Easements & Encroachments
What is the difference between and exclusive and a non-exclusive easement?
An exclusive easement grants a single party the sole right to use a specific area of land, excluding everyone else, including the landowner. In contrast, a non-exclusive easement allows multiple parties, including the landowner, to use the easement area for a specific purpose, as long as they don't interfere with the easement's primary use
What's the first document you check to confirm property ownership?
The deed
What's the polite first step when meeting a landowner for the first time?
Introduce yourself, your company, and explain the project clearly.
What's one best practice when leaving a voicemail for a landowner?
Keep it short, polite, include your name, company, and a call back number.
If power lines could talk, what would they probably complain about most?
Birds using them as a rest stop.
You discover a shed built inside a power line easement. What is this situation called?
An encroachment
On a plat, what does R/W usually stand for?
Right-of-Way
True or False: Verbal agreements are valid for acquiring easements.
False!
Email is always the best way to follow up with a landowner.
False. Use the landowners preferred communication method.
What's one thing that can travel faster than electricity?
Gossip.
True or False:
Easements automatically transfer to new property owners.
TRUE
You find multiple easements on one property. What document might show their recorded order?
The title report or chain of title
If a property is co-owned, how many signatures do you need for a valid easement?
All owners must sign.
A customer is upset about tree trimming near their fence. What's your best response strategy?
Listen calmly, explain the purpose and safety reason, and offer to have a crew lead follow up.
What items do ROW agents lose most often on job sites?
Name one common restriction found in a typical electric utility easement.
No structures, pools, or large trees that block access to power lines.
When boundary lines conflict between plats, what's your next step?
Confirm with county GIS or survey dept before proceeding.
When a landowner says, "I need to talk to my cousin's neighbors lawyer first." what's your best move?
Stay patient, leave clear contact info, and follow up respectfully after giving them time to review.
What's one detail you should always document after every landowner interaction?
Date, time, summary of discussion, and any next steps.
What's the most accurate description of a "quick chat"?
A two-hour chat about property lines, grandkids, and the neighbors cows.