The legal description of a property is a precise and detailed representation that uniquely identifies a parcel of land.It is a critical piece of information used in various real estate transactions,including sales,purchases,mortgages,and boundary disputes.We will explore where to find the legal description of a property,highlighting the key sources and documents that provide this vital information.

Deed or Title Document

The most common and reliable source for finding the legal description of a property is the deed or title document.When a property is purchased,the legal description is typically included in the deed or conveyed through a separate document known as a legal description addendum or exhibit.These documents are typically recorded with the local county recorder's office and can be accessed by the public.

To find the legal description in the deed or title document:

a.Visit the County Recorder's Office:Contact the local county recorder's office where the property is located.Inquire about their procedures for accessing property records and request a copy of the deed or title document.Some county recorder's offices may offer online access to their records,making the process more convenient.

b.Review the Document:Once you have obtained the deed or title document,carefully review it to locate the legal description section.The legal description is typically a detailed written description of the property's boundaries,often using measurements,reference points,and survey information.

Plat or Survey Maps

Plat or survey maps are another valuable source for obtaining the legal description of a property.These maps provide a graphical representation of the property boundaries and other relevant details.They are commonly prepared by licensed surveyors and can be found in various locations:

a.County Recorder's Office:The county recorder's office often maintains copies of recorded plat or survey maps.These maps can be accessed by visiting the office or through their online databases.

b.Surveyor's Office:Licensed surveyors keep records of surveys they have conducted.Contact a local surveyor's office and inquire about obtaining a copy of the survey map for the specific property of interest.

c.Online Mapping Resources:Several online mapping resources,such as county or city websites,provide access to interactive maps that display property boundaries and legal descriptions.These resources may include parcel viewer tools,GIS(Geographic Information System)databases,or online mapping platforms.

Assessor's Office

The assessor's office is responsible for assessing property values for tax purposes.They maintain records that include property descriptions,ownership details,and assessment information.While the legal description may not be as detailed as in the deed or survey maps,it can still provide valuable information.

To find the legal description at the assessor's office:

a.Contact the Assessor's Office:Reach out to the local assessor's office where the property is located.Inquire about their procedures for accessing property records and request information related to the legal description.

b.Provide Property Details:When contacting the assessor's office,be prepared to provide the property's address,parcel number,or any other identifying information they may require to locate the relevant records.

Title Insurance Company

Title insurance companies play a crucial role in real estate transactions,providing insurance coverage for any potential defects in title ownership.As part of their due diligence,title insurance companies thoroughly research the property's legal description to ensure a clear and marketable title.

To access the legal description through a title insurance company:

a.Engage a Title Company:If you are involved in a real estate transaction and working with a title company,they will likely obtain the legal description as part of their research and documentation process.