Don’t assume everything is where it should be on your property. Always verify.

This is one of those things that most buyers — especially first-time buyers — either don’t think about or don’t know to ask. But it’s a mistake that can come back to bite you later in a big way. We’re talking about the property survey — the legal map that shows exactly where your property lines are and what’s on (or near) them.

Even if your agent or lender mentions the survey, you still need to look at it yourself. Why? Because things aren’t always where they appear to be — and that includes fences, sheds, driveways, even parts of buildings.

Here’s Why This Matters

Let’s say your new home has:

• A shed in the back corner
• A fence between your yard and your neighbor’s
• A long driveway that looks like it’s all yours…

Now imagine later discovering the shed is 3 feet into your neighbor’s yard, or the fence is encroaching, or your driveway cuts across an easement or utility line. That’s a headache you don’t want. And it happens more often than you’d think.

Even worse — what if you had big dreams of building a pool, a detached garage, or extending the patio… only to find out you don’t have the setback room because of zoning restrictions or narrow property lines?

This isn’t just about avoiding current problems — it’s about protecting your future plans.

Always Review the Survey — Here’s How:

1. Ask the Seller for Their Survey Copy:
   Many sellers have one, especially if they bought the home fairly recently. Start there.
2. See if the Title Company Will Accept It:
   If the survey is relatively recent, some title companies and lenders will accept it. That could save you several hundred dollars.
3. If You Need a New One, Try the Original Surveyor First:
   Here’s the money-saving tip:
   • Surveyors won’t rely on someone else’s work.
     They won’t stand behind another surveyor’s findings.
   • But they will update their own previous surveys — often at a lower cost.
     Because they’ve already done the legwork and fieldwork, it’s easier and cheaper for them to update and reissue it.

This can save you hundreds.

1. Walk the Property With the Survey in Hand:
   • Check fence lines
   • Look at permanent structures
   • Think about where you might want to build or add things later
   • Match up physical landmarks to the survey lines

What Does a Survey Cost?

Typical residential property surveys range from $400 to $900, depending on:

• Lot size and location: Bigger lots or rural land costs more
• Survey type: A basic boundary survey is cheaper than an ALTA/NSPS survey (which some lenders require)
• Property complexity: Trees, slopes, and older subdivisions can drive up the price

Why This Should Be on Your Must-Do List

Surveys aren’t just about what’s there now — they’re about what you can do later.

• Want to add a fence? You need to know exactly where the boundary is.
• Planning to build a pool or garage? Setback rules matter — and they start at the property line.
• Don’t want to get into a fight with your new neighbors? Make sure nothing on the property crosses over the line.

Final Advice

Too many buyers just assume the fences and structures match the legal lines. They often don’t.
And that can turn into expensive legal issues or limitations on what you can do with your property.

A survey tells the real story. So make sure you:

• Ask for a copy
• Review it carefully
• Walk the property
• Call the original surveyor if a new survey is required — and ask for an update, not a full new survey if possible

And always confirm whether your lender or title company will accept an older survey before ordering a new one.

This one simple step can save you money now and protect your options later.

At House Karma, we’ve seen too many buyers skip this step and regret it later. Don’t be one of them.
If you need help reviewing or understanding your survey — or finding a great surveyor — just ask us. We’re here to help you protect your investment and your peace of mind.