Why Real Estate Attorneys Review ALTA Surveys
"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
Why Commercial Real Estate Attorneys Rely on ALTA Surveys During Due Diligence
When a commercial property changes hands, there are usually several professionals involved behind the scenes.
The buyer has advisors.
The lender has advisors.
The title company has advisors.
And almost every significant commercial transaction involves a real estate attorney reviewing documents before closing.
One of the most important documents attorneys review during due diligence is the ALTA survey.
Attorneys Focus on Risk Before It Becomes a Problem
Commercial real estate attorneys are hired to identify potential issues before ownership changes hands.
Their job is not simply reviewing contracts.
They're also looking for risks that could affect:
Ownership rights
Access rights
Future development
Financing
Property value
The ALTA survey helps provide information necessary for that review.
Connecting the Survey to the Title Commitment
One of the primary reasons attorneys value ALTA surveys is because they help connect title records to physical property conditions.
The title commitment may identify:
Easements
Restrictions
Rights-of-way
Encumbrances
The survey helps show where those items affect the property.
Together, these documents provide a much clearer understanding of the site.
Why Access Receives So Much Attention
Commercial properties depend on reliable access.
Attorneys often review:
Driveway locations
Access easements
Shared access agreements
Road frontage
If access questions exist, they are much easier to address before closing than afterward.
Commercial Properties Are Rarely Simple
Retail centers, office parks, industrial facilities, and multifamily developments often contain layers of agreements and easements accumulated over many years.
The ALTA survey helps organize those conditions into a format that is easier to evaluate.
Preventing Future Disputes
One of the most valuable benefits of an ALTA survey is its ability to identify issues before they become disputes.
Clarifying boundaries, access rights, and easements early can help prevent expensive complications later.
Conclusion
Commercial real estate attorneys depend on accurate information when reviewing transactions.
ALTA surveys help provide that information and support better due diligence decisions.
At South Texas Surveying, we work closely with attorneys, title companies, lenders, and property owners throughout Texas to provide detailed ALTA surveys for commercial transactions.
