Do I need a survey?
For your convenience, listings on LandRadar.com may include GPS coordinates to approximate corners and points of properties based on county GIS mapping. Many buyers find this sufficient for their use of a property. However, a survey done by a licensed land surveyor is the only way to know exact corner and boundary locations, which can be peace of mind to a buyer and could result in a better price and faster sale for a seller.
The need to have land surveyed, and the level of survey information needed, depends on several factors, including:
- Location of the property – Is it near a city or developed area, or is it remote with difficult access and surrounded by land that may have never been surveyed?
- Intended use of the property – Different levels of survey information may be needed if you planning to build structure(s), develop or improve the property, or just use it for hunting and recreation.
- Plans to improve the property – Will you be planting trees or harvesting/thinning the timber? Do you plan to build a home or other structure(s)? Does a road or drive need to be put in?
Land surveying services can range from simply locating and marking property corners and boundaries on a property to providing a certified survey drawing depicting topography, improvements, wetlands and other special features, and ALTA/ACSM land title specifications. Costs are related to location of the property, availability of other survey data in the area, and the scope of services and information needed. Consult a licensed land surveyor, the county surveyor, and the local governing body to determine what information you may need for your intended purpose and associated costs.