Do you survey SFH’s at purchase?

[Cole Raiford]

Question for the group... do you get a survey each time you buy a property? In my case I've purchased SFH's only and all were from wholesalers. We close via a title company and I've waived the survey each time. What do you do?

[Jim K.]

While @Tom Gimer has some very sage advice here, I've never asked for a survey. I'm dealing with old urban areas with well-defined lot lines. I'm practically certain my neighbors are encroaching on my property in some cases. But I really don't care that much -- these are rental purchases. As long as my tenants can get in or out and I stay on positive terms with the neighbors, I'm happy enough.

If you're buying to flip, on the other hand, or you're buying places with sizeable/desirable lawns or gardens, you're going to want to make sure, and keeping the neighbors happy isn't as much a priority.