Get matched with top land surveyors in Garfield, MN

A land survey gives you information about the property boundaries, easements on the plot, dimensions, and, in some cases, topographical information. A land appraisal will often take these figures into account, but the purpose of a land appraisal is to determine the value of the land rather than the physical specifications.

If a buyer pays for a survey, the surveyor they hired will only provide results to them. It’s up to the buyer whether they share the survey results with the seller or not, even if they ultimately walk away from the deal. It’s considered good faith to share the results with the seller, though, especially if you back out of the deal, as the seller can then provide that survey to future interested parties.

You should always calculate real estate development costs on a case-by-case basis, so there’s no specific formula to estimate your total. You should speak with a local construction manager to see what you’ll need to do in terms of clearing and leveling the land, connecting utilities, and pulling permits for construction. A professional will be able to get you an accurate estimate for land development.

A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:

• Boundary surveys describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued. 

• Location surveys provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property. 

• Mortgage location surveys are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy. 

• Site-planning surveys are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements. 

• Topographic surveys provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements.