Closings glossary
Survey reading
Review of an existing survey to confirm it still matches the property and the record. It determines the wording of the survey exception on the policy.
What is a survey reading?
Quick Answer
The full definition
Review of an existing survey to confirm it still matches the property and the record. It determines the wording of the survey exception on the policy.
Which related terms should you know?
These are the terms that come up alongside survey reading in the same file.
- Survey
- A surveyor's drawing of the parcel, its improvements and any encroachments. Lenders on houses and townhouses generally require a current one or a survey inspection.
- Title exception
- A matter the title policy does not insure against, listed on Schedule B. Some exceptions are removed before closing and others are simply accepted by the buyer.
- Endorsement
- An add-on that modifies a title policy's coverage for a defined risk. Endorsement charges come from the filed New York rate structure rather than from negotiation.
- Easement
- A right to use part of another owner's property for a specific purpose. Easements appear as exceptions on a title report and generally survive a sale of the land.
- Adverse possession
- A doctrine under which long, open and exclusive use of another owner's land can ripen into legal title. It matters at closing when a survey shows a fence, wall or driveway sitting over the line.
Where does survey reading come up in a New York City closing?
A survey reading on a Queens two-family confirms the 1994 drawing still matches, so the exception is narrowed instead of left as a general one.
What else should you read before closing?
Have a closing coming up?
Tell us about the transaction. An attorney reads every intake form and responds the same business day.
Legal Disclaimer: This page is general information about New York practice. It is not legal advice, it does not account for the terms of any particular contract, building or transaction, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.