Buying first home: Should I get a land survey?

[pX]

My real estate agent says the lawyer recommends a land survey ($300) but it's my choice. I have no idea if I need it or not. I'm having a rough time finding advice via google but from what I gather it's to determine land boundaries in case you want to build things like a fence. The house already has a fence so I'm *assuming* a survey was done for it (neighborhood has a strict HOA policy on type of fence, all that stuff).

Any advice?

 

[Carbo]

Ask the existing owner if a survey is available. If not, spring for the cost of one. It may save you much aggravation and legal issues down the road.

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: Carbo
Ask the existing owner if a survey is available. If not, spring for the cost of one. It may save you much aggravation and legal issues down the road.

What Carbo said. You really need to understand where your property lines are to make a good decision on buying a house. I have heard of more than one situation where after purchasing a home, the new owner found out that part of his house, or an out building, encroached on another property or did not meet zoning setbacks.

 

[SpunkyJones]

I'd get one, you want to make sure that your getting all the property that you are paying for. Also don't assume the fence was placed properly, if you move in and don't notice for 5 years that the fence is 5' into your property, you'll be SOL at that point.

 

[RKS]

if it is an established HOA it is probably part of a Planned Urban Development. The neighborhood should have a plat that has each lot's dimensions. It will also have the by-laws. call your county recorders office for more info.

 

[Vic]

A fence is no guarantee of the property lines.

I'm surprised though that you would need a survey for a property within an HOA. I'd recommend talking with the HOA prior to ordering a survey.

Has title already been ordered and have you received a copy of the preliminary title report yet? If so, it should include a plat map with lot dimensions and legal descriptions. Study that and do your own informal survey first.

I don't know anything about RE specific to Virginia, but IME it's pretty rare to have a survey done for developed property in a subdivision (especially HOA/PUD). Usually only when there appears to be an obvious discrepancy.