Don’t underestimate the value a survey provides when buying or selling real estate. It’s important to know the legal description, use of and boundaries now, rather than later.

When seeking to buy real property, ask if there is a survey available to review. Your real estate attorney will advise you on this matter and be able to order a new survey before closing, if one is not provided, at an additional cost. Don’t dismiss this step even if it’s not a requirement to buy the property. Instead, think of it as peace of mind for a nominal fee before taking ownership.

A land surveyor can determine the boundary measurements to make sure that the plot of land actually matches what you believe you are buying. Land surveyors can tell you whether the trees, buildings, fences, sidewalks, driveways, and other features of the land actually lie on the property, and also whether anyone else’s buildings or other features are encroaching on the property you wish to buy.

By obtaining a survey you’ll know exactly where your property lines are located for future improvements. If you don’t, you could possibly build on your neighbor’s property and end up with the financial burden of having to remove, rebuild or replace existing structures such as a fence, shed, garage, or driveway in the correct location or vise-versa.

It’s an important instrument providing peace of mind. It documents boundaries to ensure there are no encroachments or easements that may affect the intended use of the land you are buying that may have restrictions NOT visible to the eye without a survey.

Know your boundary measurements before buying. Having a land survey conducted before the land changes hands is simply due diligence.