Ch. 8

The answer is an improvements survey. Surveys are required to be prepared for most real estate transactions. A survey sketch is used to determine the location and dimensions of a parcel of land. In addition to the location and dimensions of a parcel, an improvement survey shows buildings, fences, sidewalks, pools, and other structures located on the parcel, as well as any conflicting boundary evidence or visible encroachments, easements, and underground utilities.

Because each city or town is permitted to establish datums, the elevation point

Each section has an area of approximately

The answer is 1 square mile. Each section is one mile square and contains one square mile or 640 acres. Texas uses this section measurement for rural land. Under the rectangular survey system in other states, sections are numbered 1 through 36 starting with 1 in the northeast (top right) corner, then west (left) along the top row to the northwest (left) corner. The second row is numbered west (left) to east (right), and the remaining four rows continue the pattern.

Keeping in mind that a section is equal to 640 acres, how much land is a quarter of a section?

The answer is 160 acres. A 640-acre section divided by four equals 160.

How many acres are in a quarter-section parcel of land?

The answer is 160. A section has 640 acres. Therefore, a quarter-section parcel of land would contain 160 acres (640 × ¼).

A unit of measurement used almost exclusively in farm and ranch deals is the "chain." How long is a chain?

The answer is 66 feet (four rods, 100 links.) Used in Spanish measuring systems, it is almost only used to measure land.

A square yard is how many square feet?

The answer is 9 square feet. A square yard can be measured as 3 feet by 3 feet.

What two terms are essentially interchangeable in legal property descriptions. They are

The answer is POB and POC (point of beginning and point of commencement). The POB or POC is the point at which the legal description begins.

A brass plate embedded on the siding of an historical building near the Texas coast contains the words "elevation 30 feet above mean sea level." The brass plate is which?

The answer is a benchmark. To aid surveyors, benchmarks, which are permanent reference markers such as an iron post or brass plate embedded in a sidewalk or other structure, have been established throughout the United States. Local benchmarks simplify surveyors' work, for each benchmark has its own recognized official elevation, or datum, and measurements may be based on them rather than on an official city benchmark, which may be miles away.

A property owner may divide the space above the property's surface into

The answer is air lots. The descriptions of tall buildings may include these air lots; for example, multistory condominiums include air lot descriptions. Air lot descriptions include elevations obtained from referencing a local datum marker or benchmark.

What is the effective life of a datum or benchmark?

The answer is datums and benchmarks are considered permanent markers that can be (and have been) used for more than 100 years. The markers are permanently placed in sidewalks or on buildings specifically because of their reliability and longevity.

In the metes-and-bounds description, the symbol ° stands for

The answer is degree. Compass bearings include degrees (°), minutes ('), and seconds ("). The following measurements are used as part of the description: circle = 360° (degrees), each degree = 60' (minutes), and each minute = 60" (seconds). Due north and due south are 0°; due east and due west are 90°.

The following partial description is an example of which method: Beginning at the intersection of the east line of Jones Road and the south line of Skull Drive; then east along the south line of Skull Drive 200 feet; then south 15°, 30' east ...?

The answer is metes and bounds. A metes-and-bounds description starts at a definite point called the POB. The circumference of the property is described until the description ends back at the POB. A metes-and-bounds description includes a POB, distances, and directions.

Which equals 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards or 320 rods?

The answer is mile. A section of land is one square mile—a square with four sides of 5,280 feet. Therefore, there are 27,878,400 square feet in a section (5,280 × 5,280) and 640 acres (27,878,400 sq. ft. / 43,560 sq. ft. in an acre).

When it is obvious that a neighbor's shed actually intrudes several feet over onto a homeseller's property, is it permissible for the listing agent to redraw property's legal description to avoid any conflict?

The answer is no, the listing agent is not at liberty to change the property line as legally described in the survey. Only a licensed land surveyor can change a property line, though in this case it is likely the homeseller and neighbor will have to reach an accommodation rather than actually change the boundary.

The bearing of MOST property boundary lines in Texas is

The answer is northbound or southbound. Obviously, not all property lines go north to south, but the variance is described in angles and degrees.

The land on either side of a principal meridian is divided into six-mile-wide strips by lines that run north and south, parallel to the meridian. These north-south strips of land are called

The answer is ranges. Ranges are six-mile-wide strips running north and south, parallel to the meridian. Township tiers are six-mile-wide strips running east and west, parallel to the base line. Township squares are created when the horizontal township lines and the vertical range lines intersect. Townships are, therefore, 6 miles square, containing 36 square miles and 36 sections. Section 16 is set aside for school purposes. With the exception of section measurements, the rectangular survey system is not used in Texas.

Which way of describing real estate uses two sets of intersecting lines that form a grid?

The answer is rectangular survey system. The rectangular survey system, also called the government survey system, was established by Congress in 1785 to standardize the description of land acquired by the federal government. This system describes the location of property by using two sets of intersecting lines that form a grid. Properties in some Texas counties bordering neighboring states have the appearance of using the rectangular survey system; however, the township and range description is completed with "as described by metes and bounds as follows".

What was the original importance of the school section (Section 16) on a township map?

The answer is revenue from rent or sale of that section was, by law, directed to support local schools. The reference has remained, although the payment purpose is largely gone.

In a metes-and-bounds description,

The answer is the actual distance between monuments takes precedence over linear measurements set forth in a description. In addition, natural objects take precedence over man-made monuments if discrepancies exist in descriptions.

Which describes a township square?

The answer is the parcel of land created by the intersection of a horizontal township line and a vertical range line. Ranges are six-mile-wide strips running north and south, parallel to the meridian. Township tiers are six-mile-wide strips running east and west, parallel to the base line. Township squares are created when the horizontal township lines and the vertical range lines intersect. Townships are, therefore, 6 miles square, containing 36 square miles and 36 sections. Section 16 is set aside for school purposes. With the exception of section measurements, the rectangular survey system is not used in Texas.