Land Surveys for Refinancing in Texas | South Texas Surveying
"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
Do You Need a Land Survey to Refinance Your Property in Texas? Here’s What to Know
Refinancing? Don’t Overlook the Land Survey
If you're refinancing your home, commercial property, or land in Texas, your lender may request something you weren’t expecting: a current land survey.
Why? Because lenders want to make sure the property boundaries are correct, no encroachments exist, and that the property still matches legal records. And in flood-prone areas like Houston, they may also require an updated flood elevation certificate.
At South Texas Surveying, we provide fast, lender-approved boundary, ALTA, Category 1A, and elevation surveys for refinancing projects across Houston, Conroe, Pasadena, Pearland, and beyond.
Why Lenders Request a Survey When You Refinance
When you refinance, your lender is issuing a new loan—and they want to protect that investment just like they would with a new purchase.
They may require a land survey to:
Verify that property boundaries haven’t changed
Confirm no new structures or encroachments exist
Ensure there are no easement conflicts
Confirm the home is or isn’t in a flood zone (for insurance)
Satisfy title insurance updates
Even if you had a survey when you bought the property, if it’s more than a few years old, many lenders and title companies will require a new one.
Common Types of Surveys Used in Refinancing
✅ Boundary Survey
Confirms property lines and identifies improvements like fences, sheds, or driveways that may affect property value or risk.
✅ Category 1A Survey (Texas-specific)
Used in many Texas commercial real estate refinance transactions, especially when title insurance is updated.
✅ ALTA/NSPS Survey
Required by national lenders or for high-value commercial refinances. Includes extensive documentation of improvements, easements, and encroachments.
✅ Flood Elevation Certificate
Especially important for properties in Houston, Katy, Pasadena, and Friendswood—where flood zone verification is critical to refinance approval.
What Happens If You Skip the Survey?
Not providing an updated survey during refinancing can cause:
Closing delays
Title insurance exceptions (meaning less protection)
Loan approval issues
Unexpected surprises—like finding out part of your home is over the property line
It can also affect your flood insurance rate or eligibility if your old certificate is no longer valid based on updated FEMA maps.
Who Typically Requests the Survey?
Lenders and banks handling the refinance
Title companies updating insurance policies
Homeowners or commercial owners refinancing for better terms
Real estate attorneys assisting in commercial refinance transactions
South Texas Surveying Makes the Process Simple
We work directly with:
Lenders to ensure your survey meets underwriting guidelines
Title companies to confirm boundaries, easements, and access
Property owners to make the process fast, easy, and accurate
Whether you’re refinancing a home in Spring, an industrial property in Deer Park, or a retail pad site in Sugar Land, we deliver the precise documentation needed to close on time.
Areas We Serve for Refinancing Surveys
Houston – Inner Loop, Midtown, Westchase
The Woodlands, Conroe & Magnolia
Katy, Cypress & Tomball
Pearland, Manvel & Alvin
Baytown, Pasadena & Friendswood
And many more surrounding communities
If you’re refinancing your property in Texas, don’t wait for the lender to delay your closing. Reach out to South Texas Surveying for a professional land survey that meets every requirement—quickly and accurately.
