The process of purchasing your very first home can be quite overwhelming. There are so many things to consider. Many times, first time homebuyers forget to include obtaining a current and accurate survey to their checklist.
Just as you get an inspection of your home, you want to do the same for your property. A land survey ensures that you know exactly what you are getting so that you avoid any surprises.
What is a land survey?
A land survey is a legal document that displays property boundary lines and shows the location of houses and other structures. This clarifies the exact size of the property and each of its boundary lines. Land surveys need to be updated and accurate, as municipal laws change with time. A current land survey will allow you to rest assured that you are aware of the local regulations, you know your boundaries, and you can avoid any hiccups in the future.
Why should first time homebuyers get a professional land survey?
Professional land surveys are important for several reasons. Here are two reasons to make sure that you have a proper survey before purchasing a home:
1. Determine Property Boundaries
It is extremely important for first time homebuyers to understand the boundary lines of their properties. In order to add on to the house in any way, whether it be a room, a fence, or even a pool, you’ll need to know what these are in order to do so properly.
Boundary lines allow you and your neighbors to know where your individual properties begin and end. You’ll want to have an accurate understanding of what these lines are before you purchase a home or make any extension plans.
2. Resolve Neighbor Disputes
Encroachment typically happens when owners are unaware of the boundary lines of their property. A fence will cross over boundary lines, or a neighbor might try to add a shed on land they believe is theirs. When encroachment happens, it’s important to have a professional land survey that legally determines whether an extension of the house, driveway, or fence is crossing the property lines to avoid unnecessary conflict. If you have this legal documentation, there is no arguing about what is and isn’t yours.
If you’re a first time homebuyer who wants to avoid events of encroachment altogether, start by obtaining a professional land survey to help navigate these issues.
When all is said and done, make sure that you keep all of the paperwork that outlines your legal property lines from your land surveyor. The land survey will help you through any issues that might arise in the future. Since it lists the exact dimensions of the property, it completely removes the guesswork. Removing the difficulties of knowing what is and is not yours will help you to avoid any conflict in the future that might arise.
No first time homebuyer wants to purchase a house with one idea of what they will be able to do with it, only to find out that what they thought was theirs actually isn’t. You can avoid this headache by contacting a local land surveyor. Give EDG a call today and we can help!
