A Grand Rapids homebuyer couple and their agent review a property survey map in the backyard to check boundary lines before purchase.

What Should I Know About Boundary Lines in Grand Rapids?

ByJason Pohlonski

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Grand Rapids, it’s smart to pay close attention to the property’s boundary lines. Many buyers assume that fences or landscaping mark the true lot lines, but that’s not always the case here. Understanding where your property starts and ends can save you headaches, legal expenses, and even neighbor disputes down the road.

Quick Answer

In Grand Rapids, the only way to be certain of your property boundaries is to review a current, professional survey—don’t rely on old stakes, fences, or what the seller says. Many homes (especially older ones) have fences or landscaping that don’t match the legal boundaries, and encroachments or disputes are more common than most buyers realize.

If you’re buying, make sure you review the official survey before closing, and consider having a new survey done if none exists or if you see anything questionable. If you’re dealing with this situation, I’m happy to walk through it with you.

1. Why Boundary Lines Matter in Grand Rapids

Boundary lines define the exact edges of the property you’re buying. In Grand Rapids, many neighborhoods have homes built in the early to mid-1900s, and over time, fences, garages, driveways, and landscaping can drift over property lines. If you buy without confirming boundaries, you could inherit a neighbor’s shed on your land, a shared driveway you didn’t expect, or a fence that’s actually not yours.

This isn’t just about knowing where to mow. Encroachments can affect your ability to add a garage, put up a fence, or even sell the home later. Mortgage lenders and title companies want clean boundaries, and title insurance generally won’t cover problems you discover after closing unless a survey exception is removed. Learn more about title insurance from the CFPB.

2. How to Verify Boundary Lines Before Buying

The most reliable way to confirm boundary lines is by reviewing a recent professional survey. In Grand Rapids, surveys are not always provided by the seller, but you can make your offer contingent on obtaining one. Look for a “mortgage survey” or “boundary survey”—these show the precise lot lines and any visible encroachments.

If the seller doesn’t have a survey, you can hire a local surveyor to create one. Costs typically range from $500–$1,200 depending on lot size and complexity. For homes near parks, rivers, or in areas with irregular lots, a survey is even more important. Jason’s take: I’ve seen more issues pop up in older neighborhoods like Heritage Hill or Alger Heights, where original lot markers are long gone.

3. Common Boundary Issues in Grand Rapids Neighborhoods

It’s surprisingly common in Grand Rapids for fences, sheds, or even driveways to be built over the lot line—sometimes by a few inches, sometimes by several feet. Sometimes, previous owners made handshake agreements with neighbors, but those deals don’t transfer legally when you buy the home.

If you see anything that looks off—like a fence that jogs, a shared driveway, or landscaping that doesn’t line up—ask questions. Encroachments can be resolved, but sometimes they require written agreements, legal fixes, or even moving a structure. The Michigan Attorney General offers tips on property boundaries and disputes. Jason’s take: I always recommend walking the lot with buyers and a survey in hand before closing, especially in city neighborhoods where houses are close together.

4. Decision Framework: When Should You Order a Survey?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you’re buying a Grand Rapids home and any of these apply, consider ordering a new survey:

  • No recent survey exists (within the last 10 years)
  • Property has shared driveways, fences, or detached structures
  • The lot shape isn’t a perfect rectangle
  • You plan to build, expand, or fence after closing
  • Neighbors have encroaching structures or landscaping

Even if you’re not required to get a survey, it’s often worth the peace of mind. For new construction or vacant land, a survey is absolutely essential before closing. In competitive situations, you may have to balance the need for a survey with your offer terms, but don’t skip it if there are any red flags.

Real Buyer Case Study

Last year, I helped a buyer purchase a $285,000 home in the Eastown area. The lot had a beautiful old fence, but the seller’s survey showed the fence was actually two feet onto the neighbor’s property along the back line. My client wanted to put in a garden, so we negotiated a written agreement with the neighbor before closing to leave the fence in place. The survey and early communication avoided a major dispute—and my client got their garden space without future headaches.

Grand Rapids Buyer Market Insight

In hot Grand Rapids neighborhoods, buyers sometimes skip contingencies to compete—but boundary issues are one thing I caution against overlooking. In areas like East Grand Rapids and Ottawa Hills, where lots are tight and upgrades common, I’ve seen buyers regret not checking boundaries before closing. If you’re buying in a competitive price range, it’s still smart to get clear on boundary lines early so you don’t inherit someone else’s problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Grand Rapids

What if the seller doesn’t have a property survey?

You can hire a licensed surveyor to create a new survey before closing. If the seller objects, you may want to make your offer contingent on the survey results or negotiate who pays for it.

Are fences and landscaping reliable boundary markers in Grand Rapids?

No—fences and landscaping often don’t match the true legal boundary. Always rely on a current survey for accurate property lines.

Will title insurance cover boundary disputes discovered after closing?

Most standard title insurance policies in Michigan exclude coverage for issues that could have been found by a survey unless you have the survey exception removed. Review your policy carefully and consult your title company or attorney.

Can I resolve a boundary issue after closing?

It’s possible, but often more complicated and expensive. Resolving encroachments post-closing may require legal agreements, moving structures, or even court involvement. That’s why it’s best to address these issues before you buy.

Related Grand Rapids Buyer Resources

About the Author


Jason Pohlonski
 is a Michigan licensed real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Grand Rapids East. He helps buyers and sellers throughout Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Ada, Byron Center, Jenison, Cascade, and surrounding West Michigan communities.

Jason began his real estate career in Chicago in 2004, later expanding his experience in Ann Arbor from 2014 to 2019, and has been serving clients in the Grand Rapids area since 2019.

With over 20 years of combined real estate experience across multiple markets, Jason focuses on helping clients make clear real estate decisions involving pricing, offer terms, inspections, appraisals, relocation timing, and buy-sell planning.

Industry Recognition

Jason is recognized by platforms and industry organizations including Zillow, Grand Rapids Magazine Real Estate All-Stars, and Real Producers for his work serving West Michigan buyers and sellers.

Jason also supports One More Moment, a nonprofit that grants wishes to late-stage cancer patients, by donating $100 for every successful closing.

Professional Disclosure

Jason Pohlonski
Michigan Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
License Verification: Verify Michigan License #6501386166
Brokerage: Keller Williams Grand Rapids East
Brokerage Office: 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

📱 Call or text: 616-916-9770
📅 Schedule consultation:
https://calendly.com/pohlonskirealestate/30min
📧 Email: jpohlonski@kw.com

This article reflects real client experiences and market conditions in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities at the time of publication. Real estate outcomes can vary depending on market conditions, property characteristics, buyer demand, financing terms, inspection results, appraisal results, and lender requirements.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, engineering, inspection, or floodplain determination advice. Buyers and sellers should consult qualified professionals before making decisions involving financing, insurance, inspections, taxes, legal issues, or property risk.

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