As a member of the title industry, I often see buyers decline to purchase a survey on their new home in an effort to save money. This decision may be penny wise but pound foolish! Buyers should understand that unless they purchase a boundary survey (also referred to as a stake survey) they are not receiving coverage from the title company that the house and its improvements are sitting within the boundaries of the property they are purchasing.
But why is that important when the fence, house and other improvements have been there for some period of time? The answer to that question often comes down to one word- relationship. The seller has a relationship with their neighbors. So many times the neighbors will let encroachments or other issues slide. These issues can include anything from a fence being over the property line to a driveway issue, etc. The buyer; however, has no relationship with the neighbors and often the moment the buyer moves in, the neighbor chooses to “fix the problem.” Unfortunately for the buyer, this is often done at their expense because they did not obtain survey coverage on their title policy. The time to uncover and work through survey issues is prior to closing. Be sure to work with your real estate professional to understand what your options are under the sales contract. After all, you want to make sure that what you believe is your land truly is your land.
About the author:
Wendy Cromer is the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Security Title Insurance Agency LLC in St. Louis, MO. She is also the 2010-2011 President of the Missouri Land Title Association. For more information you can contact Wendy at WCromer@securitytitlestl.com. Check out her website at www.SecurityTitleStl.com or visit her facebook page at www.FaceBook.com/saintlouistitleinsurance
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