What are ‘Metes and Bounds’ in Michigan when buying a new home?
"Metes and Bounds" is a system for describing the boundaries of land parcels using physical features of the local geography, along with directions and distances. The term "metes" refers to the measurement of the length of a boundary in feet or other units, while "bounds" refers to the boundary lines themselves, which can be defined using natural landmarks like trees or rivers, or man-made features like roads or constructed markers.
In the context of buying a house and conducting title work, the metes and bounds description is crucial for defining the precise boundaries of the property being transferred. This system is particularly important in areas where land parcels have irregular shapes or where modern surveying techniques (like grid systems) were not used when the properties were originally defined.
In Michigan, as in many other states, the metes and bounds system can be particularly relevant in rural areas or in older properties where the land was originally parceled out and described using this system before the implementation of more modern surveying techniques. Michigan, with its mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, and its diverse natural landscapes, can have properties where metes and bounds descriptions are necessary to resolve questions of boundary lines, especially in areas that were settled early in the state's history.
The effect of metes and bounds on properties in Michigan includes:
Title Work and Legal Descriptions: During the process of buying a house, the title work will include a legal description of the property. If the property is defined by metes and bounds, this description will need to be carefully reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects the property's boundaries.
Boundary Disputes: In cases where there are disputes about where one property ends and another begins, the metes and bounds descriptions become critical. They can be used in legal proceedings to establish the precise boundaries of a property.
Surveying Needs: Properties described by metes and bounds may require a professional survey to visually mark the boundaries, especially if the original landmarks used in the description have changed or disappeared over time.
Title Insurance: When purchasing title insurance, the company may pay special attention to properties defined by metes and bounds to ensure there are no disputes over the property boundaries that could lead to claims against the policy.
In summary, metes and bounds play a crucial role in defining property boundaries, especially in states like Michigan with a mix of older and newer properties and varied geography. Understanding these descriptions and ensuring they are accurate is a key part of the title work when buying a house.
For more information on titlework, contact:
William Marx
Title WRX Agency
Office: 248-230-2670
Email: william@titlewrx.com
For more information on mortgages, contact:
Chris Thomas
Iris Mortgage LLC
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #1526088
Cell: 313-655-2423
Email: chris@irismortgage.com
