- #Metes and bounds description real estate how to
- #Metes and bounds description real estate professional
Likewise, a property can be defined by just identifying the metes, or math component, of each property line without stating what said lines are bounded by. This certainly opens the door for disputes among adjoining property owners. A property could have been defined as being bounded on the north by the road that travels from Salem to Siler City, bounded on the east by the lands of Jones, bounded on the south by the low water mark of the Ohio River, and bounded on the west by the Smith Farm.
Many past legal descriptions may have been presented in this fashion in the early formation of the country before surveyors or state statutes for surveys. It is possible to define a property by just citing the bounds. Regardless of differences in the math, if the same recognized bounded by component is cited, it is understood that the lines are the same, unless the surveyor reports any gaps, gores, or overlaps in descriptions between adjoining properties. When differing opinions in the math occur, the “bounded by” component becomes an integral part of the description. Usually, the differences are minimal between surveyors.
#Metes and bounds description real estate professional
This is due to the survey upon which the description is based and represents the best professional opinion of an individual surveyor. When reviewing and comparing metes and bounds descriptions, such as recorded descriptions, new descriptions based on a new survey, or descriptions for adjoining parcels, it is common to notice differences in the metes component of a defined property line. The Importance of the Metes and Bounds Description Components All state statutes for the practice of land surveying include precision requirements with very stringent tolerances for closure. When calculated, observed, and reconciled by the surveyor, the metes should form a mathematically closed figure. The angle is 89 degrees, 39 minutes, 47 seconds (also delineated as 89° 39’ 47”) and the distance is 147.33’ (or feet). In the above example, the directional call is North/West.
#Metes and bounds description real estate how to
Metes and Bounds DefinitionĪ metes and bounds description can be lengthy, confusing, and daunting to a novice who may not know how to read and interpret its narrative. The County Auditor or Tax Assessor will also rely on the description to evaluate the property for tax assessment.
The conveyance form (a deed or instrument containing the legal description) is then put to record at the County Recorder’s office so there is an official public record of the transfer and the description. The property must be defined by a legal description to recognize and convey the lands. State statutes grant the County Auditor or Tax Assessor the authority to transfer properties. The term “legal” is often included, as these descriptions are utilized for the legal transfer of lands on documents such as deeds, land grants, etc. These descriptions legally define lands for identification, tax assessment, and conveyance. They include properties defined within a recorded subdivision, Section, Town, and Range descriptions, parcels defined on a recorded parcel map, and one of the most common, a metes and bounds description. There are many types of property descriptions.