When you’re buying or refinancing a home, it’s easy to get swept up in the paperwork and deadlines. But one essential step that often gets overlooked is the Mortgage Location (Ohio) or Surveyor Location Report or SLR (Indiana). This quick but detailed survey helps title companies and lenders confirm the property transferring is accurately described and that no physical issues are hiding in plain sight.
In both Ohio and Indiana, a Mortgage Location | SLR is a smart, cost-effective way to protect your investment and keep closing on track.
What Does a Mortgage Location Survey | SLR Include?
A Mortgage Location or SLR is a limited-scope survey used specifically for real estate transactions. It includes:
- A visual drawing of the property with reference to the legal description
- Location of property improvements like homes, garages, fences, sheds, and driveways
- Identification of possible encroachments or setback violations
- Notes on visible easements or utilities
- Confirmation that the structures sit within the property that is described in the legal description that is transferring
This survey doesn’t define property boundaries—that’s the role of a Boundary Survey—but it does help catch issues that can complicate title insurance or delay closing.
Top Reasons Homeowners Need a Mortgage Location | SLR
1. Catch Survey-Related Surprises Early
Mortgage Locations and SLRs are key to uncovering potential issues before you buy or refinance. While they don’t certify boundaries, they often reveal red flags like:
- Sheds or fences that cross onto neighboring lots
- Additions or garages too close to lot lines
- Misaligned driveways or easement conflicts
Peace of Mind: You’ll avoid last-minute delays or surprises at the closing table by identifying concerns early in the process.
2. Help Title Companies and Lenders Issue Coverage
Mortgage Locations and SLRs are frequently required to issue title insurance. Without one, your title policy may include exceptions—or worse, it may not be issued at all.
- Verify Property Details: Ensures the legal description matches what’s physically on-site
- Support for Title Coverage: Helps remove standard survey exceptions from your title commitment
For both owners and lenders, this step is critical to securing clean title and protecting your investment.
3. Identify Easements, Setbacks, and Encroachments
A properly completed location survey will show any visible easements, zoning setback violations, or potential encroachments—such as:
- Shared driveways
- Power lines or utility easements
- Setback violations – Structures too close to the property edge
These may not always be deal-breakers, but they do need to be documented and reviewed before closing.
Lender + Buyer Confidence: With clear visuals and notes, everyone stays aligned on what’s being purchased and insured.
4. Keep Closings Smooth and On Time
Closing on a home can be stressful, especially when timing is tight. Ordering a Mortgage Location or SLR early in the process helps title companies, real estate agents, and lenders keep everything moving.
At McSteen, most Mortgage Locations and SLRs are delivered within 2 to 3 business days, thanks to our internal job tracking software and coverage across all 88 counties in Ohio and 24 in Central Indiana.
Our Fast Turnaround keeps your transaction from getting stuck in survey limbo.
5. Avoid Costly Post-Closing Problems
One of the most overlooked benefits of a Mortgage Location or SLR is how much trouble it can prevent down the road.
- A fence built over the property line
- A garage encroaching on a neighbor’s lot
- A utility easement that prevents future building
- A parcel missing from the deed of record
These problems can affect your ability to sell, refinance, or improve your home later. A simple location report now can help avoid expensive headaches later.
Future-Ready: Know what you’re buying and what you can (or can’t) do with your property in the future.
At McSteen, we make it simple, clear, and fast because closing should never be the hardest part of buying a home. Request a Quote and let’s keep your closing moving forward.