
When buying a home, a mortgage loan inspection (MLI) or mortgage inspection sketch (MIS) is often required by lenders and title attorneys as part of the process of closing on a home. It is a less expensive alternative to a boundary survey and can confirm whether a property's boundary lines match the legal description of the deed. A mortgage inspection report is usually carried out by a surveyor, who will visit the property and generate a report based on their discoveries. This can include a simple illustration of the property, showing the boundaries of the parcel with any improvements, as well as other relevant data such as anything that crosses property lines. A home inspection, on the other hand, assesses the condition of a house and can be used by buyers to negotiate repair credits or a lower purchase price.
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What You'll Learn

Mortgage loan inspections are not always legally required
A mortgage loan inspection, also called a Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS) or Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI), is an inspection of a property to assist the buyer, lender, and title attorney with evaluating the asset being purchased. It helps to eliminate some of the risks involved with buying a new home and getting a home loan.
Mortgage loan inspections are typically required by lenders and title attorneys as part of the process of closing on a home, but they are not always legally required. The law does not always mandate a mortgage inspection report, and mortgage lenders sometimes only want to see title insurance before originating home loans. A mortgage inspection is a less expensive alternative to a boundary survey and can be a more cost-effective way for lenders to confirm that a property was built at the expected size and location. It is important to note that a mortgage inspection is not as precise or comprehensive as a boundary survey.
A mortgage inspection report typically includes a simple illustration of the property, showing the boundaries of the parcel with any improvements situated on it. This information may consist of the property's legal description, landmarks in the area, and local regulations that apply (such as zoning). The report may also note other relevant data, such as anything that crosses property lines, such as trees, gardens, fences, walls, and sheds.
A home inspection, on the other hand, assesses the condition of a house and can catch any potential problems before completing a home purchase. It can also give buyers options when it comes to purchase price and cost negotiations. A home inspection is not the same as an appraisal, which is conducted to determine the home's market value. Both are crucial but serve different purposes in the home-buying process. From the buyer's standpoint, a home inspection is primarily about ensuring safety and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
It is recommended to hire a qualified professional for home inspections, and to look for an inspector who is a member of a reputable trade association. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance (E&O) to protect against any critical issues being missed during the inspection.
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They are carried out by surveyors to assess the boundaries of the property
A Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI) or Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS) is an inspection carried out by a surveyor to assess the boundaries of a property. It helps the buyer, the lender, and the title attorney to evaluate the asset being purchased and reduces the risks involved with buying a new home and getting a home loan. The surveyor defines the approximate boundaries of the property and compares them to the legal description contained within the property deed. They look for any errors, incorrect information, or other problems with the property, such as violations of property lines. For example, if a shed or fence on the property appears to cross the property boundary, a buyer can hire a surveyor to perform an MLI/MIS to confirm this.
A mortgage inspection report is a less expensive alternative to a boundary survey. It is a cost-effective way for lenders to confirm that a property was built at the size and location as expected, without paying for a full boundary survey. The report includes a simple illustration of the property, showing the boundaries of the parcel with any improvements situated on it. This information may consist of the property’s legal description, landmarks in the area, and local regulations that apply (such as zoning). The report may also note other relevant data, such as anything that crosses property lines (like trees, gardens, fences, walls, and sheds), setback requirements, easements, encroachments, and proximity to natural hazards.
A home inspection, on the other hand, assesses the condition of a house, while a mortgage inspection (despite having the word “inspection” in its name) is a survey that identifies property features and their location on the lot. A home inspector carries out a home inspection, which determines the property’s health. They assess the condition of the heating system, the central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, and structural components. A home inspection can catch any potential problems before you complete your home purchase and can give you options for purchase price and cost negotiations.
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They can be used to look for violations of property lines
A Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI) or Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS) is an inspection that a surveyor conducts to assist the buyer, lender, and title attorney in evaluating the asset being purchased. It helps to eliminate some of the risks involved in buying a new home and getting a home loan.
An MLI/MIS can be used to look for major violations of property lines and other potential concerns. It allows the buyer to have the opinion of a land surveying professional to evaluate the property more accurately and see if it will be a good investment. For example, if a buyer is concerned that a shed or fence on the property appears to cross the property boundary, they can hire a surveyor to perform an MLI/MIS and get a comprehensive assessment of the property boundaries and other details.
A mortgage inspection report helps confirm whether a property's boundary lines match what is written in the legal description of the deed. It verifies that a house or property's boundaries or descriptions are valid and accurate. The report may also note other relevant data, such as anything that crosses property lines, including trees, gardens, fences, walls, and sheds.
While a mortgage inspection is not always legally required, it is a less expensive alternative to a boundary survey. It can be a more cost-effective way for lenders to confirm that a property was built at the expected size and location without paying for a full boundary survey. A home inspection, on the other hand, assesses the condition of a house and is primarily for the buyer's benefit. It helps identify potential problems before completing the home purchase and can provide negotiating leverage on the purchase price and cost of repairs.
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They help lenders and insurers make informed decisions
A Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI) or Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS) is an inspection of a property carried out by a surveyor. The surveyor assesses the boundaries of the property and compares them to the legal description contained within the property deed. The inspection helps the buyer, the lender, and the title attorney with evaluating the asset being purchased, helping to eliminate some of the risks involved with buying a new home and getting a home loan.
