Texas Property Tax Consultant Practice Exam

Which legal descriptions are commonly used to describe a parcel of land?

1. Metes and bounds, and lot and block

2. Abstract and tract

3. Descriptive deed and deed restrictions

4. Zoning code and use limits

The correct answer is: Metes and bounds, and lot and block

The correct choice highlights the two primary legal descriptions utilized in real estate to precisely identify and delineate a parcel of land: metes and bounds, and lot and block. Metes and bounds is a method that describes a parcel of land by outlining its boundaries using physical features, distances, and angles. It often starts at a specific point of beginning and follows the perimeters, providing a detailed description that can be highly specific to the terrain and existing landmarks. The lot and block system, on the other hand, refers to describing land by referencing a specific lot within a recorded subdivision or block on a plat map. This method is often used in urban areas where land has been divided into distinguishable plots. These two approaches are widely accepted in property surveys and legal documentation because they effectively detail property characteristics, allowing for clear identification and thus supporting property rights and ownership disputes. The alternative options provided, like abstract and tract, descriptive deed and deed restrictions, or zoning code and use limits, do not serve as primary methods of legally defining land parcels. Rather, they deal with broader administrative or regulatory aspects of property. Understanding the use of metes and bounds alongside lot and block is crucial for anyone involved in property taxation or real estate, as these descriptions are foundational