A parcel is described as beginning at a point 200 feet north of a monument, then following courses that fail to return to that point. The description is:
Correct Answer
D) Defective — the description does not close
Why this is correct: A fundamental requirement of a valid metes and bounds description is that it must 'close' by returning to the exact point of beginning, forming a complete, enclosed polygon. The original explanation states that courses failing to return describe no enclosed area, creating uncertainty. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Valid, since the point of beginning is clearly identified' is incorrect; a clear beginning point is necessary but not sufficient without closure. 'Valid if the acreage stated matches the assessor's record' is false; acreage cannot be reliably determined from an unclosed description. 'Valid only for parcels smaller than one acre in size' is not a rule; closure is required regardless of size. Exam tip: Think of metes and bounds as a walking tour: you must end exactly where you started.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: A fundamental requirement of a valid metes and bounds description is that it must 'close' by returning to the exact point of beginning, forming a complete, enclosed polygon. The original explanation states that courses failing to return describe no enclosed area, creating uncertainty. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Valid, since the point of beginning is clearly identified' is incorrect; a clear beginning point is necessary but not sufficient without closure. 'Valid if the acreage stated matches the assessor's record' is false; acreage cannot be reliably determined from an unclosed description. 'Valid only for parcels smaller than one acre in size' is not a rule; closure is required regardless of size. Exam tip: Think of metes and bounds as a walking tour: you must end exactly where you started.
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