I always budget for a few “surprises” along the way.
That’s honestly the only way to stay sane. I’ve tried relying on those online maps to save money, but every time, something pops up that wasn’t on the screen. Last time, it was an old utility easement that only showed up in a physical deed from decades ago. It’s frustrating, but I guess factoring in extra time and cost is just part of the process for now. Maybe one day the digital records will actually catch up...
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Couldn’t agree more about budgeting for the “unknowns.” Those online maps are decent for a quick check, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve uncovered some ancient easement or restriction buried in a dusty file at the county office. Digital tools just aren’t there yet. It’s wild how much still comes down to physically digging through paper records. Until the tech catches up, I always pad my timeline and costs—otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up for headaches.
DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Honestly, it’s kind of wild that in 2024 we’re still shuffling through old paper files for something as important as easements. I get that tech has its limits, but it feels like the digital tools are just scratching the surface. I’ve had projects where the online map showed nothing, but the county clerk handed me a 1970s document that changed everything. It’s frustrating, but I’d rather spend the extra time up front than deal with a legal mess later. Still, I wish more counties would prioritize digitizing these records—it’d save everyone a ton of headaches.
I’ve had projects where the online map showed nothing, but the county clerk handed me a 1970s document that changed everything.
That’s exactly what gets me—how can we trust these online maps when half the info is buried in some dusty archive? Has anyone actually found a county where the digital records are reliable, or is this just wishful thinking? I keep wondering if we’re missing stuff because we assume the tech is up-to-date.
how can we trust these online maps when half the info is buried in some dusty archive?
Honestly, I don’t trust them much at all. I’ve seen counties with “updated” GIS systems that still miss old utility easements or weird property splits from decades ago. One project, the online map looked clean, but a hand-drawn plat from the 60s showed a drainage easement nobody knew about. Are there any counties where digital is actually complete? I haven’t found one yet.
