| Earnest Money |
| Advance payment of part of the purchase price to bind a contract for property. |
| Easement |
| An interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use,
such as laying a sewer, putting up electric power lines, or crossing the property. |
| Egress |
| The right to leave a tract of land. Often used interchangeably with "access." |
| Eminent Domain |
| The power of the state to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. |
| Encroachment |
| A trespass or intrusion onto another's property, usually by a structure, wall or fence. |
| Encumber |
| To burden a parcel of land with a lien or charge, e.g., a mortgage. |
| Encumbrance |
| A lien, liability or charge upon a parcel of land. |
| Escheat |
| A reversion of property to the state in those cases where an individual dies without heirs or
devisees, and, in some states, without a will. |
| Escrow |
| A procedure whereby a disinterested third party handles legal documents and funds on behalf of a
seller and buyer, and delivers them upon performance by the parties. |
| Estate |
| A person's possessions. The extent of a person's interest in real property. |
| Examination of Title |
| The investigation and interpretation of the record title to real property based on the
title search or abstract. |
| Exception |
| In legal descriptions, that portion of land to be deleted or excluded. The term often is used in a different
sense to mean an objection to title or encumbrance on title. |
| Executor |
| A person appointed by the probate court to carry out the terms of a will. The term is "executrix" if
that person is a woman. |
| Extended Mortgage |
| One in which the due date of a mortgage is extended for a longer period, often at a higher interest
rate than the original mortgage. |
