What is necessary for a legal description to be valid?

For a legal description to be valid, it is crucial that it returns to the point of beginning. This standard is essential because it ensures that the described parcel of land can be precisely identified and delineated. The legal description serves as a means to inform potential buyers, surveyors, and title companies exactly what piece of property is being referred to. By returning to the point of beginning, the description forms a closed loop, avoiding any ambiguity regarding the boundaries of the property.

In contrast, while an owner's name, local government references, or an appraisal value may provide additional context or support additional documentation, they are not necessary components for the validity of the legal description itself. These elements do not play a direct role in defining the physical boundaries and specifications of a property, which is the primary function of a legal description.