The legal description of a property is a written statement that accurately identifies and describes a specific property to establish its ownership and boundaries. It serves as a tool to distinguish one property from another, providing a precise reference for legal and real estate transactions. Here are a few examples of different types of legal descriptions used for properties: 1. Metes and Bounds: This type of legal description refers to the property's boundaries, requiring the identification of its starting point (known as the point of beginning) and then detailing the lengths and directions of each boundary line using compass bearings and distances. For instance, "Beginning at a point marked by an iron rod at the northwest corner of 123 Main Street and then running south 100 feet, east 200 feet, north 100 feet, and west 200 feet back to the point of beginning." 2. Lot and Block: Commonly used in subdivision developments, this type of legal description identifies the property by referencing a plat map or subdivision plan. The description usually includes the lot of number, block number, and name of the subdivision. For example, "Lot 5, Block 2, Oak Ridge Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book XYZ, Page 123, in the County Recorder's Office." 3. Government Rectangular Survey System: This legal description is based on the Public Land Survey System used to describe land primarily in the United States. It uses meridians, baselines, townships, sections, and ranges to define a property's location. For instance, "The NW ¼ of Section 12, Township 3 North, Range 2 West, Principal Meridian." 4. Assessor's Parcel Number (APN): An APN legal description is often used for tax assessment purposes. It assigns a unique identification number to each property within a specific jurisdiction. It might look like "APN: 123-456-789." 5. Street Address Description: Although not as precise as other types, a street address can be used as a legal description when all parties are familiar with the property boundaries. It simply includes the address and might include the property's name, if applicable. In conclusion, a legal description of a property is crucial for accurately defining its boundaries and ownership. Different types of legal descriptions, such as metes and bounds, lot and block, government rectangular survey system, Assessor's Parcel Numbers, and street addresses, serve specific purposes in various real estate transactions.