VARA

Definition

A VARA is a traditional unit of length that is still encountered in some legal land descriptions and historical documents, particularly in areas formerly under Spanish control. The length of a VARA can vary based on geographic location, but within the state of Texas, it measures approximately 33⅓ inches.

Examples

Land Measurement in Texas:
- A piece of land measured as a “100 vara by 100 vara” square would be 3,333 inches (about 277.75 feet) on each side.
- Another example might indicate a plot size such as “50 vara by 75 vara,” equating to dimensions of roughly 1,666.5 inches by 2,500.25 inches.
Historical Use:
- In colonial-era land grants within New Mexico, properties were often measured using VARAs, making proper understanding essential for interpreting old land records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long is a VARA in Texas?

A: In Texas, a VARA is traditionally understood to measure 33⅓ inches, approximately 0.84 meters.

Q: Why is the VARA still used in modern real estate transactions?

A: Though obsolete in most contexts, the VARA is still encountered in legal descriptions of older properties and historical documents. Understanding its use can be crucial for accurately interpreting these descriptions.

Q: Are VARA measurements consistent across different regions?

A: No, the length of a VARA varied historically by region. In Texas, it is 33⅓ inches, but other areas under Spanish influence might have differing lengths.

Q: How does one convert VARAs to feet or meters?

A: To convert Texas VARAs to feet, multiply by 2.77778. To convert to meters, multiply by 0.84.

Cuerda: A measurement unit used in Puerto Rico, signifying approximately 0.97 acres.
Fanega: A Spanish unit commonly used for areas, particularly in agricultural contexts, roughly equivalent to 1.59 acres.
Legua (League): A unit of distance traditionally used in Spain and Latin America, varying significantly but often around 3 to 4 miles.
Manzana: A unit of area used in several Latin American countries, equivalent to approximately 1 hectare (about 2.47 acres).

Online Resources

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Comprehensive resource on measurement units including traditional units like the VARA.
Texas General Land Office: Historical documents and guidelines for interpreting land measurements in Texas.

References

National Institute of Standards and Technology (2014). “Handbook 44: Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices.”
Texas General Land Office. “Historical Land Grant Database.” Accessed 2023.

Suggested Books for Further Study

“Units of Measure: A Cultural and Historical Overview” by Stephen Chrisomalis. This book explores the variety of measurement units used throughout history and across cultures.
“Handbook of Old Measurement Units Used in the Constitution of the United States” by Claudia Petrini. Offers an insight into traditional measurement units used historically in American territories.

Real Estate Basics: VARA Fundamentals Quiz

### Is the length of a VARA the same across all regions that historically used it? - [ ] Yes, a VARA is universally the same length. - [x] No, the length of a VARA varies by region. - [ ] Yes, within all of the United States. - [ ] No, it doesn't vary and is the same globally. > **Explanation:** The VARA varies by region, and its length can differ significantly. In Texas, for instance, it is 33⅓ inches. ### How long is a VARA in Texas? - [ ] 36 inches - [ ] 30 inches - [x] 33⅓ inches - [ ] 29 inches > **Explanation:** In Texas, a VARA is traditionally understood to measure 33⅓ inches. ### Which of the following properties might still use the VARA for land descriptions? - [x] Older properties with historical land grants - [ ] Modern residential buildings - [ ] Commercial property leases - [ ] New real estate developments > **Explanation:** Older properties, especially those with historical land grants, might still use the VARA in their land descriptions. ### What primarily determines the length of a VARA? - [ ] Current land use - [ ] Local ordinances - [ ] Historical regional practices - [x] Local region and historical measurements > **Explanation:** The length of a VARA is determined by the local region and historical measurement practices specific to that area. ### In legal descriptions, why is the VARA sometimes used instead of modern units? - [x] Because of historical precedence - [ ] Easier documentation - [ ] It is more accurate - [ ] It is preferred for agricultural land > **Explanation:** The VARA is sometimes used in legal descriptions due to historical precedence and the need to accurately interpret old land records. ### How would you convert Texas VARA measurements to feet? - [ ] Multiply by 3 - [x] Multiply by roughly 2.77778 - [ ] Divide by 2 - [ ] Subtract 1.5 > **Explanation:** To convert Texas VARAs (33⅓ inches) to feet, you would multiply by approximately 2.77778 since 1 foot is equivalent to 12 inches. ### Which unit is roughly equivalent to 1 hectare but is used in several Spanish-speaking countries? - [ ] VARA - [ ] Fanega - [x] Manzana - [ ] Cuerda > **Explanation:** The Manzana is roughly equivalent to 1 hectare and is commonly used in several Spanish-speaking countries. ### Why is understanding VARA still beneficial for real estate professionals? - [ ] For modern building design - [x] For interpreting historical and legal land descriptions - [ ] For accuracy in new constructions - [ ] For urban planning > **Explanation:** Understanding VARA is beneficial for interpreting historical and legal land descriptions accurately, especially in areas involving older properties. ### Which organization can provide more information about measurement units like the VARA? - [ ] IRS - [ ] EPA - [x] National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - [ ] NOAA > **Explanation:** The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive knowledge about various measurement units including traditional units like the VARA. ### How do you convert VARA measurements to meters? - [ ] Multiply by 1.05 - [ ] Divide by 0.5 - [x] Multiply by 0.84 - [ ] Divide by 1.2 > **Explanation:** To convert Texas VARAs to meters, you multiply by 0.84 since 1 VARA in Texas is approximately 0.84 meters.