ALTA Survey Issues That Delay Commercial Closings

"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 ALTA Survey Gap That Shows Up Right Before Closing

You’re days away from closing.

Loan is approved.
Numbers are locked.
Everyone’s ready to move.

Then the ALTA comes back… and there’s a gap.

What “The Gap” Actually Means

It’s not always something dramatic.

Usually it’s something like:

• Access that isn’t clearly documented

• An easement that doesn’t match the title

• A building line closer than expected

• A boundary that doesn’t fully align

Nothing that kills the deal instantly.

But enough to pause it.

Why It Shows Up Late

Because the ALTA survey is where everything finally gets compared:

• Legal description

• Title commitment

• Physical property

It’s the first time all three are forced to agree.

And when they don’t — that’s the gap.

Why This Matters in Everyday Commercial Deals

This isn’t just a big-development problem.

It shows up in:

• Retail strip centers

• Office buildings

• Industrial warehouses

• Multifamily properties

Especially ones that have changed over time.

Where It Becomes Expensive

At this stage, time is tight.

So now you’re:

• Negotiating under pressure

• Asking sellers to fix issues

• Waiting on revisions

• Possibly extending closing

That’s where costs creep in.

The Buyers Who Stay in Control

They don’t wait for the ALTA to surprise them.

They:

• Order it early

• Review it alongside title

• Flag issues while there’s still time

That way, they control the outcome — not the timeline.

Bottom Line

The ALTA survey doesn’t create problems — it exposes mismatches that were already there.

At South Texas Surveying, we help Texas commercial buyers catch those gaps early so closing stays smooth.