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How to Find Your Property Survey: A Land Surveyor’s Guide

So, you need to find your property survey. No problem. You’ve come to the right place. Finding your property survey is crucial for various reasons, from settling boundary disputes to planning renovations. The quickest answer is to check your closing documents from when you purchased the property. If that doesn’t work, we’ll delve into a treasure hunt, exploring various avenues to unearth this essential document. Let’s get started!

The Treasure Hunt Begins: Where to Look for Your Property Survey

The most logical and often fruitful place to start your search is with your closing documents. These are the papers you received when you purchased your property. They are usually stored in a safe place with other important documents such as your deed, mortgage information, and title insurance policy.

Digging Through Your Home Records

Your property survey might be tucked away in several places within your home:

Closing Documents: As mentioned, this is the first and most likely place to find it. Look for a large, folded document or a blueprint-style drawing.
Homeowner’s Insurance Policy: Sometimes, a copy of the survey is included in your homeowner’s insurance documentation.
Mortgage Documents: The bank or mortgage lender may have required a survey as part of the loan process and provided you with a copy.
Physical Files: If you maintain physical files for your home, dedicate some time to reviewing them. It might be filed under “Property Records,” “Home Improvements,” or similar headings.
Digital Files: More and more people are moving to digital record-keeping. Check your computer’s hard drive, cloud storage accounts (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud), and external hard drives. Search using keywords like “property survey,” “plat map,” “site plan,” or your property address.

Contacting Previous Owners

If your home records are a dead end, consider contacting the previous owners. They might have a copy of the survey they obtained when they purchased the property. A polite phone call or letter could save you a lot of time and effort. If you don’t have their direct contact information, your real estate agent might be able to assist you.

Reaching Out to Your Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent, especially if you purchased the property recently, may have a copy of the survey in their files. They often keep records of transactions for several years. A quick call to their office could yield results.

Exploring Government and Public Records

If all else fails, it’s time to tap into public resources:

County Recorder’s Office (or Register of Deeds): This office is responsible for recording property-related documents, including surveys and plats. Search their online database or visit the office in person. Keep in mind that not all counties have digitized their records, so an in-person search might be necessary.
City or County Planning Department: These departments often maintain records of property surveys and site plans, especially if the property has undergone any development or renovations.
Tax Assessor’s Office: While they might not have a complete survey, the tax assessor’s office may have a plat map showing the general layout of your property.

Consulting Surveying and Engineering Firms

Finally, if you are completely striking out, consider contacting local surveying or engineering firms. They may have conducted a survey of your property in the past or have records of surveys in your area. Be prepared to pay a fee for their services.

FAQs: Your Burning Property Survey Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts you might have about property surveys:

What is a property survey, and why is it important? A property survey is a precise drawing that depicts the legal boundaries of a property, as well as any existing structures, easements, or other relevant features. It is important for defining property lines, resolving boundary disputes, planning construction projects, and obtaining permits.
What is the difference between a property survey and a plat map? A plat map is a map showing the division of land into lots or parcels. It’s a general overview, whereas a property survey is a more detailed and precise drawing of a specific property, showing exact dimensions and features. A plat map is more of a neighborhood level view, while a survey is specific to a single property.
How much does it cost to get a new property survey? The cost of a new survey can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the property, its location, and the surveyor’s rates. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. More complex properties or those in difficult terrain will likely cost more.
What if I can’t find my property survey and need one urgently? If you need a survey urgently, your best bet is to contact a licensed surveyor immediately. Explain your situation, and they will likely prioritize your request. Be prepared to pay a rush fee, however.
Can I use an old property survey? An old survey may be helpful as a starting point, but it might not be accurate due to changes in property lines, new construction, or updated regulations. Lenders and municipalities typically require a recent survey. If you are using it for boundary disputes, ensure it is still valid and accurately reflects the current conditions.
What information is typically included in a property survey? A property survey typically includes the property boundaries, dimensions, the location of buildings, easements, rights-of-way, and any encroachments. It should also include the surveyor’s name, seal, and date of the survey.
Do I need a property survey to build a fence? While not always legally required, it is highly recommended to have a property survey before building a fence. This helps ensure that you are building within your property lines and avoids potential disputes with neighbors.
What is an easement, and how does it affect my property? An easement is a legal right that allows someone else to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose, such as access to utilities or a shared driveway. Easements are usually noted on the property survey and affect your property rights.
What is an encroachment, and what should I do if I find one? An encroachment is when a structure or feature on one property extends onto an adjacent property. If you find an encroachment, it’s best to discuss the issue with your neighbor and attempt to resolve it amicably. If that fails, consult with a real estate attorney.
Can I conduct my own property survey? While you can measure your property and create a rough sketch, it is not recommended to conduct your own official property survey. Property surveys must be performed by licensed surveyors to be legally valid.
How do I find a qualified land surveyor? You can find a qualified land surveyor by searching online directories, checking with your local real estate board, or asking for recommendations from friends or family. Be sure to verify the surveyor’s credentials and experience before hiring them.
What should I do if I suspect a boundary dispute with my neighbor? If you suspect a boundary dispute, the first step is to review your property survey and discuss the issue with your neighbor. If you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to hire a surveyor to perform a new survey and, if necessary, consult with a real estate attorney.

Finding your property survey might seem daunting, but with persistence and a methodical approach, you’ll likely unearth it. If not, remember that hiring a qualified land surveyor is always an option to obtain a new, accurate survey of your property. Good luck on your treasure hunt!