Sunday, April 2, 2017

Are The ALTA Land Title Surveys Tennessee Home Buyers Order Really Necessary

By Thomas White


If you are used to buying and selling real estate, you know that putting much faith in old legal descriptions is risky business. They may be interesting, but they are often inaccurate. The descriptions for large acreage tracts or those with creeks and streams as boundaries can be difficult to decipher unless you are a professional surveyor. A lot of new property buyers seem to think that, if they have any legal descriptions in place, it is safe to close on transactions and purchase the properties from the last known records. The ALTA land title surveys Tennessee Brokers recommend may show something very different.

One of the common reasons property owners get surveys done is to locate the boundary lines. Having a legal description on your deed, doesn't ensure you really have the correct information. Mistakes are made all the time, and the only way to really know the exact parameters of your property is to have it surveyed. If you erect a fence or plant fruit trees on the property line, you will want to feel confident you have not crossed into your neighbor's property.

Property that was primarily agricultural often has old dirt roads and easements that can affect your ability to build just anywhere on the property. It is very common for utility easements to cross through a property. If the property behind yours is landlocked, there may be a recorded easement allowing access to that property by way of yours.

Building and planting close to boundary lines can lead to overhangs and other projections that are outside your property. Because of a peculiar property configuration, you and your neighbor might end up sharing a common driveway. Falling trees can be source of disputes between neighbors. If there are trees on property lines, you need to find out who owns them before a big storm uproots one of them. Ownership will determine who is responsible for any damage.

A surveyor should include outlines of any structures located on the property before he or she turns in the final product. Once you own the acreage, you will be responsible for compliance of all local regulations and ordinances. The survey will know whether or not you are going to have problems with the county.

All property is subject to zoning requirements, and a survey will let you know what the county considers its highest and best use. How the acreage is zoned may restrict what you can build on it and what you can use it for. It is possible to get an exception, but you will probably have to contact a lawyer who specializes in real estate law to help you.

If you plan to drive onto your property at some point, you need to be sure you have vehicular access. Purchasers who plan to build a commercial structure or apartment building will need to know whether or not the access is suitable for trucks, ambulances and parking.

When you decide to purchase real estate, you need to do your due diligence. It is up to you to determine where the boundary lines are, what restrictive easements are in place, and how the property is zoned. You'll need a good surveyor for that.




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