If you’re selling your home in Texas, you’ll come across a one-page document called the T-47 Residential Real Property Declaration. It’s part of nearly every resale transaction, and it has one job only:
👉 The T-47 deals solely with the survey.
That’s it — nothing about title, repairs, or closing costs.
This short form simply tells the title company and the buyer whether anything on your property has changed since the date of your existing survey — like a fence relocation, pool installation, patio addition, or shed.
If nothing has changed, you’ll check the “no changes” box and sign. If you’ve made improvements, you’ll list them briefly. Simple as that.
Who Fills It Out
Only the seller (also called the Declarant) fills out the T-47.
And unlike the old version of this form, no notary is required anymore — you just sign and date it.
It’s a quick form that keeps your transaction moving and prevents surprises at closing.
How the Contract Assigns Survey Costs
In your Texas sales contract, Paragraph 6C determines who provides the survey and who pays for it if a new one is needed.
Here’s a very common setup:
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The buyer checks the box that says the seller will provide an existing survey.
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The contract also says that if that survey isn’t acceptable to the title company or lender, then the buyer will pay for a new one.
That’s great news for you — but only if you deliver both the survey and the signed T-47 within the number of days listed in the contract (usually 3–5 days after the effective date).
If you miss that deadline, the responsibility can flip — and you, the seller, might end up paying for a new survey instead.
Why the Timing Matters
Surveys aren’t cheap. A new residential survey in North Texas typically costs $600 – $900, depending on the size and layout of the property.
Submitting your T-47 and survey on time ensures that, if a new survey is needed, the buyer pays that cost — not you.
That’s why I always tell my sellers: handle the T-47 early. It’s an easy step that protects your bottom line.
Step-by-Step: How to Handle the T-47
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Find your existing survey — usually from when you purchased the home.
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Fill out the T-47 form (I’ll send you a blank copy).
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Check whether there have been any changes since that survey.
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Sign and date it (no notary required).
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Send both documents — the survey and the T-47 — to your Realtor or title company right away.
That’s all it takes to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary costs.
What If You Can’t Find the Old Survey?
If you can’t locate your old survey or if it’s illegible, a new one will be required. Who pays will depend on what’s written in the contract — but if the seller fails to deliver the existing survey and T-47 by the deadline, it usually falls on the seller’s shoulders.
That’s why it’s best to locate your survey before you even list your home. It’s an easy way to stay ahead of the curve.
Real-World Example
Let’s say we list your home. You have a 2020 survey and nothing’s changed except a small backyard pergola.
In paragraph 6C of the contract, it's noted that the seller will deliver a survey within 3 days, and the BUYER box is checked.
You fill out the T-47, note the pergola, sign it, and we send it to the title company within 3 days of going under contract.
If the title company decides they still want a new survey, that’s fine — the buyer pays, because you delivered everything on time, and the buyer box is checked in paragraph 6C. Saves you $600-$900!
From Your Listing Agent
As your Realtor, I always make sure my sellers handle the T-47 properly.
It’s a simple step that keeps the deal running smoothly and can save you hundreds of dollars.
If you’re selling a home in Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, or anywhere in Collin, Denton, or Dallas County, I’ll help you get this form filled out, delivered, and documented properly so your sale stays on track from day 1.
Quick Recap
✅ The T-47 only relates to the survey — nothing else.
✅ The seller completes and signs it — no notary needed.
✅ The contract determines who pays for the survey.
✅ If you deliver your survey and T-47 on time, the buyer pays for any new survey.
✅ If you miss the deadline, the seller could end up paying ($600 – $900).
Call to Action
Thinking about selling your North Texas home?
I’m Logan Walter, North Texas Realtor®, and I make sure every client’s paperwork — including the T-47 — is handled early, clearly, and correctly.
Message me today and I’ll send you the T-47 form along with simple step-by-step instructions to make sure your sale goes smoothly.
