When home buying clients in Bryan / College Station, Texas ask me whether or not they should get a new survey, I give them their options. They can utilize the seller’s old survey, typically saving $460.00 plus tax, or they can get a new one.
THE PRO’s: for reusing the old survey. It saves time–sometimes surveyors are backed up about a week or more here in Bryan, Texas, and it saves money–these days, $460.00 will fill the gas tank about nine times, right?
THE CON’s: If the seller’s surveyor made a mistake, there is very little recourse for the buyers since they did not hire that surveyor.
They can choose to utilize a seller’s old survey (inheriting any and all potential mistakes on it) or they can obtain a new survey through a local, reputable surveyor. The choice is up to them.
If they decide to buy a new one, I schedule the work for them. If they opt to reuse the old one, I ask them to sign a waiver for the file.
Yes, the survey decision, whether old or new, is just a tiny detail, but remember the poem...?
“For want of a nail, a shoe was lost,”
“For want of a shoe, a horse was lost,”
“For want of a horse, a battle was lost,”
“For want of a battle, a kingdom was lost,”
“And all for want of a horseshoe nail.”
Nathan Cook, REALTOR®
Serving home buyers and home sellers in Bryan/College Station, Texas through Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate
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BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes
Kay Perry, Broker - College Station, TX
Nathan, Thanks for writing this blog. It is a great way to compare the two so the buyer can select if he wants a new one or an exiting survey. You are always a great source of knowledge.
Nov 17, 2007 12:46 AM
BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty) - College Station, TX
You are welcome, Trey! Thank you for the hours you have invested in the meetings to educate us.
Thanks for your kind comments, Kay! We are blessed to have good training here at Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate.
Nov 20, 2007 07:01 AM
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
Most people in my area just rely on a mortgage company "plot plan" type survey. I am surprised that more don't have a survey done -- however, it costs over $1,000 in our area -- so there you go.
Nov 20, 2007 08:56 AM
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Reading this brought back memories of the settlement from hell, where the seller hadn't bothered with a survey, and the building sat on a total of three "sliver" lots, one of which hadn't been transfered when she bought the place. It was an amazing mess that took a bunch of time to figure out and fix.
Nov 20, 2007 02:52 PM
BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty) - College Station, TX
Joan: That would be rather expensive. Makes sense why they do not purchase and updated survey.
Patricia: WOW! Sounds like that was an experience to remember. That would take some time to unravel.
Nov 21, 2007 04:37 AM
Classic Realty, Inc. - College Station, TX
BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty) - College Station, TX
Great question, D! Checking with the title company is a great place to start, if they have exhausted the avenue of looking through their closing package. Possibly filed in the courthouse. If they remember who surveyed it, they could check with the surveyor.
Jan 03, 2008 09:27 AM
BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty) - College Station, TX
You are most welcome, D! Thanks for your kind comments. I look forward to learning when and where you find your survey. Or if you have to have a new one done.
You may need one when the property changes hands, or if you are going to put up a boundary fence. Sometimes lenders may require one as well. The title company does not always require a survey, especially if you are paying cash.
Hope this helps, D., and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you around as blog topics pique your interest. Thanks for reading!
Jan 04, 2008 01:35 AM
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