I have many clients ask, “Why do I need a survey, the property is already fully fenced?” “I can see the property lines.”

Here are the reasons why it is so important.

Wouldn’t you want to know if there is a city or county gas, power or sewer line easement on your property? Thinking of adding a pool, you better make sure a sewer line isn’t running through property.

Is your neighbor’s fence, the current fence or wall or driveway over the property line? If so, by how much?

Are you are planning on doing an addition to your home? You need to make sure you are within the setbacks. Are there any restrictions stopping you from adding onto your house?

Are you in a flood plain? This is rather critical information! Flood insurance can be quite costly and harder for re-sale in the future.

After asking myself these simple questions, my answer is that I would definitely want to know what is on or potentially under the land I am about to purchase! Knowing this information ahead of time will save you in the long run or can stop you from making a huge mistake!

When you stop and think that your home is typically the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, spending around $400-$700, depending on your lot size, is cheap when you put it into perspective.

My advice is for every home buyer to have a survey done during our due diligence period. This way we know exactly what we are buying and everything that comes with it that we may or may not be able to see with our own eyes.

Written by Lilli Lombardi Thompson, Buyer Specialist at The Peters Company