Deed Descriptions

When you own a piece of property, the official description of the property on your deed is highly important to protecting your legal right to the land in the event it is ever challenged. Point to Point Land Surveyors, Inc. is highly experienced in writing detailed and accurate deed descriptions designed to protect your interests.

What Is A Deed Description

Often also referred to or used as a legal description, a deed description provides essential details about the piece of property represented by the deed, including its dimensions, improvements, location, land area and relation to adjacent properties. The deed description remains on file at the local land office or county clerk (depending on local jurisdictions) and will be referenced and checked by a title company every time the land exchanges hands to verify its accuracy. It is also referenced as a point of comparison every time the land is surveyed. Effectively, this description constitutes the owner’s legal claim to the property, and it represents the final word in any land dispute.

What Is Included In A Deed Description

Deed descriptions may include any or all of the following:

  • Street address
  • Dimensions of the property, including area
  • Metes-and-bounds description of property boundaries, including distances and monument descriptions
  • Descriptions of adjacent features or properties (i.e., neighbor’s land, road setback, etc.)
  • Subdivision or tract name, if applicable
  • Lot and block number, if applicable
  • Description of existing structures on the land

When Do You Need A Deed Description

Virtually all owned property in the United States should have an existing deed description on file. However, there are times when the deed description needs to be rewritten for clarity. For example:

  • If markers in the old description have moved or no longer exist
  • If mistakes in the description need to be corrected
  • If disputed boundaries need to be clarified
  • If the land has been subdivided into smaller lots, or consolidated to be part of a larger one, in which case a new deed description must be written to describe the new boundaries

Because your legal right to ownership hinges on the terminology of your deed, it is essential that your deed description only be written by a highly qualified professional. To learn more about deed descriptions, contact Point to Point Land Surveyors, Inc. today.