A property is described as 'Beginning at the intersection of Oak Street and Maple Avenue, thence North 45° East 150 feet, thence South 45° East 100 feet, thence South 45° West 150 feet, thence North 45° West 100 feet to the point of beginning.' This is an example of which type of legal description?
Correct Answer
C) Metes and bounds
Why this is correct: The description uses a point of beginning, courses (bearings like 'North 45° East'), and distances to trace the perimeter, which is the hallmark of the metes and bounds system. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Rectangular survey system' uses township, range, and section references. 'Government survey' is another name for the rectangular survey system. 'Lot and block' references a recorded plat map with lot numbers. Exam tip: If a description lists bearings and distances from a point of beginning, it's metes and bounds.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because the description contains all the essential elements of a metes and bounds legal description. It starts with a specific monument (the street intersection), uses precise compass bearings (North 45° East, South 45° East, etc.), includes measured distances in feet, and follows the property boundary in a continuous path back to the point of beginning. The phrase 'thence' connecting each boundary segment and the closing statement 'to the point of beginning' are classic metes and bounds terminology.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
METES = Monuments, Exact bearings, Thence, Exact distances, Streets
Remember 'METES' - Monuments (starting points like street intersections), Exact bearings (compass directions with degrees), Thence (connecting word between boundary segments), Exact distances (measured in feet), Streets/Streams (common monuments). Also remember: 'Bounds' means boundaries that are traced around the property perimeter.
How to use: When you see a legal description with compass bearings, distance measurements, the word 'thence,' and references to physical landmarks like street intersections, immediately think 'METES' and select metes and bounds as your answer.
Exam Tip
Look for key indicator words: 'thence,' 'point of beginning,' compass bearings with degrees, distance measurements in feet, and physical monuments like streets or landmarks - these always signal metes and bounds descriptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing government survey with rectangular survey system (they're the same thing)
- -Not recognizing that 'thence' and compass bearings are metes and bounds indicators
- -Assuming all legal descriptions use the lot and block system because it seems simpler
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of legal description methods used in real estate to precisely identify property boundaries. The description provided uses specific directional bearings (North 45° East), measured distances (150 feet, 100 feet), and a physical monument (intersection of Oak Street and Maple Avenue) as reference points. These elements are the hallmark characteristics of the metes and bounds system, which traces the perimeter of a property by following its boundaries from a starting point back to the beginning. Understanding the distinguishing features of each legal description system is crucial for appraisers who must interpret property deeds and surveys.
Background Knowledge
Legal descriptions are formal methods of identifying real property that must be precise enough to distinguish one parcel from all others. The three primary systems in the United States are metes and bounds (oldest system using monuments, bearings, and distances), rectangular survey system (grid-based federal system), and lot and block (subdivision plat system).
Real-World Application
Appraisers frequently encounter metes and bounds descriptions when appraising older properties, irregular-shaped parcels, or properties in areas that weren't part of the federal rectangular survey system (primarily the original 13 colonies and Texas). These descriptions require careful analysis to understand property boundaries and calculate accurate square footage.
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