Dissecting Title Searches
On Demand
In this comprehensive 1-hour training, students will gain a practical, working understanding of the core documents used in real estate title research—including title search packets, legal property descriptions, and plat maps. Through guided instruction and hands‑on activities, participants will learn how to read, interpret, and verify key information essential to understanding land boundaries, ownership, and property characteristics.
The course begins with an in‑depth exploration of legal descriptions, the foundational language used to precisely identify real property. Students will learn how to differentiate between short and long‑form descriptions, recognize the structure of Lot & Block descriptions commonly used in subdivisions, and navigate the more complex Metes & Bounds format used for irregular or rural parcels. A physical “walk‑it‑out” mapping activity will help students simulate measurement calls—such as bearings, distances, and monuments—allowing them to visualize how written descriptions translate to real ground locations.
Next, the course shifts to plat reading and interpretation, focusing on how to analyze recorded plats, survey maps, and related diagrams. Students will practice locating parcels, identifying easements or encroachments, and understanding how survey symbols, acronyms, legends, and scale interact to tell the story of a property. The session incorporates practical exercises using magnification tools to develop attention to detail, reinforcing how small notations can significantly impact property rights or boundaries.
By the end of the session, students will have a stronger ability to:
- Read and interpret legal descriptions for accuracy
- Understand the differences between common description formats
- Visualize boundary lines from written descriptions
- Navigate and analyze plats and survey maps
- Recognize key symbols, abbreviations, and map features
- Apply these skills to real‑world title research scenarios
Legal Descriptions
Short-form vs. long-form descriptions
Understanding Lot & Block systems in platted subdivisions
Interpreting Metes & Bounds descriptions, including courses, bearings, and monuments
Hands-on measurement simulation: Walking out a Metes & Bounds call to reinforce real‑world application
Plat Reading & Interpretation
How to read recorded plats and survey maps
Understanding common plat abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols
Using scale, bearings, and dimensions to identify exact parcel boundaries
Techniques for zooming in on critical details (e.g., easements, rights‑of‑way) using magnification tools
NOTE: On Demand videos are not approved for CE/CLE credit and only cover residential closings.
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