Imagine finally getting the in-ground swimming pool that you've always dreamed of owning, only to learn that the deep end lies entirely on your not-so-friendly neighbor's property. It would be devastating and might lead to costly litigation. Depending on the outcome of any legal proceedings, you might even wind up having to fill in your brand new swimming pool.

No homeowner wants to experience those consequences, which is why it's so important that homeowners determine their property boundaries before erecting a fence or breaking ground for a swimming pool. Below are some suggestions for homeowners who want to add features to their property, as well as those who are in the market for Brighton homes for sale.

You May Already Have the Information

If you already own the property for which you need to establish the legal boundaries, your property deed probably has the boundary information in its legal description. Even if it doesn't, it will reference an older deed you can look up to find it. Once armed with this information, you can then walk it out using a tape measure to determine the distance between the landmarks noted in the legal description and the boundaries of your property.

One caveat you should keep in mind — deeds with property descriptions that are very old might reference geographical or other features that are no longer there, e.g., the red maple that some long-ago storm felled or a creek that dried up decades ago.

Do a Little Digging

No, not in your yard. Instead, dependent on where the property in question is located, you may need to head on over to the City of Brighton Assessing Division or the Livingston County Register of Deeds. There, you can find a plat of your property delineating its measurements and boundaries. It's often helpful to also get copies of the adjacent properties' boundary lines, especially if you are involved in or anticipate a dispute with your neighbors.

Newer neighborhoods or subdivisions might have property descriptions that are far less specific. They could indicate something similar to Lot 14, Seventh Addition or Parcel 7, Villa West Subdivision. This happens when multiple lots were surveyed in the same batch and recorded on a single map. However, the master plat will be filed as a public record you can access.

Call in the Professionals

If you want to be certain that you get it right, hire a professional surveyor to stake out the boundaries of your property. While this option is pricier than the above DIY suggestions, it can wind up saving you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Boundaries established by a Michigan-licensed surveyor will be far more challenging to legally dispute than a homeowner's best guess of where his property's southern boundary lies.

Potential Buyers Need Surveys, Too

If you are seriously considering purchasing a piece of property, you may want to get it surveyed first.  Your survey could turn up some surprising information, such as learning a neighbor's fence extends 18 inches onto the property you're seeking to buy. That information could cause you to walk away from the deal entirely or at least renegotiate the terms with the seller.

Your Brighton Real Estate Professionals

Whatever your home-buying needs are, Griffith Realty can help get you and your family into the home you've always dreamed of owning. Our REALTORS® are knowledgeable about the area and are happy to show you any of our listed properties here in Livingston County and surrounding areas. 

Contact Griffith Realty to learn how to turn your homeownership dreams into a reality.