A survey is a detailed map or drawing of the property that depicts the boundary line locations, distances, easements of record for utilities and access, and physical improvements thereon. Surveys provide important information to help us verify that the correct property is being sold and reveal potential defects such as encroachments of buildings, fences, setback lines, driveways, and pools that may affect future marketability of the property when the buyer goes to resell.

If any of these defects are discovered by a survey, the buyer can ask for the seller to remedy the issues prior to closing. If the buyer chooses to forgo a survey, any defects would be assumed by the buyer with little to no recourse against the seller.

While the buyer can purchase an owner’s title insurance policy to protect against certain defects relating to the property, the policy will take exception to any matters that could have been revealed by obtaining a survey. Therefore, if a survey is not ordered, the buyer will not receive coverage for these items.

Finally, it is always best practice for the buyer to order their own survey rather than relying on one that was provided by the seller. An updated survey will reflect any changes to the property such as the installation of a new fence or structure and include any modifications to easements or setback lines that the buyer should be made aware of.