I have a lawyer who wants a Basic ALTA survey for a couple of commercial properties for a loan. He does not know what Table A options that he needs. What are the Table A options for a "Basic ALTA Survey"? I am trying to get into this kind of work and was wondering about what the typical payment terms are for this type work. Paid upfront? 50% down and 50% at closing? Do you have to wait until closing to get paid?
Thanks,
The Bow Tie Surveyor
In Florida, a few of the Table A standards are required by MTS ... like setting monuments. When I get someone who doesn't know what they want, I'll check off the ones that I feel are "standard", fax or email it to them, as a starting point for the negotiation.
50% down and 50% when completed... the heck with the closing...that's not your risk!
Leave out the elevations and contours unless you know that there is further development planned and it will save $'s later...
I do exactly what Pseudo does.
50% up front and 50% on delivery. If you agree to be paid at closing and it never closes you are SOL...
This is what I consider basic ALTA information, from my standard proposal letter. However, note that my clients come from referrals only, so I don't have problems collecting.
I will perform a 2011 ALTA survey (the most recent standards), using the mandatory ALTA certification, to include optional Table A items:
1. Monuments placed (or a reference monument or witness to the corner) at all major corners of the boundary of the property, unless already marked or referenced by existing monuments or witnesses.
2. Address(es) if disclosed in Record Documents, or observed while conducting the survey.
3. Flood zone classification (with proper annotation based on federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps or the state or local equivalent) depicted by scaled map location and graphic plotting only.
4. Gross land area.
8. Substantial features observed in the process of conducting the survey such as parking lots, billboards, signs, swimming pools, landscaped areas, etc.
9. Striping, number and type (e.g. handicapped, motorcycle, regular, etc.) of parking spaces in parking areas, lots and structures.
11. Location of utilities existing on or serving the surveyed property as determined by: (b) Observed evidence together with evidence from plans obtained from utility companies or provided by client, and markings by utility companies and other appropriate sources (with reference as to the source of information).
16. Observed evidence of current earth moving work, building construction or building additions.
17. Proposed changes in street right of way lines, if information is available from the controlling jurisdiction. Observed evidence of recent street or sidewalk construction or repairs.
18. Observed evidence of site use as a solid waste dump, sump or sanitary landfill.
The fee will be $ and I can complete the survey in weeks. I assume you can provide a title report. I will provide five signed and sealed prints, one FedEx delivery, and a pdf if desired.
If you wish me to proceed, just write "OK to proceed" or something similar, initial, and e-mail the letter back to me. Please follow up with a phone call to make sure it was received.
Payment is expected within 30 days from date of contract. There will be a 2% late charge every 30 days thereafter. Payment will not depend on closing.
Sincerely yours,
Bruce F. Small
Anyone ever had a client request 20b (offsite easements)? Had a request today, never had one before. One parcel has a portion of an Oklahoma-California pipeline passing through it. They were dumbfounded when I asked them if they wanted it all monumented...
I get request for them and it usually goes away when I tell them how much.
> One parcel has a portion of an Oklahoma-California pipeline passing through it. They were dumbfounded when I asked them if they wanted it all monumented...
b) Monuments placed (or a reference monument or witness to the corner) at all major corners of any offsite easements or servitudes benefitting the surveyed property and disclosed in Record Documents provided to the surveyor (client to obtain necessary permissions).
I would venture to guess that in this case the pipeline easement burdens rather than benefits the property.