Residential Surveys
Title Survey for Real Estate Closings
What is a title survey?
A title survey is a property survey prepared for a real estate transaction. The surveyor works from the title commitment — the title company's list of recorded documents that affect the property — and shows how those items, such as easements and building restrictions, actually sit on the land.
The finished drawing shows the boundaries, the buildings and other improvements, and any recorded easements that can be located, with notes on each title item. Title companies use it to decide what coverage they can offer.
When you need one
- Your title company or lender asks for a survey before closing
- You want title insurance without a general exception for survey matters
- The title commitment lists easements or restrictions and you want to see where they are
- You're buying land or a home where a fence, driveway or building may sit near a line
- You're refinancing and the lender requires a current survey
What to expect
- 01Send the property address, your closing date and the title commitment (your title company or agent can provide it).
- 02We match you with a licensed surveyor who does closing surveys in your county. They confirm the scope — including who the survey should be certified to — and the price.
- 03The surveyor reviews the recorded documents listed in the commitment, then measures the property and locates improvements and easements on site.
- 04You, your lender and your title company receive the signed survey, certified to the parties named in your request.
Title Survey questions
What's the difference between a title survey and an ALTA survey?
Both are tied to the title commitment. An ALTA/NSPS survey follows a detailed national standard and is mostly used for commercial property. A residential title survey follows your state's survey standards and what your lender and title company require.
Is a title survey the same as a property survey?
They overlap. A title survey is a property survey prepared for a closing, with the extra step of reviewing the title commitment and showing the recorded items it lists.
Do I need the title commitment before ordering?
It helps a lot. Without it the surveyor can't check the recorded easements and restrictions, so send it as soon as your title company issues it. Order early so the survey is ready before closing.
Other surveys
Get a Survey Quote
One simple request. A licensed local surveyor follows up — no calling around.