Property Lines Made Simple for Michigan Homeowners
Property lines may not be the most exciting part of buying or owning a home, but they’re one of the most important. From planning home improvements to knowing the full extent of your land, clear boundaries help you protect what you own, avoid disputes, and make informed decisions.
Here’s a helpful guide to understanding property lines, why they matter, and how to locate them in Michigan.
What Are Property Lines?
Property lines define the legal boundaries of a piece of land. These boundaries determine exactly what area you own and are typically established through a legal description included in your property’s deed. Property lines apply to the land itself, not just the house, and include yards, driveways, and any structures on the property.
While fences, hedges, or driveways may appear to show boundaries, they don’t always align with the legal property lines.
Why Property Lines Matter
Understanding your property lines is important for several reasons:
Home improvements: Fences, sheds, garages, decks, and additions must typically be built within your property boundaries and comply with local setback requirements.
Avoiding disputes: Clear boundaries help prevent conflicts with neighbors over land use, maintenance, or encroachments.
Buying or selling a home: Property lines can impact a home’s value, lot size, and future use. Questions about property lines can often come up during inspections or title work.
Easements and access: Some properties include easements that allow utilities, shared driveways, or access for neighboring parcels.
Knowing your property lines helps protect both your home and your peace of mind.
How Property Lines Are Established
Property lines are legally defined using a survey. A professional land surveyor measures and maps the boundaries of a property using historical records, markers, and modern measuring tools. Surveyors often place stakes, pins, or markers at property corners to show exact boundaries.
If you’re purchasing a home, a survey may be included or recommended as part of the transaction, especially if boundary questions arise.
How to Locate Property Lines in Michigan
If you’re a Michigan homeowner or buyer, here are a few ways to find your property lines:
1. Review Your Deed or Closing Documents
Your deed contains a legal description of your property. While it may be written in technical language, it can provide important information about boundaries and measurements.
2. Check Your County GIS Map
Many Michigan counties offer online GIS (Geographic Information System) maps that show approximate property boundaries. These are helpful for reference, but they are not legally precise and should not be used for construction decisions.
3. Look for Survey Markers
Metal pins, stakes, or concrete markers may be located at the corners of your property. These are often placed during a survey, though they can become buried or difficult to find over time.
4. Hire a Licensed Surveyor
For the most accurate and legally reliable information, hiring a Michigan-licensed surveyor is the best option, especially before building, fencing, or resolving a dispute.
Common Property Line Myths
“My fence is the property line.”
Not always. Fences are often installed for convenience or aesthetics and may not follow the exact boundary.“I’ve maintained it, so it’s mine.”
Long-term use doesn’t automatically change ownership. Property rights are determined by legal documentation, not routine maintenance.“Online maps are exact.”
GIS maps are helpful tools, but they are approximate and not a substitute for a professional survey.
How a Real Estate Professional Can Help
A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you understand how property lines, surveys, and easements may affect your home purchase or sale. They can also guide you toward the right professionals if questions arise during a transaction.
If you’re buying, selling, or planning changes to your home, knowing where your property lines lie is a smart first step. At the Real Estate One Family of Companies, we believe informed homeowners make confident decisions and we’re here to help you navigate every detail along the way.
