What is a survey in real estate?

In real estate, a survey is fundamentally a legal drawing that defines the boundaries and features of a property. It provides a detailed and precise representation of a parcel of land, outlining property lines, easements, and any physical structures or features, such as fences, roads, and buildings. This is important for establishing ownership rights and can be critical when disputes arise regarding property boundaries.

A well-conducted survey can also uncover any encroachments or discrepancies in property lines, which is vital for both buyers and sellers during a property transaction. This documentation ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of the property being bought or sold, and it helps in determining the appropriate usage and any zoning regulations that might apply.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of real estate: financial evaluations assess property value, property tax estimates relate to taxation based on property value, and market trend reports analyze the overall real estate climate in a specific area. While these aspects are important in real estate dealings, they do not define what a survey is.