Title Tuesday #5: Surveys, Boundaries & Why They Matter
What exactly is a survey — and why does it matter in a real estate transaction?
In this week’s Title Tuesday, we define what a property survey is and explain how it helps confirm a property’s physical boundaries and improvements. While a title search tells us what’s recorded in the public record, a survey shows what’s actually happening on the ground.
We cover:
• What a survey measures
• When an existing survey may be reused
• When a new survey may be required
• Common issues like encroachments and boundary questions
• How boundary line agreements can resolve certain disputes
A survey provides visual clarity that a legal description alone cannot. In many transactions, it plays a critical role in aligning the record with reality.