Conflicting info on lot sizes

[David Durham]

I'm working on one right now where all public record information (including the assessors) shows the lot size to be 70' x 800'.

However, when I calculate the lot size off of the legal description and plat map I come up with 50' x 800'. This calculation is simple and not complex.

Which would you use? There is not a big value difference between the lot sizes.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

I would call the assessor and point out the discrepancy that exists between their record and the plat map and ask them. Is it possible that the plat map is wrong?

In any case, I would go with the legal description and state what you did to verify.

 

[CANative]

Are you sure you have the most recent deed and legal? The map maker at the assessor's office could be severely backlogged in updating and publishing maps. Also, the wording in a legal description can sometimes be confusing (some of the metes and bounds could be describing how the surveyor got to the parcel before actually measuring the subject lot)

Call the assessor's office and talk to the mapper. Or make friends with an "old timer" in a local title office.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

MR Boyd ... wouldnt you think a recorded plat would hold precedent over a typed legal description?

 

[CANative]

MR Boyd ... wouldnt you think a recorded plat would hold precedent over a typed legal description?

No. I've seen too many plats where the boundaries are penciled in due to a BLA that hasn't made it's way to the assessor's map maker yet.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

No. I've seen too many plats where the boundaries are penciled in due to a BLA that hasn't made it's way to the assessor's map maker yet.

I dont think penciled boundaries would be legal as of the date of appraisal. That is my point. I think in this instance, this appraisal should be made subject to, clarification of the legal and survey.

Just my opinion.

 

[CANative]

Most of us download parcel maps from online sources. These maps may not reflect the actual map located in the planning and building department. In some cases I may have access to a recently recorded legal description but the revised map may still be in the process of being drawn by the assessor's office. It could be 6 months to a year before the new map makes it's way into the system.

 

[Walter Kirk]

The tax assessor may have combined the billing of two adjacent lots belonging to the same person. This does not limit the ability of the owner to sell or mortgage these parcels indivually.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

Most of us download parcel maps from online sources. These maps may not reflect the actual map located in the planning and building department. In some cases I may have access to a recently recorded legal description but the revised map may still be in the process of being drawn by the assessor's office. It could be 6 months to a year before the new map makes it's way into the system.

Its hard for me to relate to that ... I dont have online sources showing plats, a survey is required on EVERY sale or refinance transaction in NM, thus I can always make my appraisal subject to the correct lot size or survey.
If it takes a year for a map to hit the system .. its time to elect new officials and hire more help ... just my opinion.

I appraised a property on March 3, 2007 ... it was a land division that had to go through the county which took six weeks ... three days after recordation ... the plat was available and online maps (not plats) showed the new lot lines. Maps on line here do not show dimensions but do show boundary lines.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

The assessor's map is for assessment purposes and may not be the latest (or correct) information. Due to scheduling of tax years, cut off dates for inputting information by an assessor's office, etc, etc, etc, they typically are not current. The assessor's maps are only for bookkeeping. Recorded subdivision plat or legal description is the only "legal" information--until a judge rules regarding that specific site.

Have you used the survey module in Apex? When I have a metes and bounds legal description, I sketch it in Apex. That is the only way I can determine if the current legal description for assessment purposes is what was transferred or a different site area was transferred and the split has not been processed by the assessor's office or not.