Property lines define the legal boundary limits of your lot. Knowing your property lines helps you understand the points where your property ends and your neighbors’ lot begins. This knowledge may prevent legal disputes between yourself and your North Carolina neighbors.

Real estate agents

When you purchase your property, a real estate agent will often describe the property’s boundaries. However, real estate agents often rely upon the word of the seller, who may provide false information either accidentally or on purpose. Never believe the agent without verifying the property boundaries yourself.

North Carolina fence laws

If you want to put up a fence, you need to be aware of your property boundaries. You must erect your fence within your property bounds.

Other important facts about fences and property boundaries in North Carolina include:

• You may need a permit.
• Hot tubs, pools and livestock require a fence.
• Your owners do not have to help pay for your fence.
• Many local governments and HOAs require your fence’s finished side to face your neighbor.
• County and HOA jurisdictions require how far from the property line you must build your fence.

Finding the property line

When you search for your property boundary lines, you may easily come up with the wrong information. Someone trying to sell you a home may offer you one set of boundaries, while your neighbor declares that they know the true boundary lines. While this can result in confusion, you can clear up any doubt by discovering the true boundary lines for your property.

Rely upon these methods in order to find your exact property boundaries:

• Check the property deed
• Hire a surveyor
• Search for line markers
• Find a property line map at your local assessor’s office

Sort out the complications ahead of time

While determining the property boundaries may not seem like an important detail, putting this task off may cause legal trouble later. Before you buy, sell or add to your property, make sure you know your property line locations.