When you're getting ready to sell your house, knowing the exact location of your boundaries is key. A property line dispute might slow down your home sale and make selling more difficult. This guide will break down how to find your property lines and what to do about potential conflicts before you put your house on the market.
The basics of property lines
Property lines establish the bounds of your lot. These lot divisions include the front of your property, side property lines, and back lot line.
Local land use codes define these boundaries, and knowing where they are can help you avoid legal issues when selling your house.
Most frequent property line disputes in Houston
A property line dispute may arise for multiple reasons. In Houston, some of the most common causes include:
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Shared driveways without clear division
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Houses with unclear road access
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Shrubs, hedges, or fences that appear to mark a boundary but don’t match legal records
Sometimes, an easement may be required ahead of selling your home. An easement allows another party the right to enter part of your property.
How to locate your property lines
You have several options for finding your property lines:
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Check your deed for boundary descriptions or lot dimensions.
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Use county GIS maps or Google Maps property line tools (if available in your area).
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Visit your local land records office to access official plat maps or survey records.
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Hire a licensed surveyor to get an official property line survey.
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Some lenders or buyers may request a new survey as part of the sale process, especially if boundaries are unclear.
In some cases, a home appraisal or online home appraisal might require an updated property line survey to confirm property boundaries.
Understanding property line surveys in Houston
A property line survey may be required to verify legal boundaries. According to Angi.com, surveys in Houston typically cost between $1,200 and $5,500.
Who pays for the survey? It depends:
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If the buyer requests a survey, they usually pay.
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If the seller needs it to resolve a property line dispute, they might cover the cost.
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Sometimes, the cost is negotiated as part of the sale agreement.
Getting a survey can help resolve disputes and provide clarity before you sell your house.
Selling a house with a property line dispute in Houston
Property line disputes can complicate a sale. Many buyers are hesitant to purchase a property with boundary issues.
If an encroachment or legal issue exists, resolving it ahead of time can prevent surprises later. Legal help or a formal agreement may be needed before closing.
Avoid property line headaches with We Buy Ugly Houses®
With We Buy Ugly Houses®, you can avoid the stress of property line disputes. Here’s what you can expect:
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Sell your house “as is”: We purchase houses in almost any condition. We take care of everything, including properties with boundary disputes.
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Get a quick, convenient offer: We can provide you with a no-obligation offer with no delays.
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Flexible closing timeline: We can make short work of your home sale, and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If that sounds too fast, we work with our sellers to find a closing date that fits their schedule.
We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay all typical closing costs.† Don’t let property line issues delay your sale. If you're ready to sell your house hassle-free, contact We Buy Ugly Houses in Houston today!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
