ALTA Table A – Item 11 Underground Utilities
Asking for “Underground Utilities Locations” for your property is something that need some discussion. This item was completely changed in the new 2021 ALTA Land Title Survey standards. In many cases you DON’T need Item 11. Let’s discuss this in some detail. FIRST THING: “The ALTA Table A Item 11(b) can add significant costs to […]
YOU’RE GETTING A BOUNDARY SURVEY, NOT AN ALTA SURVEY?
I’ve gotten a few questions recently about whether we can do a survey and it NOT be an ALTA Land Survey. In most cases, the Title company tells the client that they don’t need the ALTA survey, and that, likely, they will “write over” the survey exclusions because of the total value of the property. […]
How to Read a Title Insurance Commitment
I have a lot of discussions with real estate buyers, agents, and sellers about the Title Commitment. Usually I’m asking for a Title Commitment from them. This document is required to be given to the surveyor by the standard ALTA Title Survey standards. The Title Insurance Commitment document has a lot of parts. I found […]
Monuments Still Control – Even in Recent Subdivisions – Bearings and Distances are Guides
I wanted to share this article that I just found online regarding the prudent surveyors duty to observe the Rules of Construction (aka “Priority of Calls”) each time they “read a deed and attempt to walk in the footsteps of the original surveyor.” This article is by Kristopher Kline, PLS and is available on his […]
The 2021 ALTA/NSPS Survey Standards Update
Since we’re now 5 years from the 2016 ALTA/NSPS Survey standards it should come as no surprise that these standards are being updated. The new Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys is version 2021 with an effective date of February 23, 2021. That’s only a little more than a month away as […]
Survey History – 1933 Local Control Surveys
I found it very interesting to read this account of a program of work during the Great Depression that not only helped fellow Engineers, but also produced some needed work for a number of states. Consider the equipment that is described in this article and compare it to what we have today. Heck, I’ve got […]
NPDES Permitting 101
This article about NPDES permitting was written by Sidney H May, PE and is shared here with permission. Images from EPA.gov. If you work in the Design or Construction industry, you’ve heard of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting. Many projects require an NPDES permit and this is all dependent on specific project […]
ALTA Survey Feed from LSU
How Much Does an ALTA Survey Cost?
Most investors in commercial projects consisting of something built on real estate will, at some point, require an ALTA Land Title Survey, ALTA Survey for short. This might be something as simple as a billboard sign or storage units, and as complicated as a shopping center or solar farm. First, let’s review the definition of […]
Is It Time For A 1031 Exchange?
Are we still seeing the tremendous rise in real estate values, especially commercial properties? Yes, the values are definitely still rising, just not as fast as the last few years. But, with all of this upward movement and list prices surpassing the “bubble levels,” the property you own may be ripe for a 1031 Tax […]
