Understanding your property boundaries and features is crucial for any homeowner or potential buyer. A property survey, also known as a land survey, provides a detailed legal description and graphical representation of your property. If you’re looking to access this vital information, you might be wondering, “How To Find A Survey Of My Property Online?” This guide will walk you through the steps and resources available to locate your property survey efficiently online.
What is a Property Survey and Why Do You Need It?
A property survey is a professional document that accurately maps out the dimensions and legal boundaries of your land. It can also depict easements, encroachments, and other features relevant to your property rights and responsibilities. Surveys are essential for various reasons, including:
- Resolving Boundary Disputes: Clearly defined boundaries can prevent disagreements with neighbors.
- Construction and Home Improvements: Surveys ensure your projects comply with zoning regulations and property lines.
- Buying or Selling Property: Surveys provide clarity and confidence during real estate transactions.
- Obtaining Permits: Many jurisdictions require surveys for building permits and renovations.
Step-by-Step Methods to Find Your Property Survey Online
Finding your property survey online is often possible through public records and online databases. Here are several avenues to explore:
1. County Recorder or Assessor’s Website:
Many county governments maintain online portals for public records, including property information. These websites are often managed by the County Recorder, County Assessor, or similar local government offices.
- Search for your county’s official website. Start by searching on Google or your preferred search engine for “[Your County Name] County Recorder” or “[Your County Name] County Assessor”.
- Navigate to the property records or online search section. Look for sections like “Property Search,” “Official Records,” or “Land Records.”
- Search by address, parcel number, or owner name. Most websites allow you to search for your property using various identifiers.
- Look for survey documents or plat maps. Once you locate your property, browse the associated documents. Surveys might be listed as “Surveys,” “Plats,” “Maps,” or under document types related to land records.
2. State Government Archives and Online Plat Repositories:
Some states have centralized online resources for property plats and surveys. These repositories can be incredibly helpful, especially if your county’s online resources are limited.
- Check your state’s archives or land records website. Search for “[Your State Name] State Archives” or “[Your State Name] Land Records Online.”
- Utilize online plat websites if available. For example, in Maryland, websites like Plats.net (https://plats.msa.maryland.gov/pages/index.aspx) offer access to plats. Similar resources might exist in your state.
- Search using property address, location, or plat references. These websites usually offer search functionalities based on location or document identifiers.
3. Review Your Property Deed and Mortgage Documents:
Your property deed, which you should have received when you purchased your property, might contain references to a plat book and page number where the survey is recorded.
- Locate your property deed. This document is usually kept with your important homeownership papers.
- Look for plat references within the deed’s legal description. Keywords like “plat book,” “plat page,” “survey recorded in,” or similar phrases indicate a survey reference.
- Use the plat book and page information to search online. If you find a reference, you can use this information when searching county or state online repositories to pinpoint the exact survey document.
4. Contact Your Title Company or Real Estate Attorney:
If you are unable to find your survey online through public records, your title company or the real estate attorney who assisted with your property purchase might have a copy of the survey in their files.
- Reach out to your title company. They often retain records related to property transactions.
- Contact your real estate attorney. If you used an attorney during your purchase, they might also keep copies of relevant property documents.
What If You Can’t Find Your Survey Online?
While online resources are increasingly comprehensive, not all property surveys are available digitally. If your online search is unsuccessful, consider these alternative steps:
- Visit the County Recorder’s Office in Person: You can visit the physical office of your County Recorder or equivalent department. They can assist you in searching their records manually and provide copies of surveys if available.
- Hire a Professional Land Surveyor: If you cannot locate an existing survey, or if you require an updated survey, hiring a licensed land surveyor is the best course of action. They will conduct a new survey of your property and provide you with a legally sound document.
Conclusion
Finding a survey of your property online is often a straightforward process thanks to the increasing availability of digital public records. By utilizing county and state online resources, reviewing your property deed, and contacting relevant professionals, you can often locate the survey you need. If online searches are unsuccessful, remember that offline resources and professional surveyors are available to assist you in obtaining this crucial property information.
