1. Encroachments
A neighbor’s fence, driveway, or shed crosses onto your property (or yours crosses onto theirs).
Title companies often won’t insure these without corrections.
2. Easements You Didn’t Expect
Utility or drainage easements can run through parts of your yard.
These can limit where you can build a pool, add on, or even put up a fence.
3. Setback Violations
Homes, garages, or additions built too close to (or over) a setback line.
Cities/HOAs can deny permits or even require changes.
4. Floodplain Surprises
If part of the lot is in a FEMA floodplain, you may be required to carry flood insurance.
That can raise monthly payments and sometimes affect loan approval.
5. Lot Size or Boundary Discrepancies
The actual size may not match what was advertised.
Structures you thought were “yours” could be partly on a neighbor’s property.
Tip for Buyers & Sellers: Surveys don’t just show boundaries—they can reveal issues that affect value, usability, and financing. It’s better to know early than have a deal fall apart at closing.