Why Accurate Legal Descriptions Matter in Commercial Real Estate
"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans
Why Accurate Legal Descriptions Matter in Commercial Real Estate
A commercial property’s legal description is more than a formality — it is the foundation of the entire transaction. If the legal description is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, it can lead to title defects, boundary disputes, financing delays, and even failed closings.
Surveys play a major role in verifying and correcting these descriptions to ensure the property being conveyed is the property being purchased.
Here’s why legal description accuracy matters so much in Texas commercial real estate.
1. Correcting Outdated or Incomplete Descriptions
Many older commercial properties still rely on:
Metes and bounds with missing calls
References to landmarks that no longer exist
Plats that were never updated after construction
Survey notes that don’t match physical boundaries
A modern survey resolves inconsistencies and replaces outdated descriptions with accurate, verifiable data.
2. Supporting Clear Title and Lender Requirements
Title companies depend on surveys to:
Match the legal description to the actual parcel
Confirm acreage and shape
Identify discrepancies between deeds
Remove survey exceptions
Without a correct legal description, lenders cannot close the deal.
3. Preventing Boundary Conflicts After Development
If a description is inaccurate, future improvements may unintentionally:
Encroach beyond boundaries
Violate setbacks
Interfere with easements
Impact neighboring parcels
A survey ensures developers design with accurate, enforceable boundaries.
4. Simplifying Subdivision, Replatting, and Lot Consolidation
Subdivision and assemblage projects require precise legal descriptions to create:
New parcels
Merged lots
Correct easement locations
Updated utility rights
Surveys provide the measurements needed for these legal actions.
5. Providing Confidence for Buyers, Sellers & Investors
A corrected legal description gives all parties clarity and peace of mind.
No surprises. No post-closing disputes. No title defects waiting to appear.
Final Thoughts
Accurate legal descriptions are the foundation of a clean commercial transaction. South Texas Surveying delivers the precise data needed to correct deeds, support clean title, and protect commercial investments across Texas.
