Descriptions of Property
Property must be described accurately in a legal document to identify its exact location and boundaries.
1. Legal Description
A legal description precisely identifies real property and is required for deeds, mortgages, and title reports.
2. Methods of Legal Description
a. Metes and Bounds
Describes property using distances (metes) and directions (bounds).
Begins at a point of beginning (POB)
Uses compass directions and linear measurements
Often references natural or artificial monuments
Common for irregularly shaped parcels
b. Rectangular (Government Survey) System
Divides land into a grid based on principal meridians and baselines.
Township: 6 miles by 6 miles
Range: east or west of the meridian
Section: 1 square mile (640 acres)
Common in rural and agricultural areas
c. Lot and Block (Subdivision Map) System
Describes property by reference to a recorded subdivision map.
Identifies lot number and block number
References a tract or subdivision name
Common in cities and subdivisions
3. Street Address
A street address is used for convenience only.