Frequently called an MIS or MLI (Mortgage Loan Inspection), this is an inspection done by a surveyor based on knowledge about the property. An MIS may be required by a bank to secure a mortgage loan, and is recommended even if it is not required. Possible findings may include:
- Defining boundaries of the property that may be unclear due to previous landscaping
- Fences or walls are crossing property lines
- Trees or gardens planted across property lines
- Buildings are actually on a neighboring property
- Buildings violate setback or zoning laws
- Driveway encroaches on a neighboring property or neighboring drive encroaches on property in question
- Well or septic is on a neighbor’s property, or neighbor’s is on property in question
- Blazings or pin sets indicate that the property boundaries written in the deed don’t match up, or neighbors dispute boundaries
- Presence of discontinued roads, rangeways, or streets affecting property title
- Defective property description
Note: A Mortgage Inspection Sketch is does not include a title search, but is supplementary and beneficial in your decision to buy property.