Legal Descriptions

Legal Descriptions > Exam relevance: Legal descriptions appear in the Property Ownership category (~8% of the national exam) and show up directly in deed and contract questions. You need to identify *which* system is being used and understand *why* a valid legal description is required — expect 2–4 questions touching this topic. --- ## Why Legal Descriptions Matter A legal description is the precise, government-recognized language that uniquely identifies a parcel of real property. It is *not* a street address. Street addresses can change; a legal description is permanent and unambiguous. Every valid deed must contain a legal description — without one, the deed (and the title transfer) is defective. --- ## The Three Systems ### 1. Metes and Bounds The oldest system, used primarily in the original 13 colonies and some southeastern states. - Metes = measurements of distance - Bounds = directions (compass bearings) - Always starts and ends at the same spot: the Point of Beginning (POB) - The description "walks" around the perimeter of the parcel using direction + distance legs - Must close — meaning the last leg returns exactly to the POB Example scenario: *"Beginning at the iron pin on the north side of Oak Street; thence North 45° East 200 feet; thence South 45° East 150 feet; thence South 45° West 200 feet; thence North 45° West 150 feet to the Point of Beginning."* If the description does *not* close back to the POB, the description is defective. --- ### 2. Rectangular (Government) Survey System Used for most land west of Ohio, established by the Land Ordinance of 1785. Key components: | Term | Definition | |---|---| | Principal Meridian | North-south…