Great Post!?ÿ Sometimes we get caught up in doing and forget why we do it.?ÿ A reminder is always nice.?ÿ Jp
Somehow I think it needs to be conveyed to Realtor Boards?ÿthat not suggesting (strongly) that any buyer get a survey prior to sale is akin to mal-practice.?ÿ It really is no different than a physical inspection of the building, which they always recommend.?ÿ I stopped working for Realtors years ago, because they were so painful to work with (and more importantly to get paid by).?ÿ
Maybe I've just been "lucky", but the majority of residential surveys I've done have had improvements that didn't match the?ÿdescribed or platted?ÿboundaries.?ÿ Sometimes it isn't a big deal, sometimes it is.?ÿ It is ALWAYS best to know though before the money changes hands.?ÿ
Also, many residential properties I've worked on have easements or other issues that aren't apparent by looking at the property.?ÿ Even reviewing the title report doesn't really help a layperson (or even their Realtor) figure out where such things are and what their effect is on the property and what the owner wants to do with the property.?ÿ Especially long term things that they didn't necessarily discuss with their Realtor (for instance: buying a house with a large lot with the idea of dividing the property and selling it as part of their retirement plan).?ÿ Many people have this goal in mind, but few figure out if they can actually do it before buying the property.?ÿ I've had many clients tell me they wouldn't have bought the property if they'd have known about an easement or?ÿother condition of the property that kept them from doing something they wanted to do.?ÿ
My brother in law lives in a house that was inherited by his parents from his grandparents who are deceased. House was built in the 50??s. His parents recent bought a larger nicer home and were going to sell this house to him for cheap. He went to get a mortgage on it and they required a survey. Turns out half his kitchen is on the adjoining lot. It is an ongoing thing and I am not sure what will happen but I know both he and his neighbor are ok with the property line they have been using for the past 70 years. I am sure some type of adverse possession thing applies in this case by my BIL is a young guy with very limited funds and can??t afford to resolve it properly at the moment.
Have a solid contract with the buyer and ask that they pay for the survey.
Ask around for a surveyor that will agree to be paid at closing from the proceeds of the sale.
good luck
Ok so I am giving a 20 minute or so presentation in the morning to a local real estate office. This is of course in the hopes of drumming up some business for myself. I was asked to briefly explain why someone should get a survey and then what goes into doing a survey. I need some ideas as to why someone needs a survey. Right now I have the following reasons: (i am paraphrasing my list)
A home is the largest expense many people will ever have and people should know exactly what they are getting.
Fences are expensive, building one twice is even more expensive.
Consider the survey the same as the home inspection you wouldn't buy a house with out the inspection.
Give me your surveying horror stories to help fill out some time. The surveying process is an easy ten minute talk.
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My surveying horror stories are this^^.?ÿ Every time I've tried giving presentations to realtors, it's like talking to a wall.?ÿ All they care about is that dollar sign attached to your quote and/or how fast you can get the work done.?ÿ Your a PITA to most realtors I've run across.?ÿ The good ones understand what we do, but the "fly-by-nighters" could care less.?ÿ Save yourself the headache IMO it's not been worth it going this route for marketing.