What is the term for a legal description of property such as "SW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section Eleven"?

The term "Legal description" refers specifically to a method of describing real estate in a way that provides a clear and precise identification of the property boundaries and location. This is essential for legal documents, property transactions, and land records. The example given, "SW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section Eleven," employs a specific format used in land surveying known as the rectangular survey system, which accurately denotes a portion of land.

This method provides clarity and avoids ambiguity when defining property, as it includes references to geographic divisions and measurements. It is crucial for ensuring that all parties involved in the real estate transaction understand exactly which piece of property is being discussed or transferred.

In contrast, other choices represent different concepts related to property but do not serve the same purpose. A plat map refers to a diagram that shows how land is divided into lots and sections but does not provide the same level of detailed legal precision as a legal description. A street address, while useful for navigation, is often vague and can refer to multiple properties or change over time. A survey report is a document generated by a licensed surveyor that provides various details about a parcel of land but is not specifically the legal description itself.