Ordering a property survey is a common step in real estate transactions, construction planning, and property improvements. Yet many buyers, homeowners, and even real estate professionals are unsure what information they need before placing an order.
Asking the right questions upfront can prevent delays, unexpected costs, and closing issues. A well-timed survey provides clarity about property boundaries, structures, and potential risks that may affect the transaction or project.
Below are five important questions to ask before ordering a property survey, especially if you are buying, refinancing, or developing property in Ohio or Indiana.
1. What Type of Survey Do I Actually Need?
Not all property surveys serve the same purpose. Choosing the right one depends on your situation and the level of detail required.
- Mortgage Location Survey or Surveyor Location Report (SLR): Often required by lenders or title companies during residential real estate transactions. These reports show property lines as depicted in the legal description, along with visible improvements and possible encroachments. They are designed for use by lenders and title insurance companies and are not a substitute for a full boundary survey.
- Boundary Survey: Used to determine and certify the exact property lines. This is typically required for building projects, fencing, or legal disputes where precise boundary locations are needed.
- ALTA Survey: A detailed survey most commonly used in commercial real estate transactions, which follows specific national standards and often includes additional items requested by the lender or title company.
Ordering the wrong type of survey can cause delays or require additional work later. Clarifying the purpose of the survey helps ensure the right scope from the start.
2. Why Is the Survey Being Requested?
Understanding the reason behind the survey can help determine the appropriate service and timing. Common reasons include:
- Title insurance review
- Mortgage or refinance requirements
- Property improvements like fences, garages, or additions
- Land development or construction planning
- Identifying encroachments or easements
In many residential transactions in Ohio and Indiana, lenders and title companies rely on a Mortgage Location or SLR to verify that improvements such as homes, garages, and fences do not cross property lines or violate setbacks. In these states, these surveys are frequently ordered through the title company or lender as part of their standard closing checklist.
Clarifying the purpose helps surveyors gather the right records and ensures the final document meets the requirements of everyone involved in the transaction.
3. Is There an Existing Survey on File?
Before ordering a new survey, it is worth checking whether a recent one already exists.
Possible sources include:
- The seller or previous owner
- Title companies
- County records
- Lenders involved in previous transactions
However, even if a previous survey exists, it may not meet current needs. In many cases, title insurance providers require a new survey, so they can confidently issue coverage without exceptions related to property boundaries or encroachments. Even when an older survey is available, your title company or lender may still require a new one based on their underwriting guidelines.
Older surveys may also not reflect new improvements such as decks, fences, or additions, which can be important to show on the current survey.
4. What Information Will the Survey Show?
A property survey provides more than just a drawing of a parcel. Depending on the type of survey ordered, it may show:
- Property boundaries based on the legal description
- Buildings and structures on the property
- Easements and right-of-way lines
- Driveways, fences, and other visible improvements
- Potential encroachments from neighboring properties
For real estate transactions, these details help confirm that the property being sold matches the legal description and that no visible issues could complicate closing. The level of detail and reliability depends on the survey type and scope—for example, boundary and ALTA surveys provide a higher level of boundary certainty than mortgage location surveys or SLRs.
This information provides clarity for buyers, lenders, and title professionals, helping transactions move forward with fewer surprises.
For more information, check out the following:
How to Read a Mortgage Location Survey
How to Read a Surveyor Location Report (SLR)
5. How Long Will the Survey Take?
Timing matters, especially in today’s real estate environment where closing timelines can be tight or you are trying to keep a project on time and on budget.
Turnaround time can vary depending on several factors:
- The type of survey required
- Property location and size
- Availability of historical records
- Current demand and seasonality
For example, location-type surveys used in routine residential closings are often completed relatively quickly because they focus on observable features and recorded property descriptions. In many cases, they can be completed within a few business days when scheduled efficiently, subject to overall workload and time of year.
Discussing timelines upfront helps align expectations with the broader closing schedule and reduces the risk of last-minute delays.
Need help determining which survey you need?
Request a quote or connect with our team of survey professionals to discuss your property and timeline. A quick conversation with a team that regularly supports buyers, agents, and lenders in Ohio and Indiana can ensure the right survey is ordered the first time.