Do I Need a Land Survey Before I Buy a House?

land survey ctAlthough residential home buyers are not required by law to get a land survey, its extremely important to determine the legal boundaries and physical characteristics of a property.

Having a land survey performed before buying a property will prevent absorbing any problems or issues the land may have without you previously knowing it. However, in Connecticut a land survey is required by the financial institutions, banks or mortgage lenders, for any commercial purchases and/or transferring title insurance.

Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge are licensed professionals that can prepare and conduct the property survey in order to verify the legal graphical description of the specifications and features of the property you are planning to buy.

The Importance of a Land Survey

To Determine the Actual Condition of the House

Land surveys determine the different improvements applied to the property, like a new garage or an addition to your house. Any deviations in the size of the lot, structure and boundary lines are specified in the survey. This is used to verify the accuracy of the land documents and the deed of the property you are buying.

For Legal Purposes

A land survey is an essential tool used for solving legal disputes with neighbors on property boundaries. It shows where the property you are buying ends and is used to protect you from potential lawsuits that may occur for any additional structure you plan to construct in the future.

To Recognize Zoning Restrictions and Other Limitations

Surveyors can identify any limitations and zoning restrictions that apply to the property that you are planning to buy. Zoning restrictions are regulations that affect the features and usage of a property. Violating these zoning rules may result in penalties and legal actions from the government.

To Identify Property Rights

A land survey can identify common items utilized by adjoining properties, such as a common walkway, driveway or perhaps a utility easement. The surveyor will determine the amount of common elements residing on the property, so that you can evaluate its impact on the land that you wish to buy. The survey information allows you to estimate the fees that you need to pay and it identifies who will be responsible for the maintenance of these common areas.

Conducting a land survey on a property that you plan to buy is a crucial part of the procurement process. Overlooking this procedure can lead to a catastrophic and stressful situation that could have been prevented. A professional land survey is a wise investment that will potentially save you time, effort and money in the future.

Key Takeaway:

• A land survey is required by the majority of the financial institutions, such as mortgage lenders and banks, for any home equity loan program or commercial purchase in Connecticut.

• Land surveyors, such as Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge in Connecticut, are licensed specialists that prepare and conduct the property survey in order to verify the legal graphical description of the specifications and features of the property you are planning to buy.

Image Courtesy of: freedigitalphotos.net