Title Industry

Alta survey governed by the American Land Title Association is a detailed map that will show not only boundary lines, but also existing imrpovements, existing utilties, and possibly zoning or flood zone restrictions.

Boundary and improvement survey will show boundary lines and above ground improvements but typically doesn't show elevations, utilities, or any restrictions for the property.

Condemnation or taking of part of your bundle of rights in your property can result in a diminution in value to your property.

A desk survey or working plat is used to compare 2 or more legal descriptions, can be placed on an aeril or GIS type background and is also known as a desk plotting or plotting exhibit.

Diminution in value appraisal or DIV appraisal is often used in condemnation actions and title claims to value a property considering its unimpaired value, its impaired value, and then its diminished value.

Eminent domain appraisals or the valuing of taking of real estate or loss of property often involves an unimpaired value, and impaired value, and the resulting diminution in value.

Environmental damage appraisal or appraising contaminated properties will assess the material impact of environmental damage such as soil contamination, contaminated buildings or contaminated streams on the market value of each property.

Expert witness or expert testimony is often used in a lawsuit involving a real estate appraisal to determine a fair settlement.

Partial interest appraisal or valuing an undivided interest in real estate is often used with tenants in common, partnerships, or life estate interests.

Retrospective appraisal or providing an opinion of retrospective value as of an effective date in the past is often completed for property disputes, income tax cases or estate settlements.

Title search is often needed in the process of researching property and ownership to determine a proper chain of title or the rightful predecessor in title.

A topographic survey or topo map is often needed in complex or commercial survey assignments that require an understanding of the elevations and flow of land while planning infrastructure.