How to Fix Structures Built on Property Lines

[Alan Baumann]

Hi Team,

Occasionally, I find older homes that were built on property lines.  This probably happened generations ago when numerous lots were owned by a family, but eventually, smaller plots were passed to heirs.  Now, perhaps children, siblings, cousins can't sell their land because a structure was built on lot lines.  

I think there may be opportunity in my area to re-draw/re-plat lot lines to fix these issues and liberate the owners.  And, perhaps, negotiate a sale in the process.

Have you come across an issue like this and were able to structure a creative deal from it?  How long did it take to fix?  What obstacles did you encounter, e.g. variances, heirship disputes?

 

[Nathan Grabau]

Have you confirmed with the county assessor or entity actually in charge of this that this is an issue? Online maps, and even in some cases city plats can be off. I had a dispute over a fence with a neighbor behind one of my properties just to find out that each of us thought a blown over fence was on the other's property line because there were 7 feet that the original draws and county assessor missed in their GIS  between our two property line. Surveyors have a job because county GISs leave a lot to be desired sometime.