a reliable survey from a respected company before closing, the buyer has a negotiating tool to use regarding the price of real estate if a property issue arises.
For more info read: “Why Get a Survey?” posted by GLS.
Whether you need a survey for the purchase of new property, or to confirm boundary lines at your current home or business, CONTACT US at Shawnee Professional Services to schedule an appointment.
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