What is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA/NPS land title survey is a land survey completed according to the minimum standards set out by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. In most cases, they are performed for commercial or multi-family properties.

When are they performed?

ALTA surveys are performed in a few key situations. In general, they seek to provide absolute clarity as to the dimensions and easements of a property for the purposes of lender requirements or insurance policies. In most cases, this will occur for a commercial property, or for one where there happens to be a multi-family unit or dwelling, such as a duplex or apartment complex. They are also used when a homeowner wants to establish ownership over a piece of land without having to pay for a full title search.

Why are they performed?

The ALTA/NPS standards were developed to provide absolute clarity for the purposes of lender or insurance policies when dealing with valuable commercial or multi-family properties. Prior to the development of the American Land Title Association standard, standards for these types of surveys varied considerably across the nation, which made buying and selling these types of properties more difficult. These minimum standards remove ambiguity from the surveying process and help to ease land selling and purchasing across the county and state lines.

What are Table A options, and do I need them?

Clients often have needs that go beyond the minimum standard provided for by the American Land Title Association. The American Land Title Association made a provision, through Table A, to add additional items to an ALTA/NPS survey, at the client’s request. Some lenders may require Table A items to be shown on a survey. It’s important to discuss your unique needs with both your lender and your surveyor. Table A items may include but aren’t limited to descriptions of monuments on the property, the land’s flood zone classification, substantial features such as parking lots, swimming pools, billboards, etc., location of utilities, and observed evidence of building or moved earth on the property.

First Choice Surveying is the best choice for anyone seeking an ATLA survey in the state of Florida. We serve over 40 counties within the state, and, we’re adding more all the time. We even provide aerial photography as part of our surveying packages. If you’re in need of an ALTA survey, order it today!

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