Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

When researching a property, what is necessary to determine the order of conveyance?

1. Reviewing property taxes

2. Examining historical recording dates of all deeds

3. Consulting local zoning laws

4. Interviewing previous owners

The correct answer is: Examining historical recording dates of all deeds

Determining the order of conveyance of a property primarily involves examining historical recording dates of all deeds. The order in which property has changed hands throughout its history is crucial for establishing ownership rights and any potential claims against the property. Each deed recorded provides legal evidence of the transfer of ownership from one entity to another, and the dates on which these transactions took place establish the chronological sequence of ownership. Historical recording dates are essential because they allow you to trace back the lineage of the title, identifying previous owners and any encumbrances that might affect the current owner's rights. This process helps to identify prior claims that could impact property use or ownership, offering a clearer understanding of the property’s legal standing. While property taxes, local zoning laws, and interviews with previous owners can provide useful information regarding the property, they do not specifically establish the order of conveyance as clearly and directly as reviewing historical deeds and their recording dates.