Survey

A survey is a professionally prepared document that maps and describes the boundaries of a parcel of land and shows the location of improvements, easements, encroachments and other physical features in relation to those boundaries.

Surveys are typically ordered during purchase or refinance transactions to confirm property lines, verify that improvements are located within the legal boundaries and identify potential encroachments. Several types of surveys exist. A mortgage or location survey provides a basic depiction of boundaries and improvements, while an ALTA/NSPS survey offers a more detailed and standardized report often required in commercial transactions, with expanded certification and documentation requirements.

Title companies and lenders rely on surveys to identify issues that could affect title, insurability or marketability before closing. Encroachments, easement conflicts or boundary discrepancies discovered after closing can be costly to resolve and may impact the property’s value or future transferability.