If you are looking at purchasing real estate, the wrong way to go about it is to simply look for a plot or house that you want, and then make an offer. There are Helpful resources -forgotten steps that you should take before this point. Many people often overlook the land survey step of shopping for land. The best time to get a land survey undertaken is before you complete the process of buying the land.
Land surveyors can determine the boundary measurements to make sure that the plot of land you think you are buying is actually what you are buying. The land surveyor can tell you whether the trees, building ,fences, sidewalks, driveways, and other features of the land actually lie on the property, and also whether anyone else's buildings or other features encroach onto the property you wish to buy.
They will also know about building regulations, wetland regulations, and zoning. Land surveys are particularly helpful when investing in a piece of real estate that you hope to eventually build on, as they can catch potential problems with this plan before you get the land. If you are purchasing mountainous land, land that may be considered wetlands, or land in other areas that may be difficult to create on, a land surveyor may help you measure the possibilities for building upon the land. In the event that you intend to develop the land or subdivide it, a survey will help you determine whether this is possible as well as legal.
Do not go off an old land survey supplied by the current landowner. It could not describe recent changes to the land. The land surveyor you hire can place permanent markers on the corners of your property so that you are well-aware of the boundaries of the land that you will soon own. Before conducting a land surveyor, you really should ask your agent for a property profile, that will list the ownership information, legal description, plat map, tax information, along with other characteristics. This is an excellent place to start when evaluating a potential real estate purchase. At least some of this information can also be available online. Then, be sure that you go to the property and walk the complete site, even if it is several acres, to see what it appears like with your personal eyes.
Having a land survey conducted before the land changes hands is simply due diligence. Do not depend on anyone else's word, including the landowner's, or a real estate agent's, when purchasing land. It is a big purchase, also it should not be done unless you know exactly what you're buying. If you cannot get yourself a land survey before placing a formal offer, at least have one done before the deal closes. The land surveyor will give you the best information possible to find out whether the little bit of real estate will fit the bill. If any red flags come up, make sure that they're resolved to your satisfaction before closing with this real estate deal.
You do not desire to make the mistake of buying land that is of no use to you, or buying land that is not what you thought it had been. Although it's especially important to have a land survey conducted if you are buying acreage or plan to develop the land, a land survey even of a little lot with a house can still catch potential problems before it's too late.
