What Is a Deed Description?

If you’re buying or selling a piece of property in Guadalupe County, TX, the deed description is an important part of the process. Understanding what a deed description is, and why it’s important, will help you understand why getting a new land survey is so critical. Deed descriptions and land surveys both help ensure you’re buying or selling the exact piece of property you expected.

What is a deed?

A deed is a legal document that conveys ownership to the new buyer. It can be drafted in advance of closing. Once the deed is delivered, the property is officially transferred.

Deeds must contain the parties involved, the land being conveyed, the intent to transfer the land and the grantor’s signature. The deed description is especially important—it’s not enough to simply write “the property at 123 Main Street.” There are specific legal requirements that must be fulfilled in the description in order to convey the land.

What is a deed description?

A deed description may also be referred to as the “legal description.” Depending on where your land is located and when it was last transferred, the previous legal description may have changed. That’s because deed descriptions (and land surveys) are an art and a science—and the markers they use to define a property’s boundaries can change over time.

You’ll need to get a new land survey whenever you buy or sell property. In fact, most mortgage lenders require it.

Most deed descriptions use “metes and bounds.” Metes describe the distance and course, while bounds refer to the physical property boundaries. For example, a metes description might say “the property runs east for 500 feet along Main Street, and ends at the corner of Main and First. From First and Main, it runs 700 feet north.” Bounds, on the other hand, might say “the property is at 123 Main Street, bordered by Main Street to the south, First Street to the east, Front Street to the north and Fremont Street to the west.” As you can see, metes give a more detailed description, while bounds tell us the general “outline” of the property. Together, they can paint an accurate picture of where a property’s boundaries lie.

How is a deed description made?

To get an accurate deed description, you can hire a land surveying company. They will come to the property and measure the land according to existing and previous property boundaries, then write a deed description with their findings. If there are any easements or encroachments on the land, that may be noted in the property description. Then you can meet with your real estate attorney to ensure you have a proper deed description for your land transfer.

For deed and land descriptions in Guadalupe County, TX, call Bettersworth & Associates, Inc. Our experienced land surveyors will identify and describe your property accurately and efficiently so your sale can go forward. Let us help you with commercial, industrial, residential and government projects when you call today to arrange your consultation.

Categorised in: Deed Descriptions