What is a metes and bounds description in my deed?

A metes and bounds description defines a parcel by walking its perimeter.

• Metes are the directions and distances, such as "North 45° East, 120 feet".
• Bounds are the references along the way, such as monuments, roads, streams or neighboring parcels.
• The description starts at a point of beginning and should end back at that same point.

It's common in older and rural deeds, especially in eastern states. Many subdivisions are described by lot and block instead, referring to a recorded plat ^[1].

Old descriptions can be tricky:

• The landmarks may be gone, such as an old oak tree or a fence.
• Bearings may be based on magnetic north from a different era.
• The figures may not close exactly.

A licensed surveyor reconciles these with the field evidence and shows the result on a plat ^[2]. Have one review your description before you rely on it.