Dean Ruybal, chief title officer at Heritage Title Co. offered insights and advice during his presentation “Survey This and Survey That” at the American Escrow Association’s 2014 Conference May 16 in Denver, Colo. October Research, LLC attended his presentation and learned the benefits of surveys and endorsements.
Ruybal said back in the 1800s when the pioneers were coming over and purchasing property from the government, ranchers wanted to fence in their property to protect their cattle and livestock. To do this, they would tie a handkerchief to a wagon wheel and the settler would count how many times the cloth touched the ground. Obviously, this isn't the most accurate way to assess property boundaries and led to property disputes.