5. Land Boundaries and Size
Clearly defining the boundaries of the plot is vital to avoid legal disputes with neighboring property owners. Verify the property boundaries with a licensed surveyor before finalizing the purchase. A land survey can also help with the following:
- Accurate land measurements: Ensure the plot size matches what’s listed in the sale documents. This is particularly important if you have specific plans for your $400,000 house that require a certain amount of space.
- Potential encroachments: A survey will reveal if any structures from neighboring properties encroach on your land. This could lead to disputes down the line and may affect your building plans.
- Easements: An easement gives others the right to use a portion of your property, such as for a shared driveway or utility line. Understand how easements affect your land and whether they will interfere with your home-building plans.
Clarifying boundaries and potential encroachments is essential to avoid future conflicts.