Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A legal description that uses a starting point and traces directions and distances is the:
Answer: A. Metes-and-bounds describes a parcel by a point of beginning and a series of courses/distances back to that point.
Question 2 of 5
A use that legally existed before a new zoning law and is allowed to continue is a:
Answer: A. A legal nonconforming use predates the zoning change and may continue, though rebuilding/expansion is often restricted.
Question 3 of 5
The 'bundle of legal rights' associated with real property ownership traditionally includes the rights of possession, control, enjoyment, exclusion, and which other right?
Answer: B. The classic bundle of rights includes possession, control, enjoyment, exclusion, and disposition (the right to sell, lease, will, or otherwise transfer the property).
Question 4 of 5
A legal life estate created by law to protect a surviving spouse or family, rather than created by deed or will, is best described as a:
Answer: B. Statutory or legal life estates, such as homestead protection, dower, and curtesy, are created by operation of law to protect a spouse or family, unlike conventional life estates created by an owner's deed or will.
Question 5 of 5
Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available only to which parties?
Answer: B. Tenancy by the entirety is reserved for legally married spouses (or, where recognized, legal partners), treating the couple as a single legal entity with right of survivorship.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What you need to know
A street address is NOT a legal description.
Legal Descriptions: FAQs
Is Legal Descriptions on the real estate exam?
Yes. Property Ownership & Land Use is a scored domain on the real estate licensing exam, and this topic appears in the national portion.
Is this cheat sheet free?
Yes — every page on Cinna RE's resource library is free to read, print and share. The app adds practice questions, mock exams and a readiness score.
