Earnest Money Deposit
Down payment made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.

Easement
A right or interest in the use of the land of another which entitles the holder to some use, privilege or benefit, such as to place pole lines, pipe lines or roads thereon.

Eminent Domain
The right of a government to take privately owned property for public purposes under condemnation proceedings upon payment of its reasonable value. See Condemnation.

Encroachment
The presence of an improvement such as a building, a wall, a fence or other fixture which overlaps onto the property of an adjoining owner

Equity
The interest or value which an owner has in real estate over and above the debts against it.