Unit 4- Legal Descriptions

Question 1

The three methods used to legally describe land in the United States are

Answer 1

metes-and-bounds, lot and block, and rectangular (government) survey systems. Pennsylvania, however, does not use the rectangular survey system. A property’s description should always be the same as the one used in previous documents.

Question 2

uses direction and distance measurements to establish precise boundaries for a parcel.

Answer 2

A metes-and-bounds description

Question 3

are fixed objects used to establish boundaries. The actual location of ____ takes precedence over the written linear measurement in a document.

Answer 3

Monuments

Question 4

The metes-and-bounds description must completely enclose the parcel of land; that is, the boundary line must end at the point at which it started, ____

Answer 4

the point of beginning (POB).

Question 5

The rectangular survey system is based on _________ and ____ and uses further divisions to finally describe the identified parcel. This system is not used in Pennsylvania.

Answer 5

principal meridians and base lines

Question 6

____preparation includes both a legal description and a ___ sketch. Legal descriptions must be transcribed exactly as written to avoid future problems over incorrect boundaries. A ___ that also shows the location, size, and shape of the buildings located on a lot is known as a spot ___.

Answer 6

Survey

Question 7

Vertical elevations, either above the surface or below the surface, are measured from ___. Elevation can be further referenced by ____.

Answer 7

benchmarks

Question 8

Consumers expect to become owners of every bit of land to which they are entitled. Ownership of land purchased must be precisely described in the legal documents. Though lawyers review the ____ for accuracy, the licensee needs to understand how the land is described and the reasoning behind that description.

Answer 8

legal descriptions