How to See the Property Survey

Property surveys display land boundaries, erected structures and easements.

A property survey is a simple map that shows the boundaries of a given piece of property, as well easements, such as water lines and power lines, and the location of erected structures, such as houses, garages and sheds. On occasion, this property survey is necessary to settle boundary disputes, to get permission to build new structures or to finalize the transfer of ownership of the property from one individual to another. Property surveys are created by licensed surveyors.

Instructions

1. Record the postal address of the property in question.

2. Call the city/town hall and ask for the location of the county recorder's office. The county recorder's office is often located within the city/town hall itself.

3. Visit the county recorder's office and request a copy of the property survey. You can view the property survey while you're in the office, or you can attain a copy of the survey for a modest fee.

Tips & Warnings

• If the county recorder's office hasn't recorded the property survey, you can check with the closing attorney and/or the title company of the previous sale. They may have attained and recorded a survey as part of the closing process. If you still can't locate the property survey, a licensed surveyor can be commissioned to create a new survey.

References

• CNN Money: Who Needs a Property Survey Article
• City of Indianapolis: Surveyor's Office FAQ