ALTA/ACSM Surveys

What You Need to Know About ALTA/ACSM Surveys

What do I need an ALTA survey for?

An ALTA survey is a property line (border) survey conducted in accordance with a set of minimum technical standards, which have been jointly adopted by the ALTA/ACSM. In addition, an ALTA survey can show rights of way, easements, and improvements,and other elements impacting the ownership of land. An ALTA Survey is often prepared for commercial properties, where it provides the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements.

What Does the Survey Indicate?

A current title to the subject property is required before an ALTA Survey can be completed. The surveyor will refer to the title for the precise legal description of the property and for the legal description of any encumbrances (exceptions). The encumbrances, areas of improvement and ownership are shown on the map. 

During the survey, if the surveyor discovers any encroachments, they will also be shown on the final map, and a note indicating the nature of the encroachment may also be added.

The certificate that results from the ALTA Survey indicates the primary entities, including the seller, the buyer, the title company and the mortgage lender.