Are you looking for an easy way to locate and mark your property lines? With a few simple steps, it’s achievable. In this article, we’ll show you how to determine the boundaries of your land – including searching through public records, utilizing modern technology like GPS tracking applications, and consulting with knowledgeable professionals such as professional land surveyors. 

Why Property Lines Matter

Property lines are the legal boundaries that define where one person’s land ends and another person’s begins. These lines are established by a land surveyor and are critical because they dictate what you can and cannot do on your property. 

For example, if you have a beautiful tree that sits on your land, but the branches extend over your neighbor’s property, they have the right to trim them. Similarly, if you want to build a fence or make any other changes to your property, you need to stay within your boundaries. Knowing your property lines can protect you from costly disputes and legal problems down the road, making it a crucial part of any property owner’s knowledge base.

When it comes to determining your property lines, there are several options available. You could try locating them on a map, visiting local records offices, or enlisting the services of a surveyor. Each of these methods has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh your options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Land Survey

Hiring a land surveyor to find your property lines can be an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. A land surveyor is a trained professional who can accurately and efficiently determine the boundaries of your property, using sophisticated tools and techniques. This can offer peace of mind, knowing that your property lines have been accurately established. Moreover, land surveyors understand the legal implications of property boundaries, and their survey can be used as a legal document in case of any disputes. 

Hiring a surveyor can also be valuable when planning renovations or extensions to your property, as they can provide crucial information about the land’s topography. So, while it may involve an upfront cost, the precision, expertise, and legal validity offered by a land surveyor can save you from potential headaches in the future.

Public Records

These records, which are typically maintained by the local county or city, can offer valuable information about your property’s boundaries. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Visit Your Local County Assessor’s Office or Website: The county assessor maintains property tax records, which often include maps and descriptions of properties. You can typically find these records online, but if not, visiting the office in person may be necessary.

• Check the Deeds Office or Registrar’s Office: Your property deed, often available at the Registrar’s or Deeds office, should contain a legal description of your property. This description usually includes detailed information about the property’s boundaries.

• Consult the County Clerk’s Office: The County Clerk’s office might have additional records such as property plats, which are maps drawn to scale showing divisions of a piece of land.

• Use Online Platforms: Various online platforms provide access to public records. Websites like Zillow have a ‘Lot Boundaries’ feature, and others like NETR Online provide links to public records databases.

• Hire a Title Company or Attorney: If you’re having difficulty finding or interpreting public records, you might consider hiring a title company or real estate attorney. They have specialized knowledge and can provide accurate information about your property boundaries.

Remember that while public records can provide a good starting point, they may not always be entirely accurate or up-to-date. For precise and legally binding information about your property lines, consider hiring a professional land surveyor.

Satellite Imagery

By utilizing satellite imagery, you can begin your search and get a better understanding of the boundaries of your property. With a few clicks of a button, you can access detailed Google maps that show the location of your property lines. It’s a great starting point and can save you time and money in the long run, especially if you ever need to make any alterations to your property. Don’t be in the dark about your property boundaries any longer, start using online tools like satellite imagery today.

Physical Markers Onsite

After referring to your satellite imagery or public records, you might be able to walk your property and find physical markers onsite. It’s important that you don’t rely solely on these markers for accuracy, as it’s possible they could have been moved over the years. But, it’s a fun way to get to know your property in person and explore a piece of its past.

 Anderson Engineering recommends verifying all property markers and satellite plot lines with a licensed land surveyor before starting any project onsite.