Beyond Boundaries: How Land Surveys Protect Every Transaction

Written by Exacta Land Team | Jan 5, 2026 4:05:57 PM

Every real estate deal begins with the understanding that what is on paper is what exists on the ground.  But property lines, easements, and improvements on nearby properties aren't always this obvious.

That is where land surveys come in. They provide professionals with the verification they need to better understand land ownership, access, and usage before closing.

 

The Foundation of Property Accuracy

A land survey is used to produce an official description of a property, which often includes a description of the physical improvements, such as fences, a driveway, or a building.  Surveyors also analyze a property's deeds, plats, and legal descriptions, then measure the property and see what is there.

Otherwise, problems like a neighbor building on your property line or a subsequent buyer discovering a title issue may not surface for years.  For both residential and commercial transactions, a survey provides ground truth and protection for all parties involved.

 

More Than Just Lines on a Map

Besides providing coordinates, a survey shows how the property in question relates to surrounding properties.
That includes:

  • Easements and rights-of-way on land that may limit how the land can be used.
  • Buildings, fences, and landscaping encroach. They extend over the property line.
  • Existing access/utility availability for potential development/redevelopment of properties.

These relationships help avoid delays, renegotiations, or disputes long after the closing of the transaction.

 

Why It Matters Across Every Role

Realtors use surveys to help assure buyers and support the accuracy of the data.

  • Title companies rely on them to verify that insured boundaries correspond with legal descriptions.
  • Attorneys and lenders view them as important to verifying collateral and protecting their clients' interests.

In short, a reliable survey gives everyone involved confidence in the transaction and helps ensure that the property's story is complete.

 

The Takeaway

From the initial house to commercial redevelopment or converting multiple parcels into desired uses, surveys provide an essential foundation for property transactions.  They turn assumptions into facts, and they make closings smoother, safer, and more predictable for everyone.