Where Would I Find A Land Survey Of My Texas Property?

Understanding the boundaries, dimensions, and potential easements on your property is crucial whether you’re a homeowner, a potential buyer, or a developer. One way to clearly define your property lines is by obtaining a land survey. In Texas, finding a land survey can be a bit of a process, but it is essential for ensuring your property rights and planning any future developments. In this guide, we will discuss where you can find a land survey of your Texas property, the role of current and historical property records, and the updates and changes in property records that may affect your search.

What is a Land Survey, and Why is It Important?

A land survey is a detailed map outlining the physical boundaries, structures, and sometimes the topography of a property. It may also show easements, zoning laws, and any encroachments that could affect property ownership or use.

Why You Need a Land Survey

• Property Transactions: If you are buying or selling a property, a land survey is often required to confirm the boundaries and legal description of the land.
• Building and Construction: Before adding any new structures like fences, pools, or outbuildings, a land survey can help avoid disputes with neighbors and ensure compliance with zoning laws.
• Resolving Disputes: If there is ever a dispute over the boundary lines between neighbors, a land survey is a legal document that can help settle the issue.

Step 1: Check with Your County Clerk’s Office

One of the first places to check for a land survey in Texas is the county clerk’s office. Each county in Texas maintains current and historical property records, including land surveys, titles, and deeds. Here’s how you can go about it:

Search County Records Online

Many counties in Texas offer online databases where you can search for current and historical property records. These records often include information on land surveys, titles, and any updates and changes in property records that have been filed over the years.

To access these, visit your local county website and look for a property records or land records section. Some counties charge a small fee for accessing these records online, while others may provide free access.

Visit the County Clerk’s Office in Person

If online records are not available or are incomplete, you can visit the county clerk’s office in person. The staff there can help you locate the land survey for your property by looking up the legal description or address.

What to Bring:

• A legal description of your property (found on the deed)
• Your property address
• Proof of ownership or identification (in some cases)

Step 2: Contact the Title Company Used During Property Purchase

When purchasing property, a title company is usually involved in the closing process. These companies perform extensive searches of public records to ensure that the title to the property is clear. Often, they will have access to current and historical property records, including the land survey that was conducted when the property was purchased.

Requesting a Copy of Your Land Survey

Contact the title company you used during the property purchase. They may have a copy of the land survey on file, especially if it was conducted as part of the title insurance process. If they don’t have the survey, they should be able to tell you where to find it.

Step 3: Reach Out to the Surveyor Who Completed the Original Survey

If you know who performed the original land survey of your property, you may be able to contact that surveyor or surveying company directly. Surveyors keep copies of their completed surveys, and they may be able to provide you with a duplicate copy.

What If I Don’t Know Who Conducted the Survey?

If you don’t know which surveyor conducted the survey, your county’s current and historical property records may include this information. Alternatively, a title company or real estate attorney can help you track down this information through public records searches.

Step 4: Explore the Texas General Land Office (GLO)

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is a valuable resource for those looking to find land surveys, especially for older properties. The GLO maintains current and historical property records related to land grants, boundary surveys, and maps dating back to the 1800s.

Searching the GLO Archives

You can search the GLO archives online through their public records database. This is particularly helpful for finding surveys of rural or historical properties in Texas. The GLO offers copies of land surveys, maps, and even documents related to Spanish and Mexican land grants in Texas.

Step 5: Hire a Licensed Land Surveyor

If you are unable to locate the original land survey through the methods listed above or if the existing survey is outdated, you can always hire a licensed land surveyor to conduct a new survey of your property. This option is often necessary for properties that have had updates and changes in property records, such as subdivided land or changes in boundary lines due to construction or road development.

How to Find a Qualified Surveyor

In Texas, land surveyors must be licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying (TBPLS). You can search their website to find a qualified surveyor in your area.

When hiring a surveyor, ask for a detailed quote and ensure they understand the purpose of the survey. The type of survey you need may vary depending on whether you’re confirming boundary lines, resolving a property dispute, or preparing for new construction.

Why Do Property Records Change?

It’s important to note that updates and changes in property records can happen over time. Property records may change due to:

• Subdivisions: When a property is subdivided into smaller lots, the boundary lines are redrawn, requiring updated records.
• Easements: If an easement is granted or revoked, it can affect the survey and property records.
• Improvements: Major changes to the land, such as the construction of a new building, can result in updates to the survey and property records.

Staying informed about these changes is crucial for property owners, especially if you plan to sell or develop your land in the future.

How to Keep Your Property Survey Up to Date

Property surveys should be updated when significant changes occur, such as:

• New construction: Building a fence, pool, or outbuilding can affect property boundaries and should be recorded in an updated survey.
• Land subdivision: If your property is divided into smaller plots, you’ll need a new survey to reflect the new boundaries.
• Easements or rights-of-way: If a utility company or government agency places an easement on your land, your survey will need to be updated to reflect this change.

By keeping your land survey up to date, you ensure that current and historical property records remain accurate, which can prevent potential disputes or legal issues down the road.

Conclusion

Finding a land survey of your Texas property can take some effort, but it’s a crucial step in understanding your property boundaries, avoiding disputes, and planning future improvements. By checking with your county clerk’s office, contacting the title company, or reaching out to a licensed surveyor, you can access current and historical property records and obtain the survey you need. Remember, updates and changes in property records over time can affect your survey, so it’s essential to keep it current to ensure accuracy and protect your property rights.

Need Land Surveyors in Texas?

At Smyth Surveyors, Inc., we offer professional, official, and dependable land surveying in Texas. Our staff are all trained and licensed with our owner holding an L.S.L.S license. We can offer surveying for gas and oil well locations, pipeline right-of-way acquisition and construction alignment, determination of original survey boundaries, title boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and construction staking. If you are looking for a surveying company that has a prestigious record and an impeccable reputation look no further than Smyth Surveyors, Inc. Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly project managers and set up some time with us!