When you’re dealing with property—whether it’s buying a house, selling a piece of land, or investing in something bigger—it’s important to know exactly what you’re working with. A real estate survey helps with that by clearly laying out where the boundaries are and pointing out key features on the property. However, when you need the highest level of detail and assurance, ALTA surveying is the go-to choice—offering unmatched accuracy and peace of mind for high-value transactions.
The Foundation: What Is a Boundary Survey?
A boundary survey is one of the most common types of land surveying services people encounter for real estate needs. Its primary purpose is to precisely delineate the legal boundaries of a property, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what you own. It’s typically needed for residential transactions, resolving simple boundary disputes, or planning small additions.
Here’s what a boundary survey typically includes:
- Boundary Lines: A precise identification of the property’s legal perimeter and corners.
- Property Dimensions: The exact length and width of the property’s lines.
- Improvements and Structures: The location of visible features like houses, fences, driveways, and sheds in relation to the boundary lines.
The Gold Standard: What Is ALTA Surveying?
ALTA surveys (also known as an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey) are a comprehensive, highly detailed type of land survey specifically designed for commercial real estate transactions. These surveys, created through a joint effort by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors, follow a strict set of standards to make sure all relevant property details are thoroughly documented.
The level of detail required for an ALTA survey is much greater than that of a standard boundary survey. It covers not just boundary lines and physical features. A survey provides detailed information about a property, including the exact location of improvements, easements, and any possible encroachments. It may also incorporate advanced tools like GPS surveying to enhance accuracy, especially for large or complex parcels of land.
It also identifies the location of utilities, both overhead and underground, and verifies legal access to the property from public roads. In addition, it ensures compliance with zoning ordinances, such as setback requirements, and offers information relevant to title insurance policies, giving title companies the comprehensive details they need to issue clear policies.
Choosing the Right Survey for Your Needs
Knowing when to choose one type of survey over another is crucial for protecting your investment. While a boundary survey may be sufficient for many situations, a more detailed ALTA Survey is often essential for others.
Choose a boundary survey when you need:
- A standard, residential purchase or sale.
- To build a new fence, shed, or small addition.
- To resolve a minor boundary dispute with a neighbor.
Choose ALTA surveying when you need:
- To buy, sell, or finance commercial property.
- To obtain clear title insurance for a high-value commercial transaction.
- To perform extensive due diligence on a complex or multi-parcel property.
Why Local Expertise Matters
When a detailed real estate survey is needed, it’s important to work with someone who’s both skilled and familiar with the local landscape. A trusted Oklahoma surveyor brings essential knowledge of the region. People familiar with Oklahoma’s land and regulations can better interpret property boundaries and plan for future use.
That kind of local insight means:
- Accuracy: Surveys take older records and local markers into account to get it right.
- Compliance: Projects adhere to all relevant local zoning, subdivision, and building codes.
- Efficiency: Familiarity with local government offices and processes can streamline research and approval times.
- Problem-Solving: A local Oklahoma surveyor is better equipped to anticipate and resolve site-specific challenges.
Sisemore & Associates for Secure Real Estate Transactions
In any property transaction, reliable and accurate information is the foundation of success. Sisemore & Associates is a leading firm committed to providing that clarity, offering both comprehensive boundary surveys and highly detailed ALTA surveys.
Our skilled team blends advanced technology with deep local expertise to ensure every aspect of your property survey is completed with precision and care. As a trusted land surveying partner, we are dedicated to providing the precise data you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to discuss your real estate surveying needs.