Important Things You Should Know About Land Surveys

Important Things You Should Know About Land SurveysA land survey is an essential tool that is used to determine the exact boundaries of a piece of land or property. It is often required when buying, selling, or dividing land, and is also important for resolving property line disputes.

Process: The process of land surveying typically involves a licensed surveyor visiting the property to take precise measurements and create a detailed map or plan of the land. This may include identifying any physical features of the property, such as trees, buildings, or natural landmarks, as well as any easements or encroachments.

Types: There are several different types of land surveys, each with its own specific purpose. For example, a boundary survey is used to establish property lines, while a topographic survey is used to map the physical features of the land. Other types of surveys include ALTA/NSPS surveys, subdivision surveys, and construction surveys. It is important to select the appropriate type of survey based on the specific needs of your project or property.

Land Surveys Can Be Used For Insurance Purposes

Land surveys can be used for insurance purposes. A land survey can provide valuable information about the physical characteristics of a property, such as the location of buildings, trees, and other features. This information can be used by insurance companies to assess the risk of insuring the property and to determine appropriate coverage and premiums.

For example, if a property is located in a flood zone, a land survey can identify the exact location and elevation of the property, as well as any nearby bodies of water or drainage patterns. This information can be used by insurance companies to assess the risk of flooding and to determine appropriate flood insurance coverage.

Similarly, if a property is located in an area prone to wildfires, a land survey can identify the location of any vegetation, structures, or other features that may increase the risk of fire damage. This information can be used by insurance companies to assess the risk of fire and to determine appropriate coverage and premiums.

Does a fence help a land survey?

Yes, a fence can help a land survey by providing a physical marker of the property boundary. A land surveyor can use the fence to determine the location of the property line and ensure that the fence is placed within the boundaries of the property. This can be particularly useful in situations where the property line is not clearly defined or where there may be disputes over the location of the boundary.

It is important to note that a fence alone is not sufficient to establish the legal boundary of a property. In order to accurately determine the property line, a land surveyor will need to conduct a thorough survey that considers all available evidence, including property records, physical markers, and other relevant factors. Additionally, it is possible for a fence to be installed in the wrong location, either intentionally or accidentally, which can result in boundary disputes and other legal issues. Therefore, while a fence can be a useful tool in a land survey, it should not be relied on exclusively to determine the property boundary.

Overall, a land survey can provide valuable information for many purposes and can help property owners make informed decisions about insurance coverage and risk management.

What To Know About Flood Insurance

What To Know About Flood InsuranceFlooding can happen in any location at any time. Even though many people associate floods with coastal properties, flooding can take place inland as well. That is why you always need to take a look at the map to figure out whether your property is located in a flood zone. There are some situations where your lender might require you to purchase flood insurance. What do you need to know?

What Is Protected And What Is Not?

When you purchase flood insurance, there are three broad components that you should examine. You need to check and see whether the policy covers the building, the contents of your home, and potential replacement expenses. Flood insurance policies generally insure any physical damage done to your house as well as any belongings you have inside your home. This might include your walls, household appliances, plumbing system, electrical system, clothing, and furniture.

On the other hand, most flood insurance policies do not cover your outdoor structures. For example, they will not protect your patio, swimming pool, fence, or vehicles parked outside the home.

What Is Your Flood Risk Level?

Your flood insurance premium will vary depending on where you are located. For example, if you are in a flood zone, your flood insurance premiums will probably be significantly higher; however, a significant percentage of flood claims occur in areas that are not located in a flood plain. While your premium should be lower, you may want to talk to your real estate agent to see whether it is worth it to purchase flood insurance.

Is Flood Insurance Required?

Flood insurance has its limitations, just like any other insurance policy. Therefore, you might be wondering whether it is required.

If it is required, it would be required by your lender. If your house is located in a flood zone, there is a significant chance that your lender will require you to purchase flood insurance as a requirement for financing. If you refuse to purchase flood insurance, then your lender might refuse to finance your property. You should always compare flood insurance premiums across different companies before you decide which one to go with. Be sure to compare policy coverage options and limitations as well. 

 

An Overview Of Private Mortgage Insurance

An Overview Of Private Mortgage InsuranceWhen you are going through the process of looking for a new home, you are probably focused on the sticker price of that home. Even though it is important to think about your down payment, your monthly mortgage payment, and the total amount of the loan, there are other expenses that you might need to cover as well. If you do not put down enough money, there is a chance that the lender could ask you to pay for something called private mortgage insurance. What is private mortgage insurance and how much do you have to pay? There are several important points that you should keep in mind.

Why You Might Purchase PMI

Private mortgage insurance is something that the lender may ask you to purchase as a way to reduce their risk. If you do not make a sizable down payment, then the lender is responsible for funding most of the cost of your home. If you end up defaulting on the cost of that loan, the lender will lose a major amount of money. With PMI, the lender will be able to get his or her money back in the event that you default. Even though the exact cost of PMI will vary, you should expect to pay somewhere between 0.5 percent and 2 percent of the loan. You might be able to ask the lender to check with multiple options to find the least expensive policy possible for you. Once the PMI policy is instituted, this is something that you will have to pay on top of your monthly mortgage payment.

Avoiding PMI Payments

Importantly, there are ways that you can avoid PMI. You might be able to avoid this insurance policy altogether if you are able to increase the size of your down payment. If you cannot do that, the PMI policy will usually be canceled when you reach a certain threshold in equity. This is something that you should negotiate with the lender before you sign on the dotted line. In some cases, the PMI policy as waved when you reach 10 percent of the loan amount paid back. Even though you should check with a professional accountant, PMI is likely tax-deductible, similar to mortgage insurance.