Most mortgage lenders and title companies require some form of survey before approving the purchase. These surveys protect both the lender and the buyer from potential problems in the future that may arise as a result of unknown easements, liens, and other property details. While basic surveying services are appropriate in some cases, in others, an ALTA survey may be required.

What Is an ALTA Survey?

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) worked together to develop a detailed and comprehensive survey of land and property before a purchase is made. Physical inspections are an important part of the purchase process as well, but ALTA surveys offer in-depth information regarding land ownership, rights-of-way, easements, hidden assets, unrecorded liens, parcel boundaries, and unrecorded improvements to the property.

When Is an ALTA Survey Required?

ALTA surveys are most frequently required for the purchase of commercial property. This requirement is based on the fact that commercial properties carry greater risks of boundary line disputes, easements, and other information that’s not available in public records. A thorough ALTA survey will bring these issues to light, so they can either be resolved prior to the purchase of the property or so that the buyer can move on.

If you’re planning to purchase vacant land, you may also be required to have an ALTA survey performed. This is generally because most vacant pieces of land were never surveyed or because the surveys were performed too long ago to be considered accurate. Additionally, if you plan to do certain work on a piece of land, such as constructing new buildings, you may need to obtain an ALTA survey to guarantee rightful ownership and avoid any potential legal issues.

ALTA surveys sound like another hoop you must jump through in the real estate process, but they offer an added layer of protection against future boundary disputes and other legal problems that may arise. The experts at McCarty Associates offer their surveying services throughout Hillsboro, Loveland, and Washington Court House, OH. Their detailed site surveys offer all the information you need to either proceed with or terminate a potential real estate transaction. Call them today at (937) 393-9971 to request a survey or visit their website for more information.