Q: Marsha, I read your article on title insurance and you mentioned “easements.” I’m not clear what that term means. Would you explain what an easement is and how it affects title to a property?
A: Here is a quick overview of easements. If you need more information, please consult a real estate attorney. An easement is a claim on a property by a party other than the owner. The easement allows the holder to use land he doesn’t own or possess for a specific purpose.
Easements can take many forms. Utility easements are the most common. These easements allow the utility companies to come on private property for the sole purpose of servicing the utility. They are described in the property deed and stay with the property through parcel sales and transfers. Utility easements are non-intrusive, and homeowners can do whatever they wish with the land as long as it doesn’t interfere with the utility’s use of the easement.