When working in real estate, or acquiring property, a land title survey in Mobile is often required in order to document important details that can influence the ownership of a specific piece of property.  This type of survey can have an impact on improvements, easements, or rights-of-way such as driving lanes on and through property – even water front access.  With the information revealed, evidence is provided on numerous matters that could have a positive or negative effect on the value of property where those matters physically exist on the property itself.

It’s also possible that the results of a survey could impact those properties directly adjacent to the property in questions in terms of value.

More commonly, these surveys (specifically an ALTA land survey) are performed on commercial property transactions.  There is a wide range of properties that receive this type of land survey includes:

• Restaurants
• Motels and hotels
• Resort communities and individual resort property
• Retail units
• Service stations
• Warehouses
• Factories or manufacturing plants
• Office units or buildings
• Industrial complexes

And numerous other types of commercial industry/locations that may need the skill of a surveyor in Mobile.

During a transaction involving commercial property, the lender or title company (or the owner) may require a land title survey that meets ALTA/ACSM minimum standards.  Because commercial property often requires numerous improvements over time, the ALTA land survey can reveal any items that affect ownership such as those listed above.  The survey will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements that are necessary.

IT’s rare for an ALTA survey to be ordered for residential property but a lending institution may ask to have one completed on a residential mortgage despite the fact that it’s not required.

So when would it be necessary to perform an ALTA land survey?

• When buying/selling land or commercial real estate and the location is not clearly defined on the ground.
• Before land is divided.
• If a lending institution requires a survey.
• If a line or corner is not defined.
• Before building close to a line.
• Before a lot is conveyed from a larger tract.
• When you believe someone has built on your property.
• When securing financing for commercial property
• When you request an extended title insurance policy
• When developing or improving a property

Working with an experience, licensed professional  surveyor in Mobile can ensure that when an ALTA land survey needs to be performed, the data that comes back will be accurate and delivered in record time.  The unique landscape of Alabama requires skilled hands and trained eyes, along with the experience to handle the most modern equipment for survey purposes.