Why Get a Survey?

Question

I am in the process of working out some details on my first property and am wondering if I should get a survey? The current owners have never had one. Is it important to get one before closing? If so, why? I would like to have one eventually but am unsure about the need for one right away. Anybody have any thoughts? Thanks!

Henri Meli · Answer

The last property I bought didn't have a survey. But there was a fence on one side of the property and the neighbor wasn't reachable. The fence was so close, it really looked as if it was built by the previous owner of my property. The previous owner had passed and his children who inherited the property didn't remember who built the fence. I had requested a survey, which showed that the fence wasn't really on my property. So, I sent letters to the neighbor asking him to confirm ownership of the fence. And when he finally replied, he said he didn't remember building the fence either. A few months later, some weather condition occurred and the fence was down on my side of the property. My insurance guy happened to stop by and asked me to fix the fence, else there could some serious liability issues in case something were to happen. I reached out to the neighbor again (with the survey as proof), asking him to act. This time, I told that my next step would be to get lawyers involved.

He finally fixed the fence on a week-end.

Tammy Coughlin · Answer

@Tom Gimer - Thanks for that information.

Tom Gimer · Answer

@Wayne Brooks Yes, a survey would disclose this as well... although I wouldn't call that a title defect per se unless the buildings already encroached on the easement. Discovering something preventing future building plans would certainly be worth the $. A good reason to have a general inspection contingency.

Tom Gimer · Answer

@Tammy Coughlin Other title defects a survey would disclose include things like the lack of access or a setback or building restriction line violation.

Tammy Coughlin · Answer

In the paperwork from my attorney's office they recommend a survey, specifically they say if you do not, you may be prevented from learning about any title defects or encroachments. I understand the encroachment but I am not clear on why this would reveal any title defects. Can someone advise?

Matthew Quinlan · Answer

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Jon Holdman · Answer

I would start with the city building department and ask what they need in order to issue a building permit for the fence. A survey may not be necessary. Is there any existing information as to the location of the lines? In the case of the well on the wrong side, there were in fact clear markers in place that indicated the location of the lines. If the neighbors had just paid attention, it wouldn't have been a problem.

Ryan D · Answer

Getting a survey had been in the back of my mind so I asked my attorney who recommended that I get one. Not sure why? He said he can set one up for $200 without stakes and $325 with stakes. I know I would like to get one eventually as I plan on putting up a fence. Would it save me money to set it up now through him (my attorney) than getting one later on my own?

Christian Malesic · Answer

I am with Jon.

Unless required, I would save the money on a survey at this point.

Is there a particular reason you are considering this?

A building where you think it should not be? Addition planned?

Why Get a Survey?

Why Get a Survey?

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