When you’re diving into commercial real estate transactions, one of the critical steps is getting an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey done. As licensed surveyors, we perform these surveys to give you detailed insights into a property’s boundaries, improvements, easements, and other crucial features. Let’s break down why these surveys are so essential.
ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys follow standards set by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). They’re specifically designed for commercial real estate to help identify potential issues with a property before any deals are finalized.
When we conduct these surveys, we focus on Schedule B-II of the issued title commitment. This part is all about exceptions—specific issues or rights that might affect the property. We determine if these exceptions impact the property and graphically represent and label them on the survey. This process helps both the purchaser and the lender make well-informed decisions, understanding any issues that might affect ownership rights.
Another key role of the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations. When we are called in for a survey, we utilize a list of specific requirements, “Table A”, that the lender or purchaser wants to be addressed. Some items on this list are optional, while others are mandatory, dictated by the governing body for licensed land surveyors. It is generally preferred that the surveyor does not create a new legal description unless the current one in the title commitment doesn’t accurately describe the property.
An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is a vital tool in commercial real estate transactions, providing detailed information about a property’s boundaries, improvements, easements, and other important features. By adhering to established standards and including comprehensive data, these surveys help mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and facilitate informed decision-making for all parties involved. If you’re looking into commercial real estate, make sure you don’t skip this vital step.