RPR’s & Updates
There can be a bit of confusion regarding if it’s best to update your existing Real Property Report or complete an entirely new one. We hope to clear up any misunderstanding with this article.
What is the difference between a new RPR and an RPR update?
Real Property Reports that are created from scratch are considered new RPR’s. Adding objects to your existing Real Property Report is considered an RPR update.
When is it necessary?
Updating your Real Property Report may be necessary when selling your home. Unlike a new RPR that is completed entirely from scratch, and RPR update is completed by adding to your current RPR any features that were put in place after the original report was completed. Hence the name RPR update.
One example for updating your RPR would be if you have added a fence, an A/C unit, a patio, etc, to the property since completing the original report. Having these features added to the original RPR would be considered an RPR update.
Updating your RPR can be a reasonable option if your
Real Property Report is only a few years old and no major changes have been made on the property. In most cases, updating your RPR can be a better cost alternative than surveying a completely new one.
Who can update an RPR?
Updating your Real Property Report can only be completed by the Land Surveying Company who completed your original RPR. Real Property Reports are a legal copywritten document and cannot be updated by another Land Surveying Company.
If Arc Surveys did not complete your original Real Property report, then we would have to create a new RPR, not an update.
When should I update my RPR?
Updating your Real Property Report can be completed at any point during homeownership and is only necessary after having added features to your property that are not shown on the original RPR.
Alternatively, if your RPR is more than a few years old you might want to look at getting a new RPR instead. The details required to be shown on Real Property Reports have significantly increased from even 5-10 years ago. For this rea
son, a new Real Property Report should be completed if your RPR is more than just a few years old or if the buyer’s lawyer is requesting a new RPR on behalf of their clients.
What merits an RPR update?
When purchasing a home most buyers will want to see that the RPR reflects the current conditions of visible features on the property. For this reason, the most common items that merit an RPR update are:
- New Fences
- Added A/C unit
- New Decks
- New Patios
- Covered areas such as pergola’s or gazebo’s
- Garages
- Poured concrete or new sidewalks
- Etc.
What does not merit an RPR update?
- Small sheds
- Hot tubs
- Small garden planters
- Movable bricks or patio stones
- Window wells
Looking over this list should give you a good idea if an RPR update is right for you.
In the case that you have not added anything to your property since completing the original RPR, and your current RPR is only a few years old, then we would suggest that an RPR update is not necessary if both parties and their lawyers agree to use the existing current RPR.
What if the Land Surveying Company who completed my RPR is not longer in business?
Unfortunately, this happens, especially if your Real Property Report is relatively old. In this case, a new RPR is the best route to take to get your property ready for sale.
As already mentioned above, the details required to be shown on Real Property Reports have significantly increased from even 5-10 years ago. For this reason, a new Real Property Report may need to be completed especially if the buyer’s lawyer is requesting a new RPR on behalf of their clients.
If you have found this article helpful or if you would like more information today about updating your Real Property Report, please contact us. One of our team members would be happy to help answer your questions.
Arc Surveys
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