Are you considering buying or developing land? Are you a property owner looking to settle a land dispute? If so, you’re probably looking at investing in a survey plan. If you are buying a home in Illinois, the seller must provide a survey that is less than six months old. In Indiana, the buyer can choose to pay for one. If you do not buy one, you won’t know where your borders are or what you own. It’s like buying a car with no warranty and not knowing how old it is.
For real estate investors, land developers, and property owners alike, having a land survey is essential since we wouldn’t know where one piece of land ends and another begins without it. Surveys are crucial for understanding property boundaries and features, which can impact everything from construction projects to legal disputes. Even when not required, having an updated survey can save time, money, and headaches in the long run. Knowing precisely what you own can prevent future conflicts and ensure smooth property transactions.
Why People Need Surveys
A survey plan is a specialized map that acts as a legal document to determine and delineate property boundaries. These surveys accurately depict land features and boundaries, which are crucial for buying, selling, or developing property. They include fences, trees, buildings, and natural features like streams or lakes. Surveys are essential for property development, ensuring that new constructions adhere to local regulations and do not infringe on neighboring properties. Property owners can face legal disputes, project delays, and difficulty obtaining permits without clear boundaries.
A detailed survey reveals any existing encroachments or easements that could affect property use and value. Surveyors use older authoritative plans and surveys from prior property surveys, along with information on adjoining plots, to determine property boundaries. Today, sophisticated technologies such as LiDAR mapping or drone-provided aerial orthophotography play a more significant role in producing more detailed maps.
The Challenge of Not Having One
As we mentioned before, Indiana’s form contracts make surveys optional, often leaving buyers without clear property boundaries. This can lead to significant issues. First, without a survey, buyers may face difficulties obtaining permits for construction or renovations. Local authorities typically require precise boundary information to issue permits; projects can be delayed or denied. Second, knowing the exact borders of a property is essential. Without this information, property owners might unintentionally build on neighboring land, leading to legal disputes and potential costs to rectify the encroachment.
Properties without recent surveys might receive inferior title insurance. This lack of comprehensive coverage is akin to buying a car without knowing its history or condition, leaving buyers vulnerable to hidden defects or encumbrances. Detailed surveys can also uncover environmental hazards or zoning restrictions affecting development plans. Site-planning surveys, which show what can be planned or developed before construction begins, are often a requirement before permits are issued. Without a survey, property owners might miss out on understanding their full property potential, including valuable land features that could enhance the property’s usability and value.
Auricchio Law Offices Works with Buyers, Sellers, and Agents
Understanding your property’s boundaries and features is crucial, even when a survey is unnecessary. Consider investing in a land survey to ensure your property transactions and developments are smooth and dispute-free. Schedule a free consultation with Auricchio Law Offices today to discuss your real estate needs and how we can assist you throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
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