Attorney emails me today, "you performed an ALTA Survey for such and such and we are needing it updated so that they can get a construction loan." Okay, let me do a little research and see what I have and jog my memory.
I did the survey 24 months ago as part of pre-development design. I submitted a preliminary and never received comments from anyone. I have it written into my contract for ALTA Surveys that they have 30 days to compile comments from both buyer's and seller's counsel so that I can address them accordingly or explain why they can't be addressed. I do this so I am not left holding the bag if a deal falls through.
Then six to eight months after completion of the preliminary survey a company different than the one who initially hired me calls asking for my files. I just stated sorry, I never fully completed that survey. I hadn't been paid at that point either, but was eventually paid by the initial client for the work performed.
I told the attorney, sorry I never received comments, but I can provide you with a final signed and sealed survey with the preliminary note removed as I had already provided that to my initial client. Attorney says, "but I need it certified to such and such and this one is certified to another entity. Can you provide an affidavit of no changes certified to such and such." I say "sure, but I will need to make a site visit to confirm there are no changes. The initial survey was for 18 acres that included topo and is 3 hours from my office so that will cost this amount of $. The survey is dated 24 months ago and I cannot be certain nothing has changed without at least this minimum amount of work." Then she comes back and says I've ordered title and will have it in a few weeks. "Oh, so you need a completely new survey referencing this new Title Commitment? You are looking at $$ for that survey."
Attorney says, "I will check with the client. They may want to go a different route."
Sounds peachy to me. I don't plan to give it away for free. It has a value.
@jon-payne seems easy enough to make sure there aren't any outrageous fees. One way is to just state that no review can be required, other than same review all other recorded documents get (usually just format and signature check).
I agree, it seems easy enough. It also probably seemed easy enough to the folks in North Carolina to get a "right of entry" section of law enacted.
Because there are other parties involved, there is no absolute control over language introduced. We (Kentucky) already have some planning units that try overstepping their legislated bounds when it comes to non-subdivision surveys. They would love to be able to get in on influencing the final writing on any recording law - therein is the place where "easy enough" easily enough goes away.
I just love these posts. I laugh and laugh because I don’t have to deal with it anymore since retiring. I became licensed in 1978 while most of y'all were still swimmin’ around in yer ‘ol man’s scrotum. People will never change, especially realtors and attorneys, everybody works for free except them. Just deal with it, it ain’t gonna go away.
Me too (retired), registered in 1982. Nothing ever changes on this situation.
I just love these posts. I laugh and laugh because I don’t have to deal with it anymore since retiring. I became licensed in 1978 while most of y'all were still swimmin’ around in yer ‘ol man’s scrotum. People will never change, especially realtors and attorneys, everybody works for free except them. Just deal with it, it ain’t gonna go away.
I'm starting to see why you guys ignore residential calls...
Talked to a couple non-survey business owners a while ago and they suggested tinkering (aka lowering) my pricing to help get the ball rolling. I was reluctant because I think my fees are completely reasonable for my area.
So I did a test run and talked to 5 different residential callers in 2 days. I regretted the fees I put out there almost immediately and the people still didn't call me back.
At first I thought the situation must be I'm thinking $5000 and the caller is thinking $3000-4000, so not a huge difference but perhaps enough to keep shopping. But the more I do this I think it's more like I'm thinking $5000 and they're thinking... $300.
Anyway, just some amusing lessons learned.
In a non-recording state you need a relationship with other surveyors in your area. I have never been denied when I’ve asked for a copy of an unrecorded survey.
You have hit the nail on the head. Most people have absolutely no idea what cost range to expect when they call. Many friends may tell them exceptionally low numbers based on something done 20 or more years ago by a "friend" of theirs on a weekend using equipment borrowed from an employer. Others in the real estate,banking, etc. areas may also provide lowball numbers in hopes the client might find that lowballer they hope still works the area.
Sticker shock is everywhere. We have similar circumstances in our own personal business. That's why we have to charge what we do.
@dougie A popular reply on this forum's predecessors back in the day.
Can you provide an affidavit of no changes certified to such and such.
I hesitate to sign blanket statements like that.
Just hire me to do a current survey, which may be updating a prior survey I did, and the new survey will have a new date, and will reflect conditions accurate to that date.
I'm starting to see why you guys ignore residential calls...
Talked to a couple non-survey business owners a while ago and they suggested tinkering (aka lowering) my pricing to help get the ball rolling. I was reluctant because I think my fees are completely reasonable for my area.
So I did a test run and talked to 5 different residential callers in 2 days. I regretted the fees I put out there almost immediately and the people still didn't call me back.
At first I thought the situation must be I'm thinking $5000 and the caller is thinking $3000-4000, so not a huge difference but perhaps enough to keep shopping. But the more I do this I think it's more like I'm thinking $5000 and they're thinking... $300.
Anyway, just some amusing lessons learned.
When I first took my current position I had no office/estimating experience. I primarily estimate private surveys, mostly 5-400 ac tracts but some lots in town too. The best weeding out tool I was told I could use was to request a copy of their deed. Cuts out a lot of tire kickers when you put the ball in their court. It works pretty good. The sticker shock is understandable when you have "Angie"/realtors telling folks the average survey cost in your area is 300.
Can you provide an affidavit of no changes certified to such and such.
Yes. Why would I? I’m in the business of providing surveys, not signing affidavit’s.