ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

The Steps of Buying and Selling a Home

Making an Offer: The Purchase Contract

What is a survey, and what is the purpose of a survey?

A survey is an accurate depiction of the property being conveyed. There are different types of surveys, each showing a varying amount of detail about the property. All surveys show the boundaries of the property and the location of any improvements (for example, buildings and fences). Some surveys contain a legal description of the real estate. The legal description can be used on the deed conveying title. The survey is an essential element of the closing in that it is the link between what the buyer thinks he or she is purchasing (as shown on the survey) and what is legally being conveyed. For example, a survey may reveal that the actual property you are buying ends a fair distance short of the tree line that you thought was the boundary of the backyard.