Question 1

What happens if your land survey is inaccurate?

Accepted Answer

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If you or your mortgage lender think your land survey needs to be more accurate, double-check the survey report and get at least a second opinion from the original surveyor and an inspector, if possible. Although it’s unlikely, even reputable surveying companies can make mistakes. An inaccurate survey can cause problems down the road in the case of any property line disputes, so it’s best to resolve any inaccuracies as quickly as possible.

Question 2

What should I consider when planning land survey costs?

Accepted Answer

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When planning for land survey costs, you should consider the following elements as major contributors to the overall cost:

Size of your property in terms of acres or square feet
Complexity of the terrain in terms of hills, elevation changes, rocks, water, and other features
Type of survey you need (boundary survey, topographic survey, or a combination of survey types)
Distance traveled for the professional surveyor

Question 3

What are the benefits of getting a land survey before buying a property?

Accepted Answer

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A land survey provides precise property boundaries, reveals legal encroachments, and identifies rights-of-way, minimizing disputes. Understanding the exact dimensions and features of the property aids in informed decision-making and safeguards the buyer's investment.

Question 4

How hard is it to buy a house for the first time?

Accepted Answer

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Several government-backed lending programs can help first-time home buyers purchase a home with little money down. FHA, USDA, and VA loans are options for qualifying borrowers, though many conventional mortgage lenders will lower down payment rates to as low as 3 percent.

Question 5

What’s the difference between a land survey and a boundary survey?

Accepted Answer

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A boundary survey measures the boundary lines of the property, only the length of each property line and their locations. A land survey includes a more in-depth measurement of the property, including the heights and depths of the terrain measured by a topographic survey. A boundary survey is typically the most cost-effective method for marking and measuring property lines.