What Is A Land Survey When Homebuying?
Land Surveys, explained.
A land survey is an essential part of the process of buying a home. It reassures lenders and homebuyers that the property they're purchasing is in good condition, and will not cause any marketability issues down the road.
It also shows whether a neighbor has an easement to a portion of your property that you weren't aware of. It can help you avoid costly land disputes in the future.
Boundary Lines
Whether you're a homeowner, a building company, or a real estate agent, knowing where your property begins and ends is essential. It can stave off conflict and encroachments between neighboring properties, save time and money on construction costs, and prevent potential legal disputes.
Land surveys are performed by a professional land surveyor to determine the boundaries of a plot of land, and they are a critical part of the home buying process. They also help to ensure the accuracy of a mortgage and title insurance companies' settlement documents.
Boundary lines can be determined using several methods, including a metes and bounds survey. This type of survey cites a starting point for the lines, and provides detailed directions and distances to guide you from one property line marker to the next.
This method is best used for locating the corners of a parcel. It is also helpful for newer properties that do not have property markers on them.
Another option for determining boundary lines is to look at the plat that comes with your property's paperwork or online. The plat should include a worded description of the boundaries of your land, but it may not reflect changes over time. For example, the location of a fence or driveway can make it difficult to determine where your property ends and your neighbor's begins.
Many homeowners find buried metal markers at the corners of their property that can help them find the boundaries. These are typically steel bars with a cap on them that were placed during a survey.
For a more precise measure of your property lines, you can use a compass and a long measuring tape. You can then walk the boundaries systematically to determine their exact locations.
Alternatively, you can use a GPS to track your property's boundaries. This can be a fun way to get a better understanding of where your property is located, and it can be particularly useful for those looking to sell their homes in the future.
A land survey will also help you discover eminent domain takings that did not appear in the legal descriptions of your new property. Eminent domain is when government agencies take property by court order without a new legal description or survey. Getting your land surveyed will help you avoid these types of situations in the future.
Setbacks
If you're buying a home, there's a good chance that you'll have to have a land survey done. This is often one of those "check the box" items that you may have to do during your home search process, but it's important to look over a property survey carefully and ask questions before signing anything.
Setbacks are a critical part of a survey and are regulated by local zoning laws. They are designed to keep buildings from encroaching on each other's property lines, prevent fires from spreading and serve as utility easements for power or water companies.
These distances vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and city to city, so it's essential that you find out what the setback requirements are for your area. The best way to do this is by talking to a local land surveyor.
Some cities have very stringent building setback rules, and you should always check these with the Planning and Zoning Department of your local government. These rules can make it difficult to build a new addition, garage or fence on the right location.
A land survey is a very detailed drawing that shows all structures on a lot as well as the boundaries of the property. The most important information in a land survey is setbacks and easements.
Getting a land survey before you begin your home construction project will help you adhere to local zoning and building laws, and will also save you time and money in the long run. A land survey will also show you where underground utilities are located and provide peace of mind that any work you do won't put you in harm's way.
If a home you're interested in is on a platted lot, you can usually get the survey from the developer. In some cases, a survey is also required by mortgage lenders.
It is also a good idea to have your own survey done, especially if you're planning on doing any type of home improvements like a deck, patio, garage, or swimming pool. A survey will show where your house and other improvements are located, as well as the property line, so that you can avoid any encroachments or legal issues.
Encroachments
When you’re looking to buy a home, a land survey is an important part of the process. It will help you determine the value of the property and identify any potential encroachments on the land.
Encroachments occur when a person or structure encroaches on another person’s land, often without the permission of that owner. The encroachment can be minor, such as a fence or outdoor shed that crosses onto the neighbor’s land, or major, such as a garage that spans the neighbor’s property line.
Most encroachments are accidental, occurring when property owners extend structures on the wrong side of their own property lines. However, if you’re planning to sell your home and someone else is encroaching on your property, it’s best to address the issue immediately.
There are two main types of encroachments: nuisance and structural. Nuisance encroachments are often innocent and simply cause a nuisance to the neighbors.
Structural encroachments are more serious and can result in the loss of a home or other property. This is a serious issue that requires legal assistance to resolve.
Examples of major encroachments include parts of the home that cross the neighbor’s property line, or part of the house that violates setback requirements or other zoning ordinances. This can lead to an assessment of monetary damages or even a court-ordered removal of the structure.
A land survey will also identify if there are any existing easements on the property that you may not be aware of. Easements are agreements between neighbors, government entities, and utility companies that allow them to use parts of your property.
The easement must be approved by both parties and there are specific criteria that must be followed in order to make it an easement. These rules vary from state to state, so it’s important to consult with a real estate lawyer before you take any action.
In some cases, encroachments can be resolved in a simple way that is satisfactory for both parties. Other times, they can become a prescriptive easement, which gives the encroacher a right to use your land for a specific purpose.
Accuracy
A land survey is an important part of any real estate transaction. It can help you make smart property decisions and avoid costly disputes with neighbors or other property owners.
Accuracy is a key factor when it comes to land surveys, and it’s best to get an updated one before buying a home. A professional survey will show you the exact dimensions of your land and will also document any improvements that have been built or installed on the property.
Land surveys are critical for determining property lines and ensuring your land is in compliance with local zoning laws. They will also show you where to put new features like driveways or a septic system.
In addition, land surveys can help you negotiate the price of a plot or home by accurately determining its size. If a plot is smaller than advertised, you can offer to pay more for it.
It’s also helpful to know if your home is in a floodplain and whether or not you need flood insurance. A survey will show you where the highest and lowest ground elevations are and will provide you with an elevation certificate, which will help you understand if your home is in danger of flooding.
If you’re unsure how to find out if your property has been surveyed, you can contact the county or city government where your home is located and ask for a list of all records on file. Some records are digitized, which can make the search process easier.
The accuracy of a land survey is essential to any real estate transaction, and you should hire a licensed surveyor to perform it. You can also ask your mortgage lender or title company if they require a survey before closing.
There are several types of land surveys, including boundary surveys, topographical surveys, and subdivision surveys. Each type will have different needs, and you’ll want to choose the right survey for your particular situation.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, or if you have a home on an older lot that you want to update, a land survey is an affordable and smart investment. It will help you avoid future property disputes and keep you from paying for repairs or maintenance that you don’t need.
