The 3 Methods of Describing Real Estate - Metes and Bounds, Rectangular Survey, and Recorded Plat Flashcards
Describe Metes and Bounds
- A metes and bounds description identifies the boundaries of a parcel of real estate using reference points, distances, and angles
- Always identifies an enclosed area by starting at an origination point, called point of beginning (POB), and returning to the POB at the end of the description
Metes means -
Distance and direction
Bounds refers to -
Fixed reference points, or monuments and landmarks
List the different types of surverys
- Boundary survey
- Location survey
- Topographic
- Site planning
- Subdivision
- Construction
- Geographic positioning system (GPS)
- ALTA/ACSM survey
What is the most common survey?
Residential
Comes in 2 basic forms: a house location survey and a cadastral land survey
What is a house location survey?
Also called a drive-by survey. It is designed to show the location of the house and other large structures on the property, as well as the orientation of those structures in relation to each other
What are cadastral land surveys?
Typically contains much more info, showing exactly where boundaries, easements, and property lines are located. Surveyors typically go to the property and make real-time measurements, which are compared with archived land records to create a more complete picture of what is located where
What does the Texas Uniform Condominium Act require?
Requires that a licensed surveyor record condominium plats showing elevation of floor and ceilings along with the outside boundaries
List the units of measurements and describe them
- Vara: 33 1/3 in (specific to Texas real estate)
- Rod: 16.5 ft; 5.5 yards
- Chain: 66 ft; 4 rods; 100 links
- Mile: 5,280 ft; 1,760 yards; 320 rods
- Sq. Mile: 640 acres
- Acre: 43,560 sq. ft; 160 sq. rods
- Section: 640 acres
- Sq. Foot: 144 sq. inches
- Sq. Yard: 9 sq. feet
- Cu. Yard: 27 cu. feet
