What is considered a legal description of property?

A legal description of property is a precise and specific description of property boundaries, which typically uses established methods such as metes and bounds or refers to lot numbers within a recorded subdivision. This accuracy is crucial in real estate transactions and title insurance because it clearly defines the extent of ownership and helps avoid disputes over property boundaries.

Metes and bounds is a detailed method that describes the property's boundaries based on specific measurements and angles, while lot numbers refer to subdivisions that have been mapped out and recorded in public records. This level of detail ensures that all parties involved, including buyers, sellers, and lenders, understand exactly what is included in the property transaction.

In contrast, vague outlines of property boundaries do not provide sufficient clarity for legal purposes. Verbal descriptions can lead to misinterpretations and confusion, and references to zoning classifications do not specify the exact geographical boundaries of the property. Legal descriptions must be accurate and unambiguous to facilitate the proper transfer of ownership and to uphold legal rights.