Confidence in Your Real Property Title

Having title to a parcel of land involves more than having a written deed. ALTA / NSPS surveys are a very specific product designed to build confidence in the title of a parcel of land and all of the known improvements and encumbrances that go with it in order to obtain title insurance. This type of survey is most often required by a lender or potential buyer.

These standards are jointly developed and adopted by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). Before ordering an ALTA / NSPS survey, be certain that it is required for you project. Learn more about this type of survey by visiting the NSPS website, or contact us with any questions.

Where to Begin

If you are ready to order an ALTA / NSPS survey there are a few things to know first:

The ‘Minimum Standard’ and ‘Table A’ should each be carefully reviewed before ordering your ALTA / NSPS survey. If there are any ‘Table A’ options that are to be required, those must be submitted with your request. Failure to do so will result in time delay and increased cost when those items arise later.

Because the transactions that generate the demand for an ALTA / NSPS survey usually involve multiple parties there is often confusion over who is responsible for the survey costs. Therefore, as stipulated in Section 2 of the ‘Minimum Standard’, a written authorization is required from the responsible party before any work should commence.

As stipulated in Section 4 of the ‘Minimum Standard’, all necessary title documents should be provided by the client.