Ran into something similar a few years ago—an old easement popped up outta nowhere when a neighbor tried installing solar panels. Funny thing was, it wasn't even in county records, just buried in some ancient HOA docs nobody had looked at in decades. But honestly, while online tools can be sketchy, I've actually found historical aerial photos pretty useful. They won't replace solid legal research, but sometimes they give clues about forgotten paths or utility lines. Just another angle worth considering before diving into paperwork hell...
Had a similar experience once—client wanted a pool, and suddenly we discovered an old drainage easement smack dab in the middle of their yard. Online maps were useless, but those aerial photos you mentioned actually saved the day. Definitely worth a look before diving into ancient paperwork...
"Online maps were useless, but those aerial photos you mentioned actually saved the day."
Had something similar happen recently—clients were excited about an outdoor kitchen, and we stumbled onto a buried utility easement that wasn't on any online map. Ended up tracking down some old survey images from the city archives. Took a bit of digging (literally and figuratively), but definitely less painful than sorting through dusty old paperwork...
Ran into something like this last year. Online maps showed nothing unusual, but when we started prepping for a pool install, the crew hit some ancient drainage pipes that weren't documented anywhere digitally. Ended up tracking down an old plat from the county records office—felt like archaeology trying to piece it together. Those old-school surveys can be lifesavers sometimes...digital tools are handy, but they're definitely not foolproof.
"Those old-school surveys can be lifesavers sometimes...digital tools are handy, but they're definitely not foolproof."
Couldn't agree more. Digital maps are convenient, sure, but if you're investing serious money into your property, always cross-check with county records. Saved me from a costly landscaping disaster once.
