An easement is a right of a party to go across real property owned by someone other than the actual owner of the property. Utility companies have easements over the perimeters of most residential lots for drainage and utility purposes (power, water, cable, etc.) Also, sometimes a lot owner needs access to a public road across a neighbor’s prior easement. When buying a property, you should review the title commitment and survey to ensure that none of the easements run through any permanent structures or otherwise hinder future development.
Mitch