What Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys Before Purchasing a Home or Land
Property surveys are one of the most important documents involved in many real estate transactions, yet they are often misunderstood by buyers.
Whether you’re purchasing a home in town, a property with acreage, or vacant land in the Texarkana region and surrounding four-state area, understanding what a survey shows can help you make a more informed decision before closing.
A survey does much more than simply show property lines.
What Is a Property Survey?
A property survey is a drawing prepared by a licensed surveyor that identifies the boundaries and physical features of a property.
Depending on the property, a survey may show:
- Property boundaries
- Improvements
- Easements
- Encroachments
- Utility locations
- Access points
- Setback lines
The survey helps buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing.
Why Surveys Matter
One of the biggest reasons surveys are important is that they can reveal issues that may not be obvious during a property visit.
Examples include:
- Fences crossing property lines
- Driveway encroachments
- Utility easements
- Access concerns
- Structures located near setback lines
Identifying these issues before closing allows buyers to better evaluate the property.
Easements Are Common
Many buyers become concerned when they see easements shown on a survey.
In reality, easements are extremely common.
Examples include:
- Utility easements
- Drainage easements
- Access easements
The important question is not whether easements exist, but how they may affect the intended use of the property.
Surveys Become Even More Important With Acreage
For larger properties, surveys often play an even bigger role.
Buyers should pay attention to:
- Boundary locations
- Access points
- Fencing
- Creek crossings
- Utility locations
The larger the property, the more important it becomes to understand exactly where boundaries are located.
Can an Existing Survey Be Used?
In some transactions, an existing survey may be acceptable.
However, buyers should understand that not all surveys are automatically acceptable for every transaction.
Factors may include:
- Age of the survey
- Property changes
- Lender requirements
- Title company requirements
Each transaction should be evaluated individually.
Common Survey Mistakes Buyers Make
Assuming Fences Mark Property Lines
Fences do not always represent actual boundaries.
Ignoring Easements
Understanding easements is important when evaluating future property use.
Not Reviewing the Survey Before Closing
Buyers should carefully review survey information and ask questions before completing the purchase.
The Texarkana Region Includes Many Property Types
Across Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas, Southeast Oklahoma, and Northwest Louisiana, buyers encounter:
- Traditional residential lots
- Rural homes
- Acreage tracts
- Recreational land
- Development property
Each property type presents unique survey considerations.
Final Thoughts
Property surveys provide valuable information about ownership boundaries, easements, improvements, and access.
Understanding the survey before closing can help buyers avoid surprises and make more informed real estate decisions.
If you’re considering purchasing a home, acreage, or land in Texarkana or the surrounding four-state region:
Reach out to Realty Fanatics Group ,we can help you review surveys, identify potential concerns, and better understand the property before you buy.
