Due diligence is key when it comes to buying land or real estate—whether it's a commercial development, a farm, or your next investment property. The land survey is an often overlooked but critically important part of the process. Not all surveys are created equal, and if you're aiming for complete transparency and peace of mind, an ALTA Survey is your best bet. Known in the industry as the Cadillac of Land Title Surveys, this high-standard option may be your smartest investment before closing a deal.
I sat down with Jason Allee, Senior Professional Land Surveyor at AGPROfessionals, to learn more about why an ALTA Survey is essential for serious buyers.
What Exactly Is an ALTA Survey?
Claudia: Jason, let's start with the basics. What does ALTA stand for, and why is it so important in real estate?
Jason: ALTA stands for the American Land Title Association, which works in partnership with the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). Together, they set strict national standards for land title surveys. These standards ensure consistency, reliability, and accuracy for all types of real estate transactions—especially large or complex ones. The ALTA Survey isn't just a boundary check; it's a comprehensive review of the property's legal, physical, and ownership characteristics.
How Does It Differ from Other Surveys?
Claudia: So, what sets an ALTA Survey apart from something like a boundary or topographic survey?
Jason: ALTA Surveys are in a category of their own. While a boundary survey only outlines the property lines, and a topographic survey maps elevation and features, an ALTA Survey combines all these elements—and then some. It also includes improvements, easements, access points, utilities, zoning information, and encroachments. It's the full package.
Like a luxury vehicle, you can customize an ALTA Survey with optional add-ons, depending on your transaction's needs. That's why people call it the Cadillac of surveys—it comes fully loaded.
Why Real Estate Buyers Should Consider One
Claudia: That sounds like a no-brainer for most real estate purchases. Is it always necessary?
Jason: For residential properties with no financing or zoning complications, a basic survey may suffice. However, an ALTA Survey is invaluable for anyone who is buying commercial real estate, farmland, ranch land, or investment property. Many lenders and title insurers even require it to issue title insurance. More importantly, it protects buyers from unwelcome surprises like:
- Easements: Utility companies or others may have rights to use parts of the land.
- Rights of Way: Like driveways, roads, or pipelines cutting across a property.
- Zoning violations or encroachments: Buildings or fences might cross boundaries or violate setback requirements.
All of these can affect your property's value, use, and future development potential.
When Might You Not Need One?
Claudia: Are there any scenarios where a buyer could skip an ALTA Survey?
Jason: Sure, if the property is already well-documented, not being financed, or if it's a small residential lot with a recent, recorded survey, you might not need an ALTA. But anytime you're making a significant investment or purchasing land for commercial or agricultural purposes, it's worth the cost.
Why Choose AGPROfessionals for Your Survey?
Claudia: I'm guessing AGPROfessionals has a lot of experience with ALTA Surveys?
Jason: Absolutely. We have over 50 years of combined experience in land surveying. Our team regularly performs ALTA Surveys for a wide variety of clients—from energy companies buying up acreage for solar farms to ranchers expanding their operations to developers acquiring commercial lots. Recently, we handled surveys for Syrcuit Energy Solutions in Denver, including vast ranch-style properties.
We specialize in surveys that support smart, informed land and property purchases.
Final Thoughts for Real Estate Buyers
If you're looking to buy land—whether a 500-acre ranch or a city block primed for development—an ALTA Survey helps you buy confidently. It provides a clear picture of what you're really getting and protects your investment from future legal or financial headaches.
Before you sign on the dotted line, talk to a surveyor who understands the full scope of your purchase. AGPROfessionals is here to help.
Want to see what an ALTA Survey looks like in action? Check out our video for real-world examples: www.agpros.com/surveying
Read more articles like this on our website: www.agprosrealestate.com/articles-and-information
About Jason Allee:
Senior Professional Land Surveyor, AGPROfessionals
With over 25 years of experience, Jason is a leader in land surveying and project management. His areas of expertise include:
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
- Boundary, Improvement & Topographic Surveys
- Construction and As-Built Surveys
- Subdivisions, Lot Line Adjustments, and Easements
- Zoning and Land Use Certification
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