American Land Title Association (ALTA) Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Success!

The preparation of a new description is acceptable when the surveyor and insurer deem it necessary. This situation occurs because the professionals involved assess the current condition and accuracy of the property description in relation to its physical characteristics, legal requirements, and any changes that have occurred over time. If there are discrepancies or complex elements that need clarification, both the surveyor and the insurer collaborate to ensure that the new description is comprehensive and aligns with the current state of the property. This collaborative decision-making process helps to mitigate risks and ensures that the title insurance reflects the true nature of the property being insured.

While an outdated record description can necessitate updates, a purely outdated description doesn't automatically warrant a complete new preparation. Similarly, subdivided properties often require revision of descriptions, but these can sometimes be accomplished through amendments to existing descriptions rather than starting anew. Unclear existing descriptions can also be addressed through clarification efforts without necessarily creating a completely new description, provided the existing information can be adequately modified.