Existing or new, there is a reason lenders require surveys. They want to make sure that they are making a smart business decision when they write a loan. Though not required for a cash closing, wouldn’t buyers want to make sure they a making a smart business decision when they buy?
We see a lot of people waiving surveys for vacant land and home sales. Buyers should be careful trying to save a few hundred dollars with investments well in to the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Just because a fence has been there for 50 years, does not mean that is where the property line is. That deck, driveway, or dock may not be part of the subject property, even though to the eye it clearly is.
That well-manicured half acre? The seller may only own a third of it.
Have a careful discussion with any buyer willing to waive a survey – no one needs to live that dangerously.
My Agent Greg 