What does the term "metes" refer to in real estate?

The term "metes" specifically refers to the distance and direction of property boundaries in real estate terminology. In property surveying and legal descriptions, "metes and bounds" is a system used to describe the shape and boundaries of a parcel of land. "Metes" provides the measurements and directions, often expressed in units such as feet or meters, indicating how far to go in a specified direction from a starting point or reference. This aspect is essential for accurately defining land boundaries, ensuring clarity in property descriptions, and allowing for proper identification of lands in legal contexts. This foundational understanding helps agents, buyers, and sellers comprehend property delineations effectively.