The property lines or the boundaries defining the points of a real estate property are vital information homeowners should know about. 

In simple terms, the property lines represent where your property begins and ends. The fence around your property is a marker of property lines, which limit to what point your property extends. These boundaries are crucial to observing the legal aspect of a piece of real estate and preventing your encroachment on adjacent properties owned by others.  

Homeowners and real estate investors should understand the basics of property lines. They should know whom to work with in determining the boundaries of real estate properties, especially when they want to buy or sell the same. Read the entirety of this blog article to learn more about property lines in real estate. 

Real Estate Property Lines: Definition

You can find many definitions that tell you what a property line or boundary is and its importance online. But, if you read between the lines, they all speak of the same thing. 

Perhaps the best definition you may come upon online is this: a property line or boundary represents actual or imaginary legal limits of a real estate property, defining the points where it begins and ends. 

There can be physical markers placed on each point, or the property lines can be invisible to the naked eye. Typically, the visibility of boundary lines is highlighted by a fence, ditch, or road. Whether your property lines are visible or not, the most important thing is you know where they are for legal and other purposes. 

Property lines apply to homes, condos, apartments, or any other real estate property units either owned or leased by an individual, institution, or business. These boundary lines may be located in close proximity to the public right of way, especially if the property is near a public road or street. 

What is the Importance of Knowing Your Property Lines?

The primary reason to know the property lines of your real estate is to avoid getting embroiled in legal disputes with your neighbors. Respect between you and your neighbors regarding each other’s properties must be established. This can be done if you both know the boundaries of your properties. 

Another reason is planning building projects on your property. If you want to build a balcony or a garage, you should know the extent of the construction or addition. You should also provide information regarding your property lines to your lender or insurance company as a requirement for setting the terms of the agreement. 

Whom to Hire to Determine Property Lines?

Make sure to hire a professional to establish, find, or mark your property lines. Call a surveyor who is accredited in identifying formal and legal boundary lines and placing physical markers on the property. A licensed surveyor is also responsible for creating a plot map that shows the rights of ways, structures, and setback lines relating to the property. 

Take note that property lines can be altered (if needed) upon a mutual agreement between you and your neighbors. This matter involves changing measurements and the property’s legal description with the assistance of the surveyor. 

How to Locate Property Lines or Boundaries?

Finding property lines is crucial before selling or purchasing a property. Here is a list of options to locate the boundaries of a property. 

• See the Plat. Check the detailed map or “plat” that shows the measurements and details about structures, evaluations, and boundaries of the property. The property lines of neighbors can also be shown on the plat if you share a line with them. You can get the plat of the property at the local assessor’s office. 

• Check the Deed of the Property. The property deed is a legal document wherein you can find information on boundary lines. This document indicates the ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer, and thus the inclusion of the property lines in the document is vital. 

• Look for Physical Markers. When researching a specific property, you can find physical markers delineating the property lines. These markers are typically pins sticking out of the ground or stripes with varied colors. However, it is not wise to rely much on physical markers as they can be moved around by people and put in the wrong place. 

• Get a Boundary Line Survey. Hire a surveyor to measure and establish the boundaries of the property. This survey is crucial if information regarding precise measurements and boundaries of the property is not included in the deed or plat. 

Endnote

Now you know why and how to locate the boundary lines of a real estate property. Information on property lines is crucial to avoid land disputes with your neighbors. You should also know the exact location of boundary lines when buying or selling a property. Hire a licensed surveyor if you need to establish, locate, or mark property lines.