Land Surveys for Title Companies in Houston Real Estate
"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
How Land Surveys Support Title Companies During Real Estate Transactions in Houston
For Title Companies in Houston, Land Surveys Are a Closing Essential
In the fast-moving world of Houston real estate, title companies work behind the scenes to ensure every transaction is legally clean, fully documented, and ready for closing. But when it comes to confirming property boundaries, easements, and encroachments, there’s one tool title professionals rely on above all: a land survey.
At South Texas Surveying, we work directly with title companies across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Waller, Liberty, and Chambers counties to provide fast, accurate surveys that keep real estate deals moving forward.
Why Title Companies Request Land Surveys
A land survey provides vital data that helps title agents:
✅ Identify boundary lines and ensure no overlap or gap exists
✅ Confirm whether structures or improvements are within legal property lines
✅ Reveal easements, access rights, and encroachments
✅ Verify the legal description in the deed matches the actual land
✅ Meet underwriting requirements for issuing title insurance
📌 A clear survey supports a clean title—and that’s the foundation of every successful real estate transaction.
Survey Types Commonly Used in Title Work
📍 Category 1A Survey (Texas Residential Standard)
The most requested by title companies for home sales and refinancing
Includes visible improvements (fences, driveways, patios) and encroachments
Helps ensure compliance with city ordinances, building lines, and setback requirements
📍 ALTA/NSPS Survey
Required for commercial real estate transactions or when title insurance is issued to lenders
Includes a full review of title commitments, easements, access, rights-of-way, and zoning issues
Used when precision and full title coordination are critical
📍 Boundary Survey
Used in rural or older residential properties
Verifies corners and outlines for properties where prior records may be outdated or incomplete
How Surveys Help Avoid Title Insurance Issues
Without a recent and accurate survey, title agents may uncover:
Undocumented easements or access issues
Discrepancies in legal descriptions (metes and bounds vs. lot and block)
Structures crossing property lines
Shared fences, driveways, or utilities that raise questions of ownership or responsibility
📎 These issues can delay closing or lead to costly post-sale disputes—something both agents and underwriters want to avoid.
The Title-Survey Partnership: When to Involve the Surveyor
Early in the title review process for commercial or high-value properties
When the legal description is unclear or incomplete
If the property is being subdivided, replatted, or expanded
When lenders require survey coverage for loan protection
When a prior survey is outdated or doesn't match current improvements
County-Specific Considerations in Greater Houston
📍 Harris County
Inner-city properties often contain overlapping improvements and undocumented encroachments
Floodplain and setback compliance are common review points for underwriting
📍 Fort Bend County
Surveys support verification in MUDs and HOA communities where deed restrictions and platting must align
📍 Montgomery County
Larger properties and wooded lots often need updated boundary verification for title work
📍 Brazoria & Galveston Counties
Proximity to coastal zones may require elevation surveys or floodplain certification for closing
Why Title Companies Choose South Texas Surveying
For over 40 years, we’ve been the go-to survey partner for title companies throughout the Houston region. Our team understands the importance of speed, accuracy, and legal alignment during the closing process.
We provide:
✔️ ALTA/NSPS, Category 1A, and boundary surveys tailored to underwriting standards
✔️ Direct coordination with title agents and escrow officers
✔️ Responsive service and fast turnaround for rush closings
✔️ Deep familiarity with legal filing and platting requirements across all Houston-area counties
📞 Need a trusted survey partner for your next closing? Contact South Texas Surveying today.
Surveys Protect the Deal—And the Title
For title companies, land surveys provide more than measurements—they provide clarity, compliance, and confidence. Whether it’s a single-family home in Katy or a commercial property in downtown Houston, a professional survey keeps transactions on track and protects all parties at the closing table.
📍 Serving Houston and surrounding counties, South Texas Surveying is proud to support title companies with survey solutions that close the gap between the land and the law.
