Property Lines and Easements
Imagine moving into your dream home in East Tennessee only to discover your neighbor’s fence sits three feet inside your yard. Or perhaps you realize a utility company has the right to dig up your prize-winning garden. These scenarios involve property boundaries and easements. Understanding these concepts is essential for any property owner. At Crossland Title, we help you uncover these details long before you sign the final paperwork.
Defining Your Boundaries
A property boundary is more than just a line on a map. In Tennessee, older properties often rely on historical markers that may have shifted or disappeared over time. For instance, a deed might reference a specific tree or a rock pile that no longer exists. This is why a professional land survey is a wise investment during the buying process.
When we perform a title search, we compare the legal description in the deed with public records. If we find a discrepancy, we flag it immediately. Consequently, you can resolve the issue with the seller before the closing date. Knowledge is power when it comes to the land you own.
The Truth About Easements
An easement is a legal right given to another person or entity to use a portion of your land for a specific purpose. Common types include:
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Utility Easements: These allow electric or water companies to access lines on your property.
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Private Easements: A neighbor might have a legal right to use your driveway to reach their home.
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Easements by Prescription: These occur when someone uses a portion of land openly for a set period, eventually gaining a legal right to it.
Protecting Your Investment
“An unknown easement can significantly impact your property value and your ability to build future structures like pools or sheds.”
During our examination, we look for recorded easements that might affect your use of the land. We believe transparency is the key to a happy homeownership experience. If an easement exists, we will explain exactly where it is and how it functions.
Furthermore, Owner’s Title Insurance provides a layer of protection if an unrecorded boundary dispute arises later. At Crossland Title, we serve the communities of Knoxville, Kingston, and Sevierville with a commitment to clarity. We make sure you know exactly where your land begins and ends.