Bay Area Real Estate Wiki

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====== 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.
  * Not a legal description
  * May change over time
  * Cannot be used alone in legal documents