Do I have to do a geotechinical study prior to buying a land?

Question

Hi Everyone,

I have a piece of land under contract, and doing feasibility studies. It is my first time, so have a lot of questions. First of all, is it a must to conduct a geotechnical study and land survey prior to close the deal? How much does those normally cost? Any recommendations for geotechnical engineer and land surveyor?

Also if there is a shared driveway among three properties, and there is no exiting private road access agreement, is it a good idea to contact the other owners to see if they are willing to come to agreement before closing the deal?

Your input would be very much appreciated !

Grace Wang · Answer

Account Closed Thank you. I might be over thinking it. Easement scared me a little. It ease my worries a little reading what you wrote. Thank you!!

Account Closed · Answer

Oh, there might be an argument on the boundary alright. If one of the neighbors inherited the property and never looked at a Title on the property and "it's always been this way", you could find your self trying to explain the boundaries to someone.

Bob, my neighbor who had the 80 acres next to me believed his property ran to "that thar ridge" as he was swinging his shotgun in the bend of his arm. Trouble is, his property ended about 150' before the ridge. We sorted it out, but it's an interesting way to meet your neighbors.

Don't worry too much, most people are very nice about it if you approach them with "can you help me figure out where the boundary is"? Then have a survey done. Then check your survey and if there is a discrepancy (unlikely but possible) tell them "I'm a little confused, the survey marker is here, not there, well, how about that!".   ;-) Have some fun with it. It's only property and your neighbors are going to be around for a long time.

Account Closed · Answer

When I bought my first 80 acres, it was "as is". No studies.

However, I had a Title report and a Survey. I think that is a good idea.

On the shared driveway, ask your Title Agent  to explain the Title and ask about easements. If that Title is satisfactory, no worries. If there is a potential problem, talk to the neighbors. You may be surprised how little they know about their own property boundaries and easements and they may have wrong assumptions.  Better to have "clear air" going in than to be fighting it in court later.

A survey I had done for a property in Seattle for a "tear down - new build" was about $1500. Not sure what it will be for raw land in Redmond.

Grace Wang · Answer

Account Closed Thank you for your input. So if there is easement listed on the deed, there will be no argument on the boundary, but what about maintenance agreement? should I contact them about that to make sure they are willing to share the responsibility to maintain the driveway prior to buying the land?