Earnest money - A good faith deposit.

Easement - The right to use the land of another for a specific limited purpose. Examples include utility lines, driveways, and INGRESS AND EGRESS. Easements can be temporary or permanent.

Eminent domain - The power of the state to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation.

Encroachment - The physical intrusion of a structure or improvement on the land of another. Examples include a fence or driveway over the property line.

Encumbrance - Any lien, liability or charge against a property.

Equal credit opportunity act - Is a federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status or receipt of income from public assistance programs.

Equity - The difference between the fair market value and current indebtedness, also referred to as the owner's interest. The value an owner has in real estate over and above the obligation against the property.

Equity sharing - A form of joint ownership between an owner/occupant and an owner/investor. The investor takes depreciation deductions for his share of the ownership. The occupant receives a portion of the tax write-offs for interest and taxes and a part of his monthly payment is treated as rent. The co-owners divide the profit upon sale of the property. Compare, JOINT OWNERSHIP AGREEMENT.

Escheat - Property that reverts to the state when an individual dies without heirs and without a will.

Escrow - A disinterested third party holds funds or documents on behalf of others and subject to their instructions.

Executor - A person named in a will to carry out its terms and administer the estate. The feminine form is Executrix. Compare, ADMINISTRATOR.