What is a Plat?
Posted on Friday, July 20th, 2007 at 2:07 pm.A plat is basically a blueprint diagram of a community showing the layout of all the lots.
Many buyers say "plan" mistakenly, but the correct term is "plat"!
Here's a sample Plat (click to enlarge):
Do yo notice the dotted lines inside each lot? Those are the building restriction lines; you can't build outside of those - even a pool.
Common search terms are "HUD-1", "Easement", "Foreclosure", etc.










August 20th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Daniel,
“Plat” and “Plat Plan” and yes “Plan” are used differently in different areas of the country.
When I was subdividing property in Michigan years ago, I’d submit a “Plat Plan” to the city or county and the state. When the plan was approved we’d record the document with the register of deeds at which time it became the “Plat Map” or simply “Plat”.
When purchasing lots, “Plated” lots had a legal description relating to the recorded “Plat” or “Plat Map” un-subdivided lots had a “meets and bounds” description.
Those lots were of course just like their subdivided counter parts and there might even be a recorded survey that looks just like the “Plat Map” it’s a minor but important legal matter and it does vary from state to state.
Condos are also often subdivided by state law and there will be a three dimensional “Plat” with it’s own legal description of the cubic space.
Bill
William J Archambault Jr
The Real Estate Investment Institute
First National Mortgage
http://www.reii.org
http://www.williamjarchambaultjr.com
August 20th, 2007 at 8:56 am
There is a difference between a plat and a recorded plat. A very big difference..
Teresa Johnson