A deed reads "thence N 62 degrees E, 340 feet to an iron pin." Within a metes and bounds description, the metes are the:
Correct Answer
B) Distances and compass bearings of each boundary course
Metes identify measured directions and distances of boundary courses, such as N 62° E for 340 feet. Bounds may identify adjoining boundaries or monuments. Interpret and verify the actual description with appropriate survey and title information; the example does not certify closure or acreage.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because metes means measurements or distances, and a metes and bounds description gives the distance and compass direction of each boundary line. In the deed call, N 62 degrees E is the bearing and 340 feet is the distance. Together they are the metes for that course.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Names of the adjoining property owners on each side
Option A, names of the adjoining property owners on each side, relates to bounds, which can identify adjoining boundaries. Owner names are not measurements, so they are not metes.
Option C: Total acreage computed after the survey closes
Option C, total acreage computed after the survey closes, is a result calculated from the description. It is not the bearing-and-distance measurements of each course.
Option D: Recorded plat book and page where the map appears
Option D, the recorded plat book and page, is a reference used in lot and block (recorded plat) descriptions. It is not part of the metes in a metes and bounds description.
Metes measure, bounds bound
Metes sounds like meters: measurements of direction and distance. Bounds are the boundaries and markers along the way.
How to use: Use this sound-alike to separate metes from bounds in legal description questions.
Exam Tip
In a deed call, the bearing and distance are the metes; monuments like an iron pin or adjoining property lines are bounds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Thinking metes are the adjoining owners or monuments
- -Confusing metes and bounds with a recorded plat reference
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the meaning of metes in a metes and bounds legal description. Metes are the measurements: the compass bearing and distance of each boundary course, such as N 62 degrees E for 340 feet. Bounds refer to boundaries, such as monuments or adjoining properties.
Background Knowledge
Metes and bounds is the oldest form of legal description. It starts at a point of beginning and follows courses defined by bearing and distance around the parcel back to that point. Monuments such as iron pins mark corners, and appraisers verify the description with survey and title information.
Real-World Application
An appraiser compares a rural parcel's deed description with the survey plat. She confirms that the bearings and distances in the deed match the survey courses before relying on the reported acreage.
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