Before buying or selling a piece of property, a questionnaire determines the exact boundaries of the property based on legal documents filed about the special parcel of property. The surveyor creates land survey documents throughout the process, which legally describe the property, covering everything from property lines to waterways. Having the ability to read these property survey documents ensures as a buyer or seller, you understand exactly what the property comprises –reducing any chances of misunderstandings with different parties involved with a property trade, or owners of neighboring property.

Examine the property transfer file and the title insurance commitment document to acquire a precise description of this property. Included is an outline of almost any third-party rights to the property due to easements or encroachments that may provide a restriction to portions of the property for the proprietor.

Locate the property to the survey map by the description supplied. Along with place, the description must include any information about whether the property is a lot in a subdivision, and if so, both the lot name and the subdivision name.

Locate the basic map information located on the boundaries of this survey map. Look for a directional pointer, typically indicated by an arrow pointed towards the peak of the map showing north. Note the scale of this poll, telling you the scale of this map. Use a ruler to measure distances on the map, and convert those dimensions using the map scale to determine real distances between points on the property.

Study the poll legend, generally situated along the base of the map. Each symbol in the legend has a label and denotes a particular topographical feature on the map. Match the symbols on the legend together with the symbols on the map to ascertain which attributes are found on the property.

Locate any third-party claims on the map. These must be clearly marked as to kind of claim–for example, an easement that provides the right to use that part of the property to another party.

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