Survey
A map made by a licensed surveyor showing the property's boundaries, buildings, easements and any encroachments. Some lenders or title companies require one; in other areas it is optional.
Also called: land survey, property survey, boundary survey, ALTA survey
Related terms
When a structure such as a fence, shed or driveway crosses onto a neighbor's land or an easement. A survey usually finds it, and it can cloud title.
A right for someone else to use part of a property for a set purpose, such as a utility line or a shared driveway. Easements usually stay with the property when it sells.
A one-time policy that covers losses from title problems missed by the search, such as forgery or unknown heirs. Lenders require a lender's policy; the owner's policy protects the buyer. Who pays varies by state and local custom.
The buyer's work to check a property before committing, such as inspections, surveys, HOA documents and zoning. In some states, like North Carolina, it is a defined period with a fee paid to the seller.
A document from a surveyor or engineer showing a building's height relative to expected flood levels. It can greatly affect flood insurance cost.