A very common question in real estate is "Where are the property lines?".
As a Realtor I can't physically point out the property lines to you for a few reasons.
1) If I should tell you where I think the lines are and they aren't then I just gave you false information.
2) Easements vary in different locations.
3) I am not a surveyor, I am a realtor.
When a realtor lists a home we share the facts provided to us by the county to put a together a listing for marketing.
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Here are a few ways you can find property line information:
1) If you live in Adams County Illinois you can use a website called
http://www.co.adams.il.us/GIS/. This website is provided by the county and has multiple maps that are very helpful.
2) Your DEED should have your property line information listed on it.
4) Talk with your neighbors
Another option is to talk to your neighbors to see what documentation
and understanding they have about the property lines between you. It’s
also possible for you and your neighbors to agree on where the property
lines are, and make that agreement official. This is called a
lot line agreement, and
it allows your neighborly alliance to become binding once you’ve both
made and signed deeds that provide a detailed description of the
property line you’ve agreed upon.
Be aware, however, that there may be zoning and other restrictions in
place that can get in the way of creating a lot line agreement. If
either you or your neighbor is still paying off a mortgage on the
property, the bank may not allow such an agreement without a
professional survey. If you don’t have any objections from the bank and
are in compliance with all zoning laws, then all you’ll need to do is
file your lot line agreement with the county and the new boundaries will
become official.
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3) Check with your local city or village for exacts on easements in your area.
4)
The absolute best way to find your exact property lines is to have a land survey done. Here are a few local companies that provide land survey services.
http://www.klingner.com/
http://www.fourpointssurvey.com/
You need to know your property
boundaries or you can lose part of your property. 
Beyond understanding where you’re allowed to build or fence, knowing
where your property lines is can also have insurance and liability
implications. You want to make sure neither you nor your neighbors are
encroaching on one anothers property. Believe it or not, there are some
substantial risks involved with not knowing your property lines well:
It makes it hard to sell your home
If your neighbor built a fence or driveway that crossed over your
property lines, even if it’s only a few inches, it could cause problems
that would prohibit a title company from issuing insurance if you
decided to sell. And, speaking of selling, whenever you buy or sell a
home, you need to clearly understand where your property begins and the
neighbor’s ends. This will impact the size of your lot, which can affect
selling price as well as insurance considerations.
It can make you vulnerable to lawsuits
Blurry property lines can also cause confusion if there is a personal
injury claim by someone visiting either you or your neighbor. To make
sure all your ducks are in a row when it comes to protecting your
property, visitors, and bank balance, it’s best to get an official
report that clearly defines your property lines.
It can erode your property bit by bit
If your neighbor built a fence or structure that encroached on your
property, and you didn’t notice, then after a certain period of time
that neighbor would have the legal right to call that property their own
under
adverse possession
laws. Many people only find out about contested property boundaries
when it’s time to sell their house, and have to go to court to settle
the dispute. Imagine the unpleasant surprise of finding that you have a
lot fewer square feet to sell than you thought, just because you assumed
your neighbor’s fence was put down in the right spot. When it comes to
your property, it’s know it or lose it.
Demystifying your property lines isn’t as difficult (or expensive) as
you may fear. By utilizing available resources and records, and
communicating with your neighbors, you should be able to find out the
official word on your property lines without too much pain and
suffering.
And it’s absolutely worth it when you’re ready to put up that new
fence, add on to your home, or increase outdoor security with
surveillance cameras. After all, you want to make sure the property that
you’re improving and protecting is actually yours.
(Credit you need to know your boundary line or lose it section and talking with your neighbors to Holly King)
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Century 21 Broughton Team Agent Misty Dowling IL Licensed Broker
Misty Dowling Realtor® 217-440-2339
Century 21 Broughton Team
