"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

What Is an ALTA Survey and When Do You Need One in Texas?

Buying or Refinancing Commercial Property? Start with the Right Survey

In commercial real estate, there’s no room for guesswork. Every square foot of land, every recorded easement, and every encroachment must be documented, verified, and legally defensible. That’s where an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey comes in.

At South Texas Surveying, we deliver ALTA surveys that meet the highest standards in the industry—accepted by title companies, lenders, attorneys, and investors throughout Texas.

What Is an ALTA/NSPS Survey?

An ALTA survey is a comprehensive land survey developed by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). It's the gold standard for surveys used in:

• 🏢 Commercial property sales

• 🏦 Refinancing and loan approvals

• 📜 Title insurance issuance

• 📐 Site development and permitting

Unlike a basic boundary survey, an ALTA survey digs deeper. It includes:

• Exact boundary lines

• Easements and rights-of-way

• Improvements and structures

• Utilities and access points

• Zoning and flood zone data

• Encroachments and potential violations

📎 It’s not just about where the property is—it’s about what’s on it, around it, and legally tied to it.

Who Needs an ALTA Survey?

• 🧾 Lenders issuing commercial loans or refinancing

• 📑 Title companies needing to issue extended coverage

• 🏗️ Developers purchasing land for new construction

• 🧠 Real estate attorneys evaluating risk and compliance

• 💼 Investors doing due diligence on income-producing properties

When Is an ALTA Survey Required in Texas?

While ALTA surveys aren’t legally required in every transaction, they’re often mandatory when:

• 🏢 A commercial property is being sold

• 🏦 A loan or refinancing exceeds a certain dollar amount

• 📜 A title insurance policy with extended coverage is being issued

• 🏗️ You’re planning to develop or redevelop the land

• 🔍 Due diligence is required to identify legal or physical issues with the property

What Makes an ALTA Survey Different?

FeatureBasic SurveyALTA SurveyBoundary lines✅✅Building locations⚠️ Often omitted✅Easements⚠️ Partial✅ Verified & mappedUtility locations❌✅Access & right-of-way❌✅Zoning/flood zone info❌✅Title commitment review❌✅Certification to lender/title company❌✅

📎 An ALTA survey is built to meet the demands of legal, financial, and risk-management teams.

What Happens Without an ALTA Survey?

• ❌ Title insurance may be delayed or denied

• ❌ Property disputes may arise post-purchase

• ❌ Lenders may not fund the deal

• ❌ Critical easements or encroachments might be missed

• ❌ Development plans could be blocked due to setback violations or access issues

Why Choose South Texas Surveying for ALTA Surveys?

✔️ Licensed, experienced, and ALTA-compliant across all major Texas markets
✔️ Fast, detailed delivery for commercial closings and refinancing deadlines
✔️ Trusted by title companies, lenders, and attorneys statewide
✔️ Serving Houston, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, and Chambers counties

📞 Need an ALTA survey done right? Contact South Texas Surveying today to get started.

The ALTA Survey Is the Backbone of Smart Commercial Deals

When it comes to commercial real estate, cutting corners on due diligence is a risk few can afford. An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey protects your deal, supports financing, and provides the confidence every stakeholder needs to move forward.

📍 Start your next commercial transaction on solid ground—with an ALTA survey from South Texas Surveying.