How is the plot area verified before sale?

Verifying the plot area before a land sale is a critical part of due diligence, ensuring that the size, boundaries, and dimensions of the property are accurate and match what’s represented in legal documents and marketing materials. This verification helps prevent disputes, supports proper valuation, and ensures compliance with zoning and development requirements.

Here’s a detailed overview of how the plot area is verified before sale:

Professional Land Survey

Boundary Survey

• Conducted by a licensed land surveyor
  
• Uses physical markers, recorded deeds, and GPS equipment to confirm:
  
  • Exact lot dimensions
    
  • Corner points and boundary lines
    
  • Total square footage or acreage of the parcel
    

ALTA/NSPS Survey (for commercial land)

• Provides a detailed, industry-standard survey including:
  
  • Property lines and improvements (buildings, fences, driveways)
    
  • Easements, encroachments, and right-of-way access
    
  • Legal descriptions that match title records
    
• Required by lenders and title companies in commercial transactions

Review of Title Documents and Deed

• The legal description in the deed specifies the plot boundaries using:
  
  • Metes and bounds, lot and block, or PLSS (township-range) systems
    
• Verifies consistency with the survey and property map
  
• Any discrepancies (e.g., overlapping claims, encroachments) are addressed before closing

County Assessor Records

• Local tax assessor’s office maintains GIS maps and parcel data
  
• Shows approximate lot size, property lines, and area in square feet or acres
  
• May not be precise enough for legal transfer but helps confirm basic dimensions

Recorded Plat or Subdivision Map

• If the land is part of a subdivision, the recorded plat map shows:
  
  • Lot boundaries
    
  • Block and lot numbers
    
  • Public roads, easements, and setbacks
    
• Used to verify that the parcel matches the approved subdivision layout

Title Company Verification

• Title companies use public records to:
  
  • Match legal descriptions
    
  • Ensure the parcel is free of boundary disputes or conflicting claims
    
  • Confirm easements and access points that affect the usable area

On-Site Inspection

• Developers, buyers, and engineers often walk the site to:
  
  • Visually confirm fencing, monuments, and natural boundaries
    
  • Flag any encroachments or misaligned features
    
  • Evaluate the topography and usability of the stated area

Seller Disclosures and Documentation

• Sellers may provide:
  
  • Copies of prior surveys or plot plans
    
  • Permits or site plans showing lot layout
    
  • Declarations of no boundary disputes or encroachments

Importance of Area Verification

• Ensures that the price per square foot or acre is accurate
  
• Supports zoning compliance and development feasibility
  
• Avoids future legal or title issues related to boundary disputes
  
• Provides confidence to lenders, investors, and municipal authorities