THE BLOG

*This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon addict and Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but I'm only recommending products I love!

Browse More Blog Posts:

Your Guide to Property Surveys in the Carolinas: Protecting Your Investment

Author: Jamie Milam

Date: April 5, 2025

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and filled with important decisions. Among these, ordering a property survey might seem like just another box to check, but trust me, it's so much more than that.

Think of it as your property's health check-up, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting into. Let's dive into why getting a property survey in the Carolinas is a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind.

What a Property Survey Confirms

Text that says "Buying a home is filled with important decisions, and ordering a property survey might seem like just another box to check, but trust me, it's so much more than that. Think of it as your property's health check-up, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting into

A property survey is a detailed examination and mapping of a property's boundaries, easements, and physical features. It's like getting a detailed blueprint of your land, ensuring that what you think you're buying is actually what you are buying. This isn't just about lines on a map; it's about solidifying your understanding of your property rights and responsibilities.

Accurate Boundary Lines: A survey clearly defines the exact boundaries of your property, preventing future disputes with neighbors.
Easements and Rights-of-Way: It identifies any easements (like utility lines) or rights-of-way that may affect your property's use.
Encroachments: Surveys reveal any encroachments, such as a neighbor's fence or structure that extends onto your property.
Improvements and Structures: It maps the location of all buildings, fences, driveways, and other improvements on the property.
Compliance with Local Regulations: Surveys confirm whether the property complies with local zoning and building codes.

Minimizing Short-Term and Long-Term Risk

Think of a property survey as an insurance policy against potential headaches down the road. It's a relatively small investment that can save you from costly legal battles, construction setbacks, and title disputes. By understanding the lay of your land upfront, you're setting yourself up for a smoother, more secure homeownership experience.

Avoid Boundary Disputes: In case of disagreements with neighbors, a survey provides concrete evidence to support your claims. For example, if your neighbor builds a fence that you believe is on your property, a survey can definitively show the property line, preventing a potentially expensive legal battle.
Prevent Title Issues: A survey can uncover discrepancies in the property's legal description, preventing title defects that could jeopardize your ownership.
Ensure Construction Compliance: When planning renovations or additions, a survey ensures that your project complies with local setback requirements and doesn't encroach on easements.
Protect Your Investment: By identifying potential issues early on, a survey helps you make informed decisions and negotiate effectively, protecting your financial investment.

Strategic Advantage: Addressing Issues Before Closing

One of the most compelling reasons to conduct a survey during the transaction, rather than postponing it until after closing, is the opportunity it provides to address and rectify any discovered issues before you finalize the purchase. Imagine the survey reveals an encroachment from a neighbor's fence or a discrepancy in the property's legal description. By identifying these problems early, you can request the seller to remedy them as a condition of the sale.

This proactive approach is particularly crucial when the survey reveals issues that could affect the property's title or your title insurance policy. For instance, if the survey uncovers an unrecorded easement, or setback encroachments, these could be significant clouds on the title, potentially limiting your use of the property or leading to future legal battles. By making the resolution of these issues a contingency of the sale, you ensure that the seller bears the responsibility for clearing the title, either through negotiation with the affected parties, legal action, or other appropriate means. Remember, once you've closed on the sale of the property, it becomes your issue down the line.

Image of a checklist on a clipboard of things to do before closing on a house. Text that says "Your guide to property surveys in the carolinas: protecting your investment"

Using Your Survey Throughout Ownership

A property survey isn't just for the initial purchase; it's a valuable resource you can use throughout your time as a homeowner. Whether you're planning a major renovation, selling your property, or simply want to understand your land better, your survey will be your go-to guide.

Planning Renovations and Additions: Use your survey to ensure that any new construction complies with local zoning regulations and doesn't encroach on easements or setback lines.
Resolving Property Line Questions: Refer to your survey when installing fences, landscaping, or other improvements near property lines.
Selling Your Home: Providing a recent survey to potential buyers can instill confidence and expedite the closing process.
Understanding Property Rights: Keep your survey handy to understand your rights and responsibilities as a property owner.

Why You Can't Rely on Outdated Surveys

While it might be tempting to save money by using an existing survey, relying on outdated information can be a risky move. Properties change over time due to construction, environmental factors, and even simple landscaping. An older survey may not accurately reflect the current state of the land, potentially leading to costly surprises.

Changes to Property Lines: Property lines can shift over time due to erosion, boundary line agreements, or even unintentional encroachments.
New Construction or Improvements: An outdated survey won't reflect any new buildings, fences, or other improvements made to the property or neighboring properties.
Changes in Local Regulations: Zoning laws and building codes can change, rendering an older survey obsolete in terms of compliance.
Older surveys may lack the precision and detail of modern surveys, potentially missing critical issues. For instance, older surveys might not accurately depict underground utilities or small encroachments that could impact future construction.
Missing Easements: New easements may have been created since the last survey, such as utility easements or access agreements.

The Cost of Peace of Mind

While the cost of a property survey in the Carolinas can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property, you can generally expect to pay between $600 and $800. Considering the potential costs of boundary disputes, title issues, and construction setbacks, this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you're buying.

Ready to Find Your Dream Home?

Navigating the real estate market can be complex, but with the right guidance, you can make informed decisions and find the perfect property for your needs. If you're ready to start your home-buying journey in Charlotte or the Carolinas, I'm here to help! Let's work together to find a home that not only meets your criteria but also provides a solid foundation for your future.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation and let's make your real estate dreams a reality! Not in the Carolinas? No problem—I can still connect you to one of my experienced referral partners in your area!

To protecting your investment,

Save this post to come back to or share with a friend!

About Me

I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.

As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.

Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences for divorced, independent women, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.

Have you scoped the podcast that empowers women to make aligned decisions in a divorce?

Binge it Here

Free Boundaries Journal

Download Now

Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.

**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!