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Why You Might Need a Land Survey Sooner Than You Think

July 03, 20253 min read

"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

The One Thing Most Property Owners Don’t Think About Until It’s Too Late

Let’s be honest—most people don’t spend much time thinking about land surveys. They’re not flashy, they don’t show up in Zillow listings, and they’re rarely the topic of dinner conversations.

But if you’re buying property, selling it, building on it, fencing it in, or just trying to avoid a lawsuit with the neighbor next door... you need one.

In fact, land surveys are one of those things that don’t feel important—until they suddenly become very, very important.


"But the fence is already there..."

This might be our favorite line. It usually comes right before we have to gently explain that the fence is off by a few feet—and the shed that was built “inside the yard” is technically sitting on the neighbor’s land.

Boundaries aren’t always where you think they are. Fences, trees, driveways—they all move, decay, or get built without a survey. And if you’re planning to build, sell, or refinance, those little details can turn into big problems.


"The last guy said everything looked fine."

Cool. But did the last guy have GPS equipment, deed records, and a state license?

You’d be surprised how often land changes hands based on guesswork. But the moment a title company, city inspector, or real estate attorney gets involved, guesswork won’t cut it. They want real data—and that’s where a survey comes in.


"I don’t want to spend extra money if I don’t have to."

We get it. But here’s the thing: a good survey isn’t an “extra.” It’s a basic part of protecting your investment.

A boundary survey might cost a few hundred dollars. But skipping it? That can lead to:

  • Construction delays

  • Permit rejections

  • Legal battles over encroachments

  • Deals falling apart before closing

  • Unexpected expenses to remove or move improvements

In other words, a survey costs a little—not having one can cost a lot.


So when do you actually need one?

Honestly? If you’re doing anything important with your property, it’s worth getting a current survey. That includes:

  • Buying or selling

  • Building a home, fence, garage, or pool

  • Dividing or combining lots

  • Confirming access to rural or shared-drive properties

  • Planning any sort of development, even on a small scale

Even if your lender or title company doesn’t require it, it’s still smart to get one for peace of mind.


And who should you call?

At South Texas Surveying, we’ve been helping homeowners, developers, investors, and builders across the region understand exactly what’s on their land—and what isn’t.

We know the local regulations. We talk directly with title companies, cities, and HOAs. We show up when we say we will. And we hand you a clean, clear survey you can actually use—because our job isn’t just to mark lines, it’s to make sure you’re covered.


Final thought: It’s your land. Know where it starts and ends.

Don’t wait until the city denies your permit or your neighbor calls a lawyer. Get a survey now, before it becomes a problem.

Call South Texas Surveying. We’ll make it simple.

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Christopher Evans

Christopher Evans is a dynamic digital marketer known for his meticulous research and ability to craft engaging content. His passion and thorough approach ensure that every marketing strategy is not only effective but also resonant with the intended audience.

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George Owens

Commercial Broker

I have worked with many surveying companies, but South Texas Surveying stands out for their exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to their clients.

Kim Wexler

Project Manager

Their accurate and thorough surveys make my job a lot easier, their ability to communicate effectively with all parties involved is commendable. I highly recommend South Texas Surveying.

James Cart

Homeowner

As a new homeowner, I was thoroughly impressed with the professional service provided by South Texas Surveying. I high recommend their services to any one buying a home in Houston.

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