What is required for a metes and bounds description to be valid?

A metes and bounds description must indeed start and end at the same point for it to be valid. This is fundamental to establishing a closed loop that outlines a specific parcel of land. The requirement ensures that the boundaries are fully defined and can be accurately identified on the ground. When the description returns to the starting point, it confirms a complete boundary, which is crucial for legal purposes and property rights.

In contrast, while legal surveyor's measurements and formal language can enhance clarity and precision in metes and bounds descriptions, they are not strictly required for validity; the key element is the closure of the description. An informal creation by the owner would not meet the standard legal thresholds needed to define land boundaries comprehensively. Therefore, the requirement for closure at the starting point serves as the essential criterion for a valid metes and bounds description.