The Importance of a Land Survey Before Purchasing Land
If you are looking at purchasing real estate, the wrong way to go about it really is to simply look for a plot or house that you like, and then make an offer. There are several often-forgotten steps that you need to take before this aspect. Many people often overlook the land survey step of shopping for land. The optimum time to get a land survey undertaken is before you complete the process of purchasing the land.
Land surveyors can determine the boundary measurements to make certain that the parcel you think you are buying is actually everything you are buying. The land surveyor can let you know if the trees, building ,fences, sidewalks, driveways, and other top features of the land actually lie on the house, and in addition whether anyone else's buildings or other features encroach onto the property you wish to buy.
They will also be familiar with building regulations, wetland regulations, and zoning. Land surveys are particularly helpful when purchasing a piece of property that you hope to eventually build on, as they can catch potential issues with this plan before you purchase the land. Should you be purchasing mountainous land, land which may be considered wetlands, or land in other areas that may be difficult to create on, a land surveyor can help you evaluate the possibilities for building upon the land. In the event that you plan to develop the land or subdivide it, a survey can help you determine whether that is possible or even legal.
Do not set off Visit this page provided by the current landowner. It could not describe recent changes to the land. The land surveyor you hire can place permanent markers on the corners of your property in order that you are well-aware of the boundaries of the land that you'll soon own. Before conducting a land surveyor, you might want to ask your agent for a property profile, which will list the ownership information, legal description, plat map, tax information, along with other characteristics. This is an excellent place to begin when evaluating a potential real estate purchase. At least some of this information can also be available online. Then, make sure that you visit the property and walk the entire site, even if it is several acres, to see what it looks like with your personal eyes.
Having a land survey conducted prior to the land changes hands is merely due diligence. Usually do not rely on anyone else's word, such as the landowner's, or a property agent's, when purchasing land. This is a big purchase, also it shouldn't be done if you don't know exactly what you are buying. If you fail to get a land survey before placing a formal offer, at least have one done prior to the deal closes. The land surveyor provides you with the best information possible to determine whether the little bit of real estate will fit the bill. If any warning flag come up, be sure that they are resolved to your satisfaction before closing with this real estate deal.
You do not want to make the mistake of buying land that is of no use to you, or buying land that is not what you thought it had been. Although it's especially important to get a land survey conducted if you are buying acreage or plan to develop the land, a land survey even of a small lot with a residence can still catch potential problems before it's too late.