What is a Legal Property Description?
A legal description is an accurate and detailed text or map outlining the exact boundaries of a property. It’s like your property’s official address, used for everything from deeds and mortgages to property taxes and boundary disputes.
Why You Need a Legal Property Description
Getting a legal property description can be crucial for a variety of reasons:
- Selling or Buying a Property: A legal description accurately defines the boundaries of your property, preventing disputes with neighbors or future buyers.
- Property Disputes: If there’s a boundary dispute, a legal description provides irrefutable evidence of your property’s boundaries.
- Property Taxes: Local governments use legal descriptions to assess property taxes fairly.
- Zoning and Building Permits: Accurate legal descriptions are required for many zoning and building permit applications.
7 Steps to Get a Legal Property Description
1. Visit the County Assessor’s Office
The county assessor’s office is your go-to source for property records. They maintain legal descriptions for all properties within the county.
2. Request a Copy of the Deed
Your property’s legal description is usually included in the deed. If you don’t have a copy, you can request one from the county recorder’s office.
3. Find the Parcel Number
The legal description is commonly attached to the parcel number, which is a unique identifier for each property. You can find it on your property tax bill or in the county GIS system.
4. Consult a Land Surveyor
If you’re planning on building or making significant changes to your property, it’s advisable to hire a licensed land surveyor. They can provide a detailed property map with a legal description.
5. Use Online Mapping Tools
Many counties have interactive mapping systems that allow you to view property boundaries and access legal descriptions. Look for tools like "GIS Viewer" or "Property Search" on your county website.
6. Research Courthouse Records
Some courthouses maintain historical records, including legal descriptions from old deeds and estate documents. This is particularly helpful if you have a historical property or need to resolve boundary disputes.
7. Contact the Title Company
Title companies often provide legal property descriptions as part of their title insurance policies. If you’ve recently purchased a property, your title company may have a legal description on file.
Comparison Table: How to Get a Legal Property Description
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| County Assessor’s Office | Easy to access | May not have updated descriptions |
| Deed Request | Original legal description | May require additional research |
| Land Surveyor | Accurate and up-to-date | More expensive |
| Online Mapping Tools | Convenient and free | May not be highly detailed |
| Courthouse Records | Historical information | Can be time-consuming |
| Title Company | Available with title insurance | May require a fee |
Conclusion
Getting a legal property description is essential for protecting your property rights and ensuring accurate records. By following these simple steps, you can obtain a legal description and ensure peace of mind about the boundaries of your property. Don’t hesitate to consult with professionals like land surveyors or title companies if you need further assistance.
Check out our other articles for more valuable information on property ownership, real estate, and home improvement!
FAQ about Legal Property Description
What is a legal property description?
A legal property description is a precise and detailed description of a piece of land that is recognized by the government. It is used to identify and locate the property, and to ensure that ownership is clear and undisputed.
Why do I need a legal property description?
You will need a legal property description if you are buying or selling a piece of land, or if you are involved in any legal proceedings that involve the property.
How can I get a legal property description?
There are a few ways to get a legal property description:
- From the county recorder’s office: The county recorder’s office in the county where the property is located will have a copy of the legal description on file. You can request a copy for a fee.
- From a surveyor: A surveyor can create a legal property description for you. This is the most accurate way to get a legal property description, but it can also be the most expensive.
- From the deed: The deed to the property will usually include a legal property description.
What information is included in a legal property description?
A legal property description typically includes the following information:
- The township, range, and section in which the property is located
- The lot and block number of the property
- The metes and bounds of the property, which is a description of the boundaries of the property using specific measurements and angles
What is a metes and bounds description?
A metes and bounds description is a type of legal property description that uses specific measurements and angles to describe the boundaries of a property. It is the most accurate type of legal property description, but it can also be the most difficult to understand.
What is a section, township, and range?
A section is a square mile of land that is part of a township. A township is a square that is six miles on each side and is part of a range. A range is a strip of land that is six miles wide and runs north and south.
What is a lot and block?
A lot is a piece of land that is part of a block. A block is a group of lots that are separated by streets.
What is the difference between a legal property description and an address?
A legal property description is a precise and detailed description of a piece of land that is recognized by the government. An address is a general location that is used for mailing purposes.
What if I have a question about my legal property description?
If you have any questions about your legal property description, you should contact a lawyer or a surveyor.
