Parcel P is described by boundary courses and distances from an iron-pipe reference back to its beginning. Parcel Q is described as SW¼ NE¼, Section 8, Township 2 North, Range 5 East of a named meridian. Which pairing fits?
Correct Answer
D) P metes and bounds; Q rectangular survey
Parcel P uses boundary courses and distances from an identified beginning, the metes-and-bounds format. Parcel Q uses section, township, range and aliquot references, the rectangular survey format. A recorded lot/block plat is a different reference method. Format recognition does not establish acreage or certify a particular description’s legal sufficiency.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because Parcel P uses boundary courses and distances from an identified beginning, which is the metes-and-bounds format. Parcel Q uses aliquot parts (SW¼ NE¼), a section, a township, a range and a named meridian, which is the rectangular survey format. This pairing matches each description to its method.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: P rectangular survey; Q metes and bounds
Option A, P rectangular survey and Q metes and bounds, reverses the two. P's courses and distances are metes and bounds, and Q's section, township and range are rectangular survey.
Option B: Both lot and block
Option B, both lot and block, does not fit either parcel. Lot and block refers to a recorded subdivision plat, but neither description cites a plat, lot number or block number.
Option C: Both metes and bounds
Option C, both metes and bounds, is wrong for Parcel Q. Q uses section, township, range and aliquot references, which is the rectangular survey system rather than courses and distances.
Courses trace, sections grid
Directions and distances trace a boundary, which is metes and bounds. Sections, townships and ranges place land on a grid, which is rectangular survey.
How to use: Use this to sort legal descriptions by their key words.
Exam Tip
Look for clue words: courses, distances and point of beginning signal metes and bounds; section, township, range and meridian signal rectangular survey; lot, block and plat signal a subdivision map.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Reversing metes and bounds with rectangular survey
- -Labeling any description with numbers as lot and block
- -Assuming the description format proves the parcel's acreage
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests recognition of legal description formats. A description using courses and distances from a reference point back to the beginning is metes and bounds. A description using aliquot parts, section, township and range is the rectangular survey system.
Background Knowledge
Three common methods of legal description are metes and bounds, rectangular survey and recorded subdivision maps (lot and block). Metes and bounds traces boundaries by direction and distance from a point of beginning. The rectangular survey system divides land into townships, ranges, sections and fractional parts relative to a principal meridian and baseline.
Real-World Application
An appraiser reviewing a rural assignment finds one parcel described as the SW¼ of a section and an adjoining tract described by bearings and distances from an iron pipe. The appraiser reports each description accurately and relies on surveys or plats for actual acreage. Recognizing the formats helps the appraiser confirm the correct parcels were inspected.
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