Answers by Joel Canepa

I find that the local banker or local mortgage broker can provide the best personalized service to your clients. They know the local market and your client has someone local that they can meet with face to face and resolve any last minute needs easier than dealing with a large corporate bank or online lender.

In addition to "utility" easements, many times there may be an easement created to allow for access to and from a land-locked property. The easement would allow for a driveway to the land-locked property, but when purchasing a property that is land-locked, be certain that the access/driveway easement is recorded on the deed as an "Easement Appertennant." An appurtenant easement is a type of easement that still applies to a property even if the owners change. It is sometimