Legal Descriptions

Legal Descriptions Legal descriptions appear on every deed, mortgage, and purchase agreement — the exam tests whether you can identify the correct system, interpret its components, and do basic acreage math. --- ## Why Legal Descriptions Matter on the Exam A property cannot be legally transferred without a valid legal description. The exam regularly tests which system is used in a given scenario, how sections are subdivided, and the math behind rectangular survey calculations. Expect 2–4 questions on this topic within the 6–8 question Real Property Characteristics section. --- ## What Is a Legal Description? A legal description is a precise, written identification of a parcel of real estate that is recognized by law. A street address is *not* a legal description — it is not sufficient for a deed or contract. Tennessee law (and the national Statute of Frauds) requires that real estate contracts and deeds contain a legal description adequate to identify the property. There are three major systems used in the United States: --- ## The Three Systems ### 1. Metes and Bounds The oldest system, used throughout the eastern United States — including Tennessee. | Term | Meaning | |---|---| | Metes | Distances and directions (e.g., "North 45° East, 200 feet") | | Bounds | Boundaries, which may be natural features or monuments | | Point of Beginning (POB) | The starting point; the description must return to the POB to close | | Monument | A physical marker (iron pin, oak tree, stream) used as a reference | How it works: Starting at the POB, the description traces the boundary of the parcel using compass directions and distances, ultimately returning to the POB,…