In the metes and bounds system of legal description, what is the point of beginning (POB)?
Correct Answer
A) A permanent, identifiable point from which the property description starts and returns
The point of beginning (POB) in metes and bounds is a fixed, identifiable reference point from which the legal description begins and must return to complete the property boundary description. It serves as the starting and ending point of the survey.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A correctly identifies that the POB is a permanent, identifiable reference point that serves as both the starting and ending point of a metes and bounds description. The description must form a closed polygon, meaning it starts at the POB, follows the property boundaries using specific distances and bearings, and returns exactly to the same POB to complete the legal description. This creates a mathematically closed figure that precisely defines the property boundaries. The permanence and identifiability of the POB are essential because future surveys must be able to locate this exact point to verify or re-establish property boundaries.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: The geographic center of the property being described
The geographic center of the property is not the POB - in fact, the POB is typically located at one of the property corners or along the boundary, not in the center. The metes and bounds system traces the perimeter of the property, so starting from the center would be impractical and wouldn't allow for a logical boundary description.
Option C: The highest elevation point on the property
Elevation has nothing to do with establishing the POB in metes and bounds descriptions. The highest point on a property could be anywhere and may not even be permanently identifiable or monumented. Legal descriptions focus on horizontal boundaries, and elevation is generally not a determining factor for the POB location.
Option D: The point closest to the nearest public road
While proximity to public roads might be convenient for access during surveying, it's not a requirement for establishing the POB. The POB is chosen based on the availability of permanent monuments and the logical flow of the property description, not road access. Many properties have POBs located away from roads, particularly in rural or irregularly shaped parcels.
POB Circle Rule
Remember 'POB = Permanent Origin that Boomerangs' - the Point of Beginning must be Permanent, serves as the Origin of the description, and like a Boomerangs, the description must return to where it started.
How to use: When you see questions about POB, immediately think of the boomerang concept - it must start somewhere permanent and identifiable, and always return to that exact same point to complete the property description.
Exam Tip
Look for keywords like 'permanent,' 'identifiable,' 'returns to,' or 'starting point' in POB questions. Eliminate any answers that suggest the POB is temporary, moveable, or doesn't serve as both start and end point.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing POB with property corners (POB is one specific corner, not all corners)
- -Thinking POB must be at the geographic center of the property
- -Assuming POB is always the corner closest to the road or most accessible point
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
The metes and bounds system is one of the oldest methods of legal property description, particularly common in the original 13 colonies and areas not covered by the Public Land Survey System. This system describes property boundaries by starting at a specific point and following the perimeter of the property using distances (metes) and directions (bounds) until returning to the starting point. The Point of Beginning (POB) is absolutely critical because it anchors the entire legal description - without a properly established POB, the entire property description becomes invalid. The POB must be a permanent, monumented point that can be relocated by future surveyors, ensuring the property boundaries remain legally defensible over time.
Background Knowledge
Metes and bounds is a legal description system that predates the Public Land Survey System and is still widely used, especially in eastern states and for irregular parcels. Understanding the three main legal description systems (metes and bounds, government survey, and lot and block) is essential for real estate appraisers since property identification is fundamental to valuation.
Real-World Application
When appraising properties with metes and bounds descriptions, appraisers must verify that the legal description is complete and accurate. If a POB cannot be located or is not properly monumented, it can create title issues that affect property value and marketability, requiring additional surveying work before the property can be properly valued or sold.
More Property Description Questions
Property zoned as R-2 typically allows for:
In the rectangular survey system, a section contains how many acres?
Which property right includes the right to receive rental income from a tenant-occupied property?
A property is located in a 100-year flood zone. This means the property has what probability of flooding in any given year?
In a metes and bounds description, the term 'metes' refers to:
People Also Study
Valuation Principles & Procedures
25% of exam
Market Analysis & Highest/Best Use
15% of exam
Appraisal Math & Statistics
15% of exam
USPAP (Ethics & Standards)
15% of exam
Report Writing & Compliance
10% of exam