Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What qualifies a description to be considered valid in a conveyance?

1. Vague identification of the property

2. The ability to locate the tract with certainty

3. Inclusion of all previous owners

4. A detailed map of the property

The correct answer is: The ability to locate the tract with certainty

A valid description in conveyance must allow the identification and location of a tract of land with certainty. This requirement is grounded in the principle that anyone reading the description should be able to pinpoint the exact boundaries of the property. This clarity prevents disputes over property lines and ensures that all parties involved understand what is being conveyed. When a description provides sufficient detail—such as stating physical boundary markers, distances, and reference points—it enables surveyors, owners, and future buyers to locate the property accurately. Without this ability to locate the property, a description might lead to confusion or legal issues regarding ownership and property boundaries. Other options, like vague identification, do not fulfill the legal requirement for a valid description as they lead to ambiguity. Including all previous owners is unnecessary for the validity of a property description, as it only needs to clearly identify the parcel itself, not its history. Finally, while a detailed map can aid in understanding a property's boundaries, it is not a prerequisite for a valid legal description; the written description must stand alone in clarity and precision.