Where are my property lines?

A proper survey is your best option here and will establish the clear boundaries. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You’re not alone — property line confusion is one of the most common issues between neighbors. And the fact that you want to get this sorted before selling says a lot about the kind of homeowner you are. The good news is: there is a clear, official way to find your exact boundaries, and once you have it, the argument ends — permanently. Think of this like getting the “birth certificate” of your land. Once you have the official document, nobody can dispute it. 1. Start With Your Property Survey (This is the gold standard) A survey is the legal map of your land. It shows: - Exact boundary lines - Measurements - Corners and markers - Easements - Encroachments If you bought the home in 2020, there’s a good chance a survey was done at closing. You can check: - Your closing documents - Your title company - Your lender - Your real estate agent from the purchase If you have it — boom, that’s your answer. 2. If you can’t find it, order a new survey A licensed surveyor can come out and mark the exact corners of your property. They’ll place stakes or flags so you can see the boundaries in real life. This is the most accurate, most respected, and most “argument‑proof” method. Buyers love it. Attorneys love it. Title companies love it. And neighbors… well, they have to accept it. 3. Don’t rely on fences, tree lines, or what the neighbor “thinks” This is where most disputes start. Fences are often built: - Inside the property line - On the wrong side - Without permits - Based on assumptions Only a survey tells the truth. 4. Your county or township may have GIS maps (but use them carefully) Online maps can give you a general idea, but they’re not legally precise. They’re great for a quick look, but not for settling a dispute or preparing for a sale. Use them as a reference — not as proof. 5. If you’re selling, having a survey is a gift to the next owner It: - Prevents future arguments - Protects your buyer - Makes your listing more attractive - Shows you’re a responsible seller - Helps avoid delays during the transaction This is the Buffini mindset: leave things better than you found them. Bottom Line If you want the official, undisputed answer to “Where are my property lines?” — get the survey. It’s the cleanest, calmest, most professional way to move forward, and it protects everyone involved. You’ll feel better. Your buyer will feel better. And the neighbor won’t have anything left to argue about.

The most reliable way to confirm your exact boundaries is by hiring a licensed surveyor to complete a current boundary survey, this will clearly mark the legal property lines and can be used to resolve disputes or disclose accurate information to buyers, you can also check your property’s legal description and plat map through your county records office, but those can be difficult to interpret without professional help.

I second the answer of getting a survey. A small investment to save you a large headache in the future.

To find your official property lines, especially if you’ve had disputes, the most reliable approach is to start with your property deed, which contains the legal description of your land, and then use your county’s online GIS map for a general visual reference. However, these maps aren’t legally precise, so the best step is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can physically measure your property, locate or place boundary markers, and provide a certified survey that holds up legally. You can also check for existing markers or review a plat map from your title report, but these aren’t always accurate on their own. Since you’re planning to sell, getting a professional survey and resolving any boundary issues now will help avoid delays, disputes, or disclosures that could impact your sale.