Why You Should Have A Survey Of The Property You Are Buying?

You have found that new house. Agreed upon a price with the seller. The closing attorney wants to know if you want a survey ordered on your new house. It is not a mandatory service to have done. So, you are looking at all the other fees and services you are getting and think “Do I really need a Survey?”

The answer should always be YES. There are many reasons for getting a survey done. But a perfect example as to why you should have one is a recent case that I had. The home back yard had fencing going around it completely. Do to the location of the house it bordered up to a few other homes. Those other homes had fenced in their yards. This particular homeowner kept the style of fencing up and added on to the areas the fence did not cover.

Upon doing a survey of the property we found that three of the neighbors built the back of their fences on her property. In fact two of them intruded onto her property by over 10 feet. This caused a nightmare for the seller and the new homeowner. Because now we had issues with the property begin properly surveyed and neighbors encroaching on the property. The seller had purchased the house a few years earlier and did not order a survey to save on cost. Now, it is costing him a lot more money than that.

The buyer will not close on the property without the fences being moved and the seller did not have a survey so he was not protected by any insurance and the neighbors are suing claiming they have rights to that property spots. The seller will be paying a lot more money to get the home sold now and in court costs than if he had just ordered a survey.

Now, this is probably an extreme example. But if you decide when you move in to put up a fence or a shed or any structure in your yard; you need to be aware of the property lines for your house. This especially comes into play with homes on a cul de sac because of the odd shapes of the yards.

So, when you are purchasing your home and they ask you if you want a survey be sure to say yes.

Dave diCecco
Realtor/Broker
www.davedicecco.com