Title surveying, also called a Title Insurance Survey, is similar to a property-boundary survey. It identifies the exact location of property lines and the extent of ownership on the ground. Property corners are typically marked by physical monuments such as concrete markers, iron rods, or pipes. From this information, a detailed map is created showing the boundary lines, existing structures, and other features in relation to the property lines.
In addition, a title survey highlights easements, rights-of-way, and other factors that can affect land ownership. It is used for both residential and commercial properties and provides the title company with the necessary information to insure the property and any improvements. This ensures a high level of confidence for transactions, whether for a residential sale or a commercial development.
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Here are some common frequently asked questions regarding a title survey.
A title survey is used to establish the boundaries of a piece of property that is owned by the federal, or state governments.
A title surveyor handles the documentation of property ownership with local government offices, submits transferable deeds for state-owned land, and files preliminary notices or applications with relevant regulatory agencies. Typically, a title survey is conducted on property that already has an existing title, though it can also be performed on unregistered federal or state-owned land.
In addition to the title report, a property survey is often required to issue a lender’s title insurance policy. Many underwriters require a current survey before approving coverage. Without it, the policy may exclude protection for issues that a survey would have disclosed, potentially leaving certain matters uninsured.
A boundary survey includes all of these things:
A title survey is an official legal document which is used to establish boundaries and determine the exact ownership of real property. Here are some of the more common benefits of a title survey:
Title surveys are generally a more expensive type of survey, but the price is based on how much work is involved and how extensive it should be. We can help you with the pricing options.
A title survey is usually requested by the seller’s title insurance company and the lender. Its purpose is to confirm that the property you’re purchasing has a clear title, is free of encroachments, and is not subject to claims or disputes from neighboring properties.
An easement is a legal right to use neighboring land for a particular purpose. There are two types of easements:
No, typically a title surveyor does not work for the government. Or at least working for the government is not a requirement. Title surveys are often performed on properties that are owned by local and national governments, who can grant them to private citizens. In general, title surveys may be requested for official deeds and documents.
A mortgage location survey is conducted to verify that the property being transferred matches the legal description outlined in the deed. In other words, it confirms that what you see on paper accurately reflects what exists on the ground—so you can be confident you’re receiving exactly what you paid for. Since legal property descriptions can often be complex and difficult to interpret, a survey provides clear, visual confirmation of boundaries and improvements.
Keep in mind that title insurance safeguards both the property buyer and the lender or mortgage company. When a buyer orders a boundary survey, the title company typically provides additional survey coverage, offering protection against issues related to property boundaries.
Non-title surveys are used to demarcate land parcels. This differs from title surveys, which are used to register land parcels in the Deeds Office.
A boundary survey differs from a title survey, as they make boundaries clear for anyone who looks at the title report in the future. Learn more about a boundary survey.
A legal boundary survey serves two main purposes: to accurately establish property lines and to identify existing boundaries within the property. This type of survey is required for any state or federal property transfers and is also essential for land sales, development planning, and clarifying easements, rights-of-way, mineral rights, and other land features noted in the title report.
A boundary survey will usually include a site map, which indicates where improvements and other structures are located. It’s also important to collect a lot of physical evidence: trees, fences and so forth. This differs from a title survey, which is designed for finding the location of boundaries on a plat that is already created.
