The Texas T-47 Affidavit in Plain English

by Shannon Miles

If you’re buying or selling a home in Northeast Texas, there’s a good chance you’ll hear someone say, “We need the T-47.” And if your brain immediately replies, “The what now?” you’re in good company.

Let’s make this simple, practical, and less intimidating.

What Is the T-47 Affidavit?

The T-47 Residential Real Property Affidavit is a Texas form used in many residential transactions when the seller is providing an existing survey. It’s a sworn statement, usually signed and notarized, that helps the title company rely on that older survey by confirming what has or has not changed on the property since the survey was completed.

In real life, it answers this question:
Can we safely use the existing survey, or do we need a new one?

Why the T-47 Matters in Northeast Texas

Around Paris, Blossom, Reno, Powderly, Brookston, and across our rural communities, properties tend to evolve. Fences get moved, barns get added, gates shift, a new shop pops up, driveways get widened, and carports appear.

The T-47 helps the title company decide whether they can provide boundary-related coverage based on an existing survey.

Is the T-47 Required in Every Texas Home Sale?

Not always.

If a new survey is ordered, a T-47 may not be needed. Different title companies can also have different requirements depending on underwriting guidelines.

Bottom line: it’s most common when you’re trying to reuse an existing survey.

Who Fills Out the T-47?

Typically, the seller completes it because they’re the one attesting to changes on the property. In most resale transactions, it’s usually the owner signing.

It must be signed and notarized when the affidavit version is used.

What Does the T-47 Actually Cover?

The T-47 is tied to the survey and focuses on items that affect boundary and survey matters, including whether improvements match what the survey shows.

Common improvements that matter (especially in Northeast Texas)

New fences or fence lines moved
Barns, shops, sheds, lean-tos, carports
Additions, patios, decks, porches
Pools, ponds, pergolas
Driveways, gates, culverts
Encroachments (something crossing a boundary line)

The Question Everyone Asks: What Date Goes on the T-47?

This is the most common snag.

On the T-47, there’s a statement along the lines of “since ________” (the date from which there have been no changes). Some title practices often expect that to line up with the date of the existing survey because the point is to confirm the survey still reflects current conditions.

Title companies can interpret this differently, so best practice is to use the survey date when that’s the true reference point. If there have been changes since then, disclose them clearly and ask your title company what they need next.

How to Complete the T-47 Without Drama

Step 1: Locate the most recent acceptable survey
If you’re not sure what you have, we can help you track it down, or the title company may have one on file.

Step 2: Walk the property like a survey detective
Look for anything added, removed, or moved since that survey date.

Step 3: Disclose changes honestly
If you added a shop, moved a fence, built a deck, or installed a new driveway entrance, say so. That does not automatically kill the deal. It just helps the title company decide if a new survey is needed or if coverage can still be issued.

Step 4: Sign and notarize (if using the affidavit)

Step 5: Deliver it to title (and keep a copy)
Don’t wait until the last minute if you can avoid it.

What Happens if the T-47 Is Missing or Can’t Be Used?

Usually one of two things happens:

A new survey is ordered, or
The title policy keeps the survey exception, meaning boundary-related issues may not be covered the way they otherwise could be.

T-47 vs. a Survey: What’s the Difference?

A survey is the drawing prepared by a licensed surveyor showing boundaries, improvements, and certain site features.

The T-47 is the seller’s sworn statement that helps the title company decide whether they can rely on an existing survey for coverage purposes.

Common Mistakes We Help Clients Avoid

Using the wrong survey (or a survey that doesn’t match the legal description)
Leaving blanks empty or guessing at dates
Forgetting about improvements (especially outbuildings and fence changes)
Waiting too late, then scrambling right before closing

Quick FAQ

Can a T-47 be corrected if something was missed?
Often yes, but any change needs to be handled properly and may require a new notarized version. Always coordinate with your title company.

Who pays for it?
The form itself is provided, but there may be notary fees. If a new survey is needed, who pays is typically negotiated in the contract.

How long is a T-47 good for?
It’s tied to that transaction and the survey it’s supporting. If the property changes later, the old survey and old T-47 may no longer help for a future sale.