Why Buyers Should Always Obtain Their Own Survey

Why Buyers Should Always Obtain Their Own Survey

When purchasing a home in Texas, one of the most important steps in the process is getting a property survey. While sellers often provide an existing survey from when they purchased the home, relying on it can create serious risks for buyers.

The top reason to obtain your own survey is accuracy and liability.

Accuracy and Liability: Protecting Your Investment

A property survey defines the exact boundaries of the land, shows any easements, and identifies improvements like fences, driveways, or sheds. If a buyer relies on an old survey from the seller:

• Boundaries may be inaccurate: Fences may have shifted, additions may not be recorded, or prior errors could exist.

• Easements or encroachments might be missed: Utility lines, drainage easements, or neighboring property encroachments may not appear on an outdated survey.

• Legal liability increases: If a dispute arises over boundaries or improvements, the buyer could face costly legal issues without a current survey in their name.

A new survey ensures that the property lines and easements are accurately documented, giving buyers confidence in their purchase and protecting them from future disputes.

Additional Boundary & Area Coverage

When buying a home in Texas, you can also enhance your title insurance with additional coverage options based on a current survey:

• Boundary Coverage: Protects against losses if a neighbor claims a boundary encroachment that wasn't identified in the survey.

• Area Coverage: Covers improvements or structures that may extend beyond the recorded property lines, such as driveways, fences, or sheds.

• Easement & Encroachment Protection: Offers extra security in case previously unknown easements, utility lines, or encroachments impact your property use.

These optional coverages provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, giving buyers confidence that their investment is fully protected.

Bottom Line

In Texas, relying on a seller's old survey is a gamble. For accuracy, liability protection, and optional title coverage, buyers should always obtain a current, certified survey in their own name.

Protect your Texas home purchase with confidence. Contact Holly Mathieson at 936-697-9277 or holly@theeaglenexus.com for guidance on surveys, title coverage, and every step of your home buying journey.