Property must be described accurately in a legal document to identify its exact location and boundaries.

A legal description precisely identifies real property and is required for deeds, mortgages, and title reports.

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

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

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

A street address is used for convenience only.

• Not a legal description
• May change over time
• Cannot be used alone in legal documents