REPC §1
Property Identification
This section identifies the property being purchased. It includes the street address, city, county, zip code, and — critically — the legal description of the property as recorded with the county.
The legal description is what defines the actual boundaries of the land. It comes from the county recorder's office or a prior deed and is more precise than a street address. The tax parcel number (tax ID) is also included here to link the contract to the correct county records.
What happens if this is left blank?
A blank or wrong legal description can cause problems, including a delayed closing. The title company confirms the legal description during its title search.
Utah-specific context
In Utah, the legal description typically uses a metes-and-bounds system or a lot-and-block system referencing a recorded plat. For condos, the description references the unit number and the recorded declaration of condominium.
Common questions about this section
Where do I find the legal description?
You can find it on the current deed, on the county assessor's website using the parcel number, or from the title company during the title search. Your title company will verify it before closing.
What if the address doesn't match the legal description?
The legal description controls. If there's a mismatch, the title company will flag it.
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