Continuing our series of commonly asked questions, we asked Houston-based attorney Syndy Davis a question regarding survey requirements in Texas.
Syndy, are lenders required to get a new or revised survey for a loan closing in Texas?
Texas law does not require a survey. However, lenders should require the title insurance policy insuring the lien include both the T-19 Endorsement and the Amendment of Exception to Areas and Boundaries under P-2(a) (commonly known as “survey coverage”), to meet Fannie and Freddie guidelines.
Each title company will have its own underwriting standards on issuing the T-19. It is also up to the title company to determine what it will accept as “evidence of an existing property survey” under P-2, in order to provide this coverage. So, it is critical lenders in Texas understand where the title company stands on each of these issues prior to closing.
Check back next week for Syndy’s insight on certain transactions that require a survey!