Avoid Disputes by Defining Property Lines in Guadalupe County, TX

Knowing the location of your property lines can help you avoid fights with your neighbors. Only family law creates more conflict than property boundary disputes, which is why you want to make the effort to avoid them. Hiring a land surveyor can be as necessary as involving a land use attorney in many events. Here are five instances in which you need to contact a land surveyor to confirm your property lines in Guadalupe County, TX:

• New fence: Your current fence is likely in the correct place. But years of land settling and quick repairs after windstorms may have moved it in the wrong direction. This will create vague property lines and leave you and your neighbor vulnerable to adverse possession. Before you replace that old fence, confirm your property lines. This may save you trouble in the long run.
• Remodeling and new buildings: You are likely looking forward to that new shop or addition to your home. However, you need to confirm that they are not only legal but will stay firmly within your authorized property boundary. You may have an odd-shaped lot that places boundaries in unexpected spots. Since neighbors can launch disputes with only a few inches of encroachment, confirm before you build so you stay within legal requirements.
• Home sale or purchase: Anytime property changes hands, there should be a property line confirmation. You do not want to buy a new home only to discover a boundary issue and title problem that makes it impossible to sell. A title search reveals any current property disputes, but you are better off being sure. Send in a land survey before you buy. Even if you are the seller, you are still not off the hook. You can be held liable for boundary irregularities, so that confirmation works in your favor, too.
• Mineral discovery: Finding gas, oil and other natural resources on your property may seem like a winning lottery ticket. However, they present property boundary nightmares as well. The ownership of mineral rights is not always clear, and if the land conveyance did not include them, they may remain with the original owner. Also, minerals may extend underground and cross the boundary. If that is the case, your neighbor could also be entitled to profit. Contact a land use attorney as soon as possible if you discover natural resources, and secure a property line survey, too.
• Changes in land or terrain: Natural shifts in the land can also affect boundaries. Floods and earthquakes adjust land and even heavy snow can affect fence placement or a known boundary. If knowledge of boundaries was based on a particular tree and it falls down, that adds to the uncertainty. Consider securing land surveys and confirming boundaries anytime there is a major change. You reduce your chances of disputes and you can make needed adjustments when necessary.

Call Bettersworth & Associates, Inc. today to confirm property lines in Guadalupe County, TX in order to build, sell or access minerals in confidence. We can help you use your land to its fullest potential.

Categorised in: Property Lines