You are selling, and the survey reveals your neighbor's fence or shed sits a few feet onto your property. That is an encroachment, and it is a title issue you need to clear before closing. It sounds serious, but it is usually solvable with a survey and a conversation.
Quick Answer
An encroachment happens when a neighbor's structure crosses onto your property, and it must be handled before you sell. Get a survey to confirm the lines, then work out a resolution with the neighbor, whether that is an agreement, an easement, or removing the structure. The deciding factors are the title report and who is at fault. Clear it up so the buyer and lender see clean title. Ask Patrick about encroachments.
Title Issues With Encroachments
The term: an encroachment is when a neighbor's structure, like a fence, shed, or driveway, crosses onto your property.
The meaning: it is a title issue because it raises a question about the boundaries of what you can convey to a buyer.
The money: the title report and survey reveal the encroachment, and a lender may refuse to close until it is resolved.
The real-world consequence: get a survey to confirm the lines, because the exact location of the structure determines how serious the issue is.
Resolution Options
The term: resolution means clearing the encroachment so the buyer and lender see clean title.
The meaning: the options are a signed agreement with your neighbor, granting an easement, or removing the structure.
The money: which path you take depends on the title report and who is at fault, and a simple agreement is often enough.
The real-world consequence: encroachments sound scary but are often solvable with a survey and a conversation with your neighbor. I have helped sellers resolve these with simple agreements that keep the sale on track. Make it a great one, Patriot Nation.
Ask Patrick about encroachments
Get a straight answer on surveys, title issues, and resolving encroachments.
