Learn About Land Development Surveys Before You Buy Property

If you are new at purchasing large properties, you might not be familiar with surveying.  As you begin to make final decisions on pieces of land, your real estate representative may mention types of land development surveys offered by Chris Nelson & Associates that either will be required or you should consider.  It’s a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible about real estate before you buy, so here is a quick overview of a few common surveys.

ALTA

There is a reason the ALTA survey is known as the “Cadillac of surveys.”  The standards for ALTA are determined by the American Land Title Association and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and its boundary information also includes data on improvements, rights-of-way, and other elements that impact land ownership.  ALTA is the source of information that insurers use for titles of commercial development interests.

Topographic

Development on a piece of land requires precise information about its points of elevation.  Architects and builders will need to know about slopes, hills, and depressions before they begin their work.  Topographic surveys gather data on these features and present them as contour lines.  Professionals can read the contour lines to understand where the peaks and valleys are on your property and plan work around them accordingly.

Boundary

Boundary services establish the corners of your property.  This may sound extremely simple, but in fact these measurements need to be so precise that they must be performed by professionals like Chris Nelson who specialize in land development surveys.  You definitely want a boundary survey established before you purchase a tract of land.

Flood Elevation

If your property is situated in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area as determined by FEMA, you need to make sure that you have an official Elevation Certificate.  The flood elevation survey determines whether or not the buildings on your property can be certified as properly elevated.  Having this certification is essential for obtaining flood insurance.

Learning about land development surveys can be an interesting diversion, and it will help you learn a lot more about any tracts of land that interest you.  Before you buy any property, ask Chris Nelson & Associates about the surveys associated with the purchase.  It may even help you make your final real estate decisions.