When you're getting ready to sell your house, knowing the exact location of your boundaries is essential. A property line dispute might slow down or even cancel a home sale. This guide will walk you through how to find your property lines and what to do about potential conflicts before listing your home.
The basics of property lines
Property lines define the boundaries of your land. These official borders include the street-facing edge, side property lines, and back lot line.
Local land use codes set these boundaries, and being clear on them can help you avoid property disputes when selling your house.
Common property line disputes in Minneapolis
A property line dispute may arise for multiple reasons. In Minneapolis, 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 property. This permits another party the ability to cross part of your land.
How to locate your property lines
You have several options for finding your property lines:
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Look at your property documents 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.
What to expect from a property line survey in Minneapolis
A property line survey is often needed to verify legal boundaries. According to Angi.com, surveys in Minneapolis 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.
How to deal with a property line dispute before selling in Minneapolis
Property line disputes often make selling more difficult. Many buyers may pass on 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.
Sell your house “as is” 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, even properties with property line issues.
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Get a quick, convenient offer: We can provide you with a no-obligation offer without lengthy paperwork.
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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 Minneapolis today!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
