Well, it depends. Sometimes yes, sometimes you can proceed to settlement without one. Costs will depend on the property and type of survey. If you're buying a house in an established neighborhood, and all the homes are on 1/4 - 1/2 acre lots for example, you might get by without one. But, before you make that decision that might save you $1000.00 +, ask the current owner if they have a copy of their survey when they bought. Also, check and see if anything like fences, sheds, decks, patios, driveways, etc have been added by the current owners, and also check the same on all properties bordering the property you want to buy. Most counties now provide access to a mapping system showing the approximate boundary lines and building locations, but those are not always accurate. Also, ask yourself what do you plan to do after buying? Do you plan to add a fence for example, then you will want a survey.
The most common survey in a neighborhood is a " House Location Survey". This should show any improvements, lot lines, restrictions, set backs, and easements on record. This will usually show existing IPF's ( Iron Pipe Found), and general measurements of house and distance from boundary lines. You should be able to identify any encroachments from a house location survey. A surveyor might or might not leave stakes with ribbons at each lot corner when conducting a basic house location survey.
If you do decide to have a survey done, you should notify your title company as soon as possible. It could take 2+ weeks in many cases for a surveyor to schedule and complete a survey. And if any encroachments are noted, you'll need time to decide on how to handle those.
If you are buying a larger acreage parcel or farm type property, I would always suggest that you get a survey. I've seen too many fences, barns, and run ins built several feet on the wrong side of a boundary line. Plus these type of properties usually have more issues that you need to be aware of like easements, flood plains, wider setbacks, special districts like Mountainside Overlay, etc.
The above triangular lot doesn't show this, but there is a 35' setback from Lovettsville Rd, there is another setback on long straight property line which use to be the old Lovettsville Roadbed , and there is a NOVEC overhead utility easement across the property. A potential buyer wouldn't know these things unless they did a survey and title search.
Jeff Pearl / Lic in VA
Remax Distinctive - Reston VA
703-727-4876
Homes / Land / Farms / Historic
www.jeffpearlhomes.com
Equal Housing Opportunity Provider
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