When it comes to real estate transactions, especially those involving complex industrial or commercial properties, precision, compliance, and clarity are essential. This is where an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey becomes crucial.
What Is an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey?
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a comprehensive land survey performed according to the standards set by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). These standards ensure nationwide consistency, accuracy, and reliability for properties involved in real estate transactions.
Key Components of an ALTA/NSPS Survey
- Boundary Lines and Corners
The survey clearly identifies the property’s boundary lines and corners to ensure there are no discrepancies. - Easements, Potential Encroachments, and Potential Projections
The survey highlights any easements (rights to use the property for specific purposes), as well as potential encroachments, which are intrusions onto the property by neighboring structures. It also identifies potential projections, such as overhangs, balconies, or architectural features, that extend beyond the property’s boundaries or building lines, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of all elements affecting the property’s footprint and legal limits. - Improvements
All improvements, including buildings, fences, and other structures, are documented. - Rights-of-Way
The survey identifies rights-of-way, which are legal rights allowing access through the property. - Zoning and Flood Zone Classifications
Information about zoning classifications and flood zone designations is included, helping determine property use and insurance requirements.
Why Is an ALTA/NSPS Survey Important?
- Title Insurance
Title insurance companies rely on ALTA/NSPS surveys to issue accurate and comprehensive title insurance policies. - Lender Requirements
Many lenders require an ALTA/NSPS survey before approving a commercial property loan to ensure the property is free from issues that could affect its value or use. - Property Transactions
Both buyers and sellers use these surveys to understand exactly what is being bought or sold, reducing the risk of disputes or unexpected issues.
The ALTA/NSPS Survey Process
- Research
The surveyor reviews public records, including deeds, maps, and previous surveys, to gather detailed property information. - Fieldwork
The surveyor visits the property to measure and map its boundaries, improvements, and physical features. - Drafting
A detailed map or plat of the property is created using data collected during research and fieldwork. - Certification
The surveyor certifies that the survey complies with ALTA/NSPS standards, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and completeness.
Need an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey?
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is an essential tool in the real estate industry, providing the detailed information required for title insurance, lending, and informed property transactions. By adhering to rigorous ALTA and NSPS standards, these surveys give all parties - buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies - a clear and precise understanding of the property.
Whether you’re purchasing, selling, financing, or insuring a property, an ALTA/NSPS survey helps protect your investment and supports confident decision-making.
Contact GEL's Surveying Department for assistance with your ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey: Contact Us