Speeding Up Rural Home Loan Approvals: My Favorite Shortcut
I get the temptation to try and save a few bucks with an old survey—who doesn’t want to shave off a week or two and a couple hundred dollars? But honestly, I’ve seen more deals get delayed over “existing” surveys than just about anything else. Lenders are picky, title companies are even pickier, and if there’s even a hint that the fence line moved or the neighbor’s shed crept over, it’s game over for that shortcut.
I’ve had buyers swear up and down that their survey from 2003 was “just fine,” only to watch everyone scramble when the underwriter wants something more recent. It’s like playing roulette with your closing date. I’d rather just budget for the new one, eat the cost, and avoid the last-minute panic. Plus, at least then you know where your property lines actually are—those handshake deals with neighbors can get weird fast. One time a client found out half their driveway was technically on someone else’s land... talk about awkward.
Shortcuts sound great until they don’t. Sometimes it’s just easier to do it by the book and save yourself the headache.