Why Homeowners Suddenly Need an Elevation Certificate

This week’s deep freeze did more than burst pipes and overload sump pumps. Across Minneapolis, many homeowners fixed their water damage, cleaned their basements, and tried to move on. However, some later received an unexpected message. Their lender or insurance company suddenly asked for an elevation certificate. For many people, that request came out of […]
What a Wildlife Aerial Survey Reveals About Survey Accuracy

Minnesota recently launched a new wildlife monitoring effort that uses aerial survey technology to track animal movement and habitat conditions across large areas of land. At first glance, this may sound like a project meant only for biologists. However, the tools and methods behind this work say a lot about how land measurement has changed—and […]
Why an ALTA Survey Is a Risk Tool in Urban Property Deals

Urban real estate deals move fast. Prices are high, competition is tight, and pressure builds quickly once a property goes under contract. Because of that speed, buyers often rely on assumptions. They trust what they see in marketing materials, seller statements, and title documents. However, in dense urban areas, those assumptions can break down fast. […]