Question 1

In the event there is an ambiguity in a description, which of the following would be used to resolve the ambiguity?

Accepted Answer

A plat map is a legal document that shows the boundaries of a property. It is used to resolve ambiguities in descriptions of property boundaries.

Question 2

The description, "All my land except the spring house":

Accepted Answer

The description is too vague and does not provide specific boundaries or measurements, making it an invalid legal description.

Question 3

"SE-1/4 of the NW-1/4 of T1N and R3E in Bucks County":

Accepted Answer

The answer of "SE-1/4 of the NW-1/4 of T1N and...

Question 4

Plat maps:

Accepted Answer

Plat maps are recorded in land records as they provide a detailed layout of a subdivision, showing boundaries, streets, and other important features.

Question 5

Which are horizontal lines in the U.S. Government Survey?

Accepted Answer

Baselines are the horizontal lines in the U.S. Government Survey system, used as reference lines for surveying and mapping.

Question 6

The following description is part of a deed: "The SE-1/4 of the SE-1/4 T1N" of the Bucks' portion of Gentry Farm.

Accepted Answer

The description is insufficient to pass legal title because it lacks specific details such as the range and section number, which are necessary for a complete legal description in a government survey.

Question 7

Which of the following would make a metes and bounds description insufficient?

Accepted Answer

A metes and bounds description requires a fixed starting point to accurately describe the boundaries of a property. A movable starting point would make the description insufficient.

Question 8

Which of the following would be a parcel of land with 400 acres?

Accepted Answer

The SE-1/4 and the NE-1/4 and the E-1/2 of the SW-1/4 of a section totals 400 acres, as each section is 640 acres and these fractions add up to 400 acres.

Question 9

Which of the following is the most frequently used form of legal description in residential property?

Accepted Answer

Plat maps are commonly used in residential property as they provide a detailed layout of a subdivision, showing individual lots and their dimensions.

Question 10

Wynona O'Brien owned a house located on the corner of Ash and Maple Streets in the town of Meridian, Iowa. Ms. O'Brien had lived there all of her life, having inherited the house from her parents when they passed away. The will of her father left the home to Wynona's mother with the language, "I leave my interest in our house to my wife…." When Wynona's mother died, her will provided, "I leave our house to my daughter, Wynona." Wynona made the following gift to the historical society, "I hereby convey the O'Brien house to the Meridian Historical Society, reserving a life estate in our house for me." Which of the following statements best describes the ownership positions of the parties?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Wynona O'Brien owned a house located on...

Question 11

A metes and bounds description begins with the following, "Starting at the point of the site of Old Clay Springs Mill and proceeding...." Which of the following best describes whether a deed description with this beginning?

Accepted Answer

A metes and bounds description must begin at a precise and identifiable point. A building location like "Old Clay Springs Mill" is not precise enough for legal sufficiency.

Question 12

The following description appears in a deed: "Lot 27 of Candlelight Estates IV, as per plat recorded in Book of Maps 30, page 80, in the Office of the County Recorder of Holim County, Utah."

Accepted Answer

The description is legally sufficient because it references a recorded plat, which is an accepted method of legally describing property in a deed.

Question 13

How many prime or principal meridians are there?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How many prime or principal meridians are...

Question 14

How many baselines are there?

Accepted Answer

There are 32 baselines in a staff of music.

Question 15

Which of the following descriptions is an adequate legal description for a valid deed?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following descriptions is an...

Question 16

The general problem with metes and bounds descriptions is:

Accepted Answer

Metes and bounds descriptions must have certain and stable beginning and ending points to be valid, as they rely on physical landmarks that can change over time, leading to potential disputes.

Question 17

A deed contains the following description, "The lot at the corner of Union Street and Fern Street in Brighton Beach, NJ."

Accepted Answer

A valid legal description must be precise and unambiguous, typically using metes and bounds, lot and block, or government survey methods. The given description is too vague and does not meet these criteria.

Question 18

What is the effect of attaching a plat map to a deed with the following description: "The Doonesbury Inn at Salisbury, Maryland."

Accepted Answer

Attaching a plat map to a deed can provide a detailed and specific description of the property, making the description valid by clarifying the boundaries and location of "The Doonesbury Inn at Salisbury, Maryland."

Question 19

When a deed description is invalid:

Accepted Answer

The answer of When a deed description is invalid:
...

Question 20

A promissory note has the following language: "This note is secured by Lots 117, 118, and 119 in Arboleda Estates."
The note was recorded to protect the lender with a mortgage on the lots. The borrower defaulted on the note. Can the lender foreclose based on the recorded note?

Accepted Answer

The description of the collateral in the note is inadequate for foreclosure purposes. A mortgage or deed of trust with a proper legal description is typically required to foreclose.

Quiz 7: Describing Land Interests