📐 What Is a Surveyor in Real Estate?

A surveyor is a licensed professional who measures land to determine a property’s exact boundaries, dimensions, improvements, easements, and encroachments. Surveyors create the official survey map (also called a plat or drawing) used in real estate transactions, construction projects, and legal documentation.

What a Surveyor Does

Surveyors use specialized tools—such as GPS, total stations, lasers, and historical land records—to measure land accurately and document property features. Their work ensures legal clarity and prevents boundary disputes.

Surveyors typically measure or verify:

  • Legal property boundaries and corners
  • Lot size and dimensions
  • Easements (utility, access, drainage)
  • Encroachments from fences, sheds, or other structures
  • Right-of-way areas and shared access
  • Setback requirements
  • Existing structures and improvements
  • Topographic elevation and land contour

After completing fieldwork, the surveyor prepares a certified survey map stamped with their professional seal.

Why Surveyors Matter in Real Estate

Surveyors play a critical role in ensuring accuracy and preventing legal problems. Their work helps:

  • Confirm legal boundaries before buying or selling
  • Resolve boundary disputes between neighbors
  • Identify encroachments that affect property rights
  • Verify easements and land-use rights
  • Support construction with accurate site measurements
  • Protect lenders by reducing risk on financed purchases

Many lenders and title companies require a survey before closing to ensure the property being sold matches the legal description.

Types of Surveyors in Real Estate

  • Land Surveyor – Measures boundaries, lot lines, and structures (most common in real estate).
  • Geodetic Surveyor – Works with large-scale mapping and curvature of the earth.
  • Engineering Surveyor – Works with construction, grading, and infrastructure projects.
  • Hydrographic Surveyor – Measures bodies of water and shorelines.

Most residential surveys are performed by state-licensed land surveyors.

Example of a Surveyor’s Role

A buyer wants to install a pool but is unsure of setback rules.

  • A surveyor measures the property and identifies the official lot boundaries.
  • The survey reveals a drainage easement running along the back fence.
  • The surveyor marks allowable build zones based on setbacks and easements.
  • The buyer uses this information to determine where the pool can legally be installed.

Why Surveyors Matter for FSBO Sellers

  • Buyers may request a survey before closing.
  • Boundary issues discovered late can delay or derail a sale.
  • Providing a recent survey increases buyer confidence.
  • Prevents disputes over fences, driveways, or shared access.
  • Supports accurate MLS listing data such as lot size and improvements.

Having a clear survey helps FSBO sellers negotiate more effectively and avoid surprises during escrow.

📏 Selling FSBO? Make Sure Your Boundaries Are Clear

A survey can prevent contract delays, negotiations issues, and last-minute surprises. If you're listing FSBO, having accurate property details makes your sale smoother and more professional.

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