Title insurance commitments provide necessary information for ALTA surveys.
American Land Title Association (ALTA) surveys are usually performed on commercial properties. They are required by title insurance companies and lenders. The surveys are composed of boundary lines, buildings and improvements, ancillary buildings, utility easements, railway and right-of-way easements, among other items. They are complex and must meet ALTA specifications as defined by the American Land Title Association, National Society of Professional Surveyors and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. The surveys can be found recorded in the Registrar of Deeds office in either paper or electronic format.
Instructions
Standard Search
1. The Registrar of Deeds office provides free access to public records.
Go to the Registrar of Deeds office in the city, town or county where the property is located. This is where you will find real estate records for properties in your jurisdiction. These records are available to the general public.
2. Title examiners and legal professionals can help locate surveys.
Locate the Plat Index Book. Ask an office employee for assistance if you have trouble locating the book. A plat is a map of the property.
3. ALTA surveys are beneficial for commercial real estate transactions.
Search the index book to find your plat book and page number. The properties will be listed in alphabetical order under the name in which the survey was titled by the licensed surveyor. The survey is typically titled under either the name of the buyer, seller or the name of the business.
4. Most recorded surveys are contained in a protective or laminated covering.
Identify the plat book and page number that is shown in the right-hand column next to the appropriate reference. You will see a plat book and page number and usually a plat slide number.
5. Plat Books vary in size throughout courthouses.
Locate the plat book chart. Scan it until you find the plat book and page reference along with the plat slide number if you were unable to find the plat slide number in the plat index book.
6. Pull the corresponding plat slide from the plat cabinet once you know the plat slide number. You have located the survey. Ask an office employee for assistance if you need a copy of the plat. An example of an ALTA survey is shown at "ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey."
Computer Search
7. Some surveys are available to view in digital format.
Locate and access the computer containing public deed records if the plats are available in electronic format.
8. Use the zoom feature for a better view of digital maps.
Select the "Plat Index" search category and enter the required search information by following the instructions on the monitor. You will usually be asked to enter the name of the plat you are searching for. Enter the data and click "Search."
9. Request assistance from office personnel to print large maps.
Select the plat document you want to view on the listing displayed on the monitor. The image will be displayed and a copy can be made by selecting the "Print" option.
Tags: plat book, plat slide, book page, plat book page, plat slide number
