Beyond Bending Tell You How
When it comes to buying or selling a property, the legal description of the property is an essential piece of information. It details the exact location and boundaries of the land, helping to avoid any confusion or disputes in the future. However, finding the legal description of a property can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the process.
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, it is now possible to find the legal description of a property online. In this article, we will explore the different ways to find the legal description of a property and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to do so.
What is a Legal Description of a Property?
Before we dive into the ways to find the legal description of a property online, it is essential to understand what it is and why it is important. A legal description is a written description of a property that identifies the exact location, boundaries, and dimensions of the land. It is used to legally define the property and is typically included in legal documents such as deeds and titles.
Having a legal description of a property is crucial in avoiding any disputes or confusion about the location and boundaries of the land. It also helps to ensure that the property is accurately represented in legal documents.
Ways to Find Legal Description of Property Online
1. County Assessor’s Office Website
The county assessor’s office is responsible for maintaining property records in each county. They keep records of property ownership, taxes, and legal descriptions. Most county assessor’s office websites allow you to search for a property by address, owner’s name, or parcel number. Once you find the property, you can view its legal description.
It is important to note that some county assessor’s office websites may require you to register or pay a fee to access certain information.
2. County Recorder’s Office Website
The county recorder’s office is responsible for recording and maintaining public records, including property deeds and titles. Most county recorder’s office websites allow you to search for a property by name, address, or parcel number. Once you find the property, you can view its legal description in the recorded documents.
It is important to note that some county recorder’s office websites may require you to register or pay a fee to access certain information.
3. Online Real Estate Databases
There are several online real estate databases that allow you to search for a property by address or owner’s name. These databases often include information such as property value, taxes, and legal description. Some popular online real estate databases include Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
It is important to note that while these databases may provide a legal description of a property, they may not be 100% accurate. It is always best to check with the county assessor’s office or recorder’s office to confirm the legal description.
4. Online Mapping Tools
Online mapping tools such as Google Maps and Bing Maps allow you to view the location and boundaries of a property. While these tools do not provide a legal description, they can help you to visually understand the location and boundaries of the property.
It is important to note that the boundaries on online mapping tools may not be 100% accurate and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information.
5. Title Company Websites
Some title companies provide online access to property records, including legal descriptions. These websites typically require you to register or pay a fee to access the information.
It is important to note that while title companies may provide a legal description of a property, they may not be 100% accurate. It is always best to check with the county assessor’s office or recorder’s office to confirm the legal description.
How to Read a Legal Description of a Property
Legal descriptions of properties can be difficult to read and understand, especially for those who are not familiar with the terminology. However, it is important to understand the legal description to avoid any confusion or disputes in the future.
A legal description typically consists of three parts: the metes and bounds description, the lot and block description, and the government survey description.
The Metes and Bounds Description
The metes and bounds description is a detailed description of the property’s boundaries and dimensions. It typically starts at a specific point and describes the boundary lines in a clockwise direction. The description includes distances, angles, and landmarks such as trees or rocks.
For example, a metes and bounds description may read:
| Starting Point | Northwest corner of Lot 2 |
|---|---|
| Distance | 300 feet |
| Angle | 45 degrees |
| Landmark | Oak tree |
The Lot and Block Description
The lot and block description is a simplified description of the property’s boundaries and dimensions. It is typically used in subdivisions where the properties have already been divided into lots and blocks. The description includes the lot and block number and the name of the subdivision.
For example, a lot and block description may read:
Lot 3, Block 2, Smith’s Subdivision
The Government Survey Description
The government survey description is a description of the property based on a government survey system. It is typically used in areas that were surveyed by the federal government, such as the western United States. The description includes the township, range, and section number.
For example, a government survey description may read:
NE ¼ of Section 10, Township 20 North, Range 5 West
Conclusion
When it comes to buying or selling a property, having the legal description of the property is crucial. It helps to avoid any confusion or disputes about the location and boundaries of the land. Fortunately, finding the legal description of a property online is now easier than ever before.
By using the county assessor’s office website, county recorder’s office website, online real estate databases, online mapping tools, and title company websites, you can quickly and easily find the legal description of a property.
Remember to always double-check the information with the county assessor’s office or recorder’s office to ensure accuracy. And if you are unsure about how to read a legal description, seek the help of a professional.
People Also Ask
What is a legal description of a property?
A legal description is a written description of a property that identifies the exact location, boundaries, and dimensions of the land. It is used to legally define the property and is typically included in legal documents such as deeds and titles.
Where can I find the legal description of a property?
You can find the legal description of a property online through the county assessor’s office website, county recorder’s office website, online real estate databases, online mapping tools, and title company websites.
How do I read a legal description of a property?
A legal description typically consists of three parts: the metes and bounds description, the lot and block description, and the government survey description. It is important to understand the legal description to avoid any confusion or disputes in the future.
