Land Descriptions Flashcards
in Real Estate, a LEGAL DESCRIPTION is?
A description of a particular piece of property recognized in a court of law.
The Legal Description of a property should be a COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION if the type of transaction is a _______?
(LAMD)
Lease
Assignment
Mortgage
Deed
The Legal Description of a property can be a simple description identifying the property, if the typel of transaction is a _______?
Sales Contract. For example - street address would be sufficient.
When dealing with RAW LAND, what kind of Legal Description will you need?
A COMPLETE LEGAL DESCRIPTION.
What are the different types of Legal METHODS OF DESCRIPTION
MMG, L,B,S-D, VLD, R2O
Monuments Metes and Bounds Government Survey Lot, Block and Subdivision Vertical Land Description Reference to Other Recorded Documents
What is the Monuments Method?
A legal method of description that uses naturally occurring physical features of the land to determine the boundaries of a parcel of real property. It is seldom used because it is considered the least accurate method of description.
Metes and Bounds Method
This method is used to describe property by specifying its shape and dimensions.
What types of property can METES and BOUNDS be used for?
UUI
- Unsubdivided
- Unimproved
- Irregularly shaped parcels.
How does a METES and BOUNDS description work?
It starts at a well-marked POB (Point of Beginning), then establishes the boundaries of the parcel in inches, feet, yards, miles. Then uses landmarks and angles to confine (BOUND) the Metes (LENGTHS and ANGLES) to a given area. Then it returns back to the POB.
Natural Monuments are often replaced by ________ when using the METES and BOUNDS method?
Man-made monuments like iron poles driven into the ground or brass disks put in concrete.
Is a Legal Description that does not return to the POB still good?
No. If the Description does not return to the POB it is considered defective.
How should a POB be established?
Using a known and obvious physical feature (intersection of 2 roads, etc).
How do Surveyors indicate direction in a METES AND BOUNDS survey?
By use of COMPASS ANGLES.
How are Compass Angles calculated?
They use a circle. Divide it into a North-half and a South-half with each half containing 180 degrees.
In a North Half Circle 0 degrees is _____ and in a South Half Circle 0 degrees is _____?
Due North. Due South
In METES and BOUNDS method how is direction described?
By stating that from (N)orth, you go “X” degrees toward E(ast) or W(est) and from (S)outh, you go “X” degrees oward E(ast) or W(est)
Government Survey Method is also called the _____ and _____`
Geodetic or Rectangular Survey and is used in over 30 states.
How does the Government Survey work?
It uses imaginary lines running north and south (MERIDANS), east and west (BASELINES / PARALLELS).
How far apart of the MERIDIANS and BASELINES?
6 Miles apart and they form a checkerboard pattern, creating a township.
Is this method good for all sized parcels?
No. It works well for large parcels but not for small lots.
What is a CHECK?
A 24-mile square formed by intersecting MERIDIANS and BASELINES
What are STANDARD PARALLELS?
East/West lines - also known as BASELINES
What are GUIDE MERIDIANS?
North/South Lines
What is a TOWNSHIP?
6 Miles x 6 Miles and further divided into 36 Numbered Sections = 36 Sq Miles
What are TOWNSHIP LINES?
East/West Lines in a TOWNSHIP.
What are RANGE LINES
North/South Lines in a TOWNSHIP
What is a SECTION?
1 Square Mile within a Township (640 Acres). It is the SMALLEST subdivision surveyed by Govt Surveyors. but can still be broken down into halves, quarters, and so on.
What is a SURVEY MONUMENT?
A MARKER located at each section corner.
How is the Govt Survey Method calculated?
Surveyor starts at 0 degrees (PRIME MERIDIAN) at the baseline and lays out additional line every 24-miles (known as CHECKS). CHECKS are further divided by additional lines every 6 miles, making squares called TOWNSHIPS.
Within a TOWNSHIP, lines that run North and South are called?
RANGE LINES
Within a TOWNSHIP, lines that run East and West are called?
TOWNSHIP LINES
How are TOWNSHIPS located?
By their distance N or S of the base line and E or W of the PRIME MERIDIAN. For example: Township 4 South, Range 3 East written as T4S, R3E
How does the NUMBERING of Townships work?
There are 36 numbered sections and the numbering begins in the Northeast Corner (always Section 1).
What Method of Survey is used in non-Government Survey states?
(LBS)
Lot, Block and Subdivision (RECORDED PLAT).
A PLAT shows_____?
The size and location of each block and lot.
Where is the PLAT recorded?
The Public Recorder’s Office (Clerk’s Office or Land Records) of the COUNTY or CITY where the land is located. Each recorded PLAT is given a book and page reference number and available for public inspection.
What is a LOT?
An individual parcel of land intended to be conveyed in its entirety.
What is a BLOCK?
A group of bordering lots.
What separates blocks from each other?
Streets/Roads
If a parcel of property is part of a recorded plat, the legal description only needs to include ____
The LOT Block Number Tract Name Map Book Reference County State
Can Subdivisions be further subdivided?
Yes. After the recordation of the initial PLAT.
When are Vertical Land Descriptions necessary?
When AIR RIGHTS or SUBSURFACE RIGHTS need to be described.
What is a DATUM?
The point, line or surface from which a vertical height or depth is measured. Usually the surface of a parcel for subsurface (drilling, mineral rights) deals.
Reference to Other Recorded Documents
Land can legally be described by referring to another publicly recorded document such as a DEED or MORTGAGE, IF that document contains a full legal description of the parcel in question.
Land Description Not In Use
Inadequate, informal references to a Land Record. Like; 1234 Holderness St or College Park, GA
1 Acre = ____ft
43,560 sq ft
1 Mile = ____?
5,280 feet
Frontage
The Length of the FRONT OF A LOT, ALONG A STREET
Can a parcel of identify VERTICAL SPACE above a Parcel, without identifying the PARCEL beneath it?
NO.
