Property Survey 

A survey tells you the official boundaries and easements of a property and typically takes place after you make an offer on a home, but before closing. If the survey shows any major issues — for example, maybe you can't build a fence like you wanted to — you may decide not to go through with the purchase.

A survey provides an official record of the property’s size, location, and features. The first place to check for a survey is with the seller, and then at the county office.

• Land Survey

  • Most common type of survey.

  • Conducted by a land surveyor, it identifies and evaluates existing man-made structures, elevations, natural features, and boundaries on the property.

• Architectural Survey

  • Is more detailed, includes information such as property lines, the footprint of structures, and neighboring property positions1.

• Title Survey

  • A title survey outlines the bounds of your lot.

  • Provides basic information, such as the lot’s width and depth, without extensive details.

• Topographical Survey

  • This type focuses on the land’s plane and elevation.

  • It marks features like ditches, embankments, and road contours1.

• Mortgage Survey

  • If you’re mortgaging the property, a mortgage survey shows the property lines based on the area that will be mortgaged.

• Floodplain Survey

  • This survey determines which flood zone your property falls into, helping assess risks associated with heavy rains and floods1.

Why Might You Need a Property Survey?

• Boundary Clarity

  • Knowing your property boundaries before building a home, adding fencing, or cutting timber can prevent costly mistakes and potential lawsuits.

• Project Planning

  • Property surveys are crucial before starting any project or addition to your property. They help avoid issues related to easements or encroaching onto neighboring properties.

• Legal Requirements

  • You may need a property survey for the mortgage or to meet legal requirements. Having a certified survey as the owner empowers you to settle any property border questions3.

• Deed Integrity

  • A survey protects the integrity of your deed by providing accurate information about your property.

Remember that while you might not always need a property survey when buying a home, your lender or title company might require one. It’s essential to be prepared for such scenarios5. If you’re unsure, consulting with a real estate professional can provide further guidance.

Survey Coverage Guidelines

Even if the property qualifies for survey coverage according to the following guidelines, any exceptions on the survey must be listed as exceptions on Schedule B.

Loan Policy - Residential (1-4 family homes)

Short Form:

Survey coverage can be given without a survey if:

• The property is 5 acres or less.

• The property or the subdivision in which it is situated has no known boundary line problems.

Long Form

Survey coverage can be given without a new survey if:

• The property is 10-acres or less.

• You have a survey of the boundary lines as they exist now. In most cases this will be a recorded plat.

• Please Note: for residential properties with more than 10-acres, please contact the State Office.

Owner’s Policy

Regular (long form)

• Requires a current survey 6-months or less.

Eagle Owner’s Policy

• The property is 1-4 family residential.

• Property is 5-acres or less.

• The property or subdivision has no known boundary line problems.