Mortgage lenders and title insurers rely on the findings of mortgage inspection reports to make informed decisions. The report gives them essential information without which purchasing property becomes unnecessarily risky. For instance, the new homeowner typically shoulders any legal problem arising from a land dispute, while the lender and the title insurer may have to pay for losses out of their own pocket. A mortgage inspection report typically includes a simple illustration of the property, showing the boundaries of the parcel with any improvements situated on it. This information may consist of the property’s legal description, landmarks in the area, and local regulations that apply (such as zoning).
Mortgage lenders sometimes only want to see title insurance before originating home loans. However, a mortgage inspection is a less expensive alternative to a boundary survey and can be a more cost-effective way for lenders to confirm that a property was built at the expected size and location. A home inspection assesses the condition of a house, while a mortgage inspection (or survey) identifies property features and their location on the lot.
A home inspection can catch any potential problems before a home purchase is completed, and it can also give options for purchase price and cost negotiations. Lenders want to ensure that the property is worth the amount they are lending. If an inspection reveals significant issues, the property’s value might be less than the loan amount, which can affect the loan-to-value ratio—a key factor in lending decisions. The home serves as collateral for the mortgage, so lenders need assurance that the property is in good condition and does not require extensive repairs that could affect its value and the borrower’s ability to meet payment obligations.
Mortgage field inspectors are hired by mortgage lenders, insurance agencies, and banks to inspect homes, verify property conditions, and ensure any damage is properly repaired. They are called in when a homeowner has stopped paying their mortgage, when a disaster has occurred, or when a property has been damaged.
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They can be used to negotiate the final loan amount
A mortgage loan inspection, also known as a Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI) or Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS), is an inspection of a property by a surveyor to assess its boundaries and compare them to the legal description in the property deed. This helps to identify any errors, incorrect information, or other issues with the property. Mortgage loan inspections are often required by lenders and title attorneys when closing on a home to evaluate mortgage collateral and confirm that the property was built as expected.
While a mortgage loan inspection is not always legally required, it is a valuable tool for homebuyers. It can help identify potential problems before completing a home purchase, providing peace of mind that there are unlikely to be significant issues or costly repairs in the near future.
Additionally, a mortgage loan inspection can be used as leverage when negotiating the final loan amount and terms of the mortgage. Here's how:
Identify Property Issues
A mortgage loan inspection can help identify any issues with the property, such as violations of property lines, errors in the legal description, or other concerns. For example, a buyer may be concerned about a shed or fence on the property that appears to cross the property boundary. By identifying these issues early on, buyers can make more informed decisions about the purchase.
Negotiate Repairs or Credits
If the inspection uncovers problems with the property, buyers can use these findings to negotiate with the seller. This may include requesting repairs to be made before the sale concludes or negotiating repair credits or a lower purchase price to account for the cost of future repairs. These negotiations can directly impact the final loan amount, as they affect the overall value of the property and the buyer's ability to meet payment obligations.
Assess Mortgage Collateral
Mortgage lenders often require mortgage loan inspections to assess the property being used as collateral for the loan. By confirming the property's condition and accuracy of its boundaries, lenders can ensure that the collateral accurately reflects the value of the loan. If the inspection reveals issues that affect the property's value, buyers may be able to negotiate a lower loan amount based on the reduced collateral value.
Comply with Insurance Requirements
Some home loans, particularly FHA loans, have specific standards that must be met. A mortgage loan inspection can help identify if there are issues with the property that needs to be addressed to meet these standards. By completing the necessary repairs before closing, buyers can secure the desired loan amount and avoid last-minute complications.
Reduce Risks for Lenders
Mortgage loan inspections provide valuable information to lenders and title insurers, helping them make informed decisions about the property. By confirming the accuracy of property boundaries and addressing potential risks, the inspection report reduces the likelihood of future disputes or issues that could affect the lender's financial interests. This may encourage lenders to be more flexible in negotiating the loan amount, as they have a clearer understanding of the property's value and associated risks.
In summary, a mortgage loan inspection provides valuable insights into the property's boundaries, condition, and potential issues. By identifying these issues early on, homebuyers can use the findings to negotiate with sellers and lenders, ultimately impacting the final loan amount and terms of the mortgage. While it may not directly result in a higher or lower loan amount, it empowers buyers with information to make informed decisions and negotiate from a position of knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
A mortgage loan inspection, also known as a Mortgage Inspection Sketch (MIS) or Mortgage Loan Inspection (MLI), is an inspection of a property to assist the buyer, lender, and title attorney with evaluating the asset being purchased. It helps confirm whether a property's boundary lines match the legal description of the deed.
A mortgage loan inspection helps eliminate some of the risks involved with buying a new home and getting a home loan. It can also help waive the survey exceptions of a title insurance policy.
A mortgage loan inspection is not always a mandatory requirement. However, mortgage lenders and title attorneys often require it as part of the process of closing on a home.
A mortgage loan inspection is performed by a surveyor, who assesses the boundaries of the property and compares them to the legal description contained within the property deed.
The cost of a mortgage loan inspection is typically lower than that of a boundary survey. It is a more cost-effective way for lenders to confirm that a property was built at the expected size and location.



































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