Question 25

A buyer should insist upon a survey to identify possible encroachments.

A survey provides a detailed map of the property boundaries and any structures that are present. This information is essential for identifying potential encroachments from neighboring properties or disputes regarding property lines.

A) a plat

A plat is a map that shows the divisions of a piece of land, including the layout of lots, streets, and public areas. While it provides useful information about land divisions, it does not detail the precise location of existing structures or encroachments, making it less effective than a survey for this purpose.

B) a survey

A survey is the correct choice as it involves a professional assessment that measures and maps the property, indicating exact boundaries and any structures that may infringe upon those boundaries. This is crucial for identifying encroachments accurately.

C) title insurance

Title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in the title to a property. However, it does not provide a physical assessment of the property boundaries or identify encroachments, making it ineffective for the specific purpose of identifying boundary issues.

D) a special warranty deed

A special warranty deed is a legal document that guarantees the seller has the right to transfer the property and limits the liability for any claims against the title. However, it does not address physical property boundaries or encroachments, thus failing to serve the buyer's need for identifying such issues.

Conclusion

A survey is essential for accurately identifying potential encroachments, as it provides detailed information about property boundaries and any structures present. Other options, such as a plat, title insurance, and a special warranty deed, do not fulfill this specific need, making them inadequate for determining boundary concerns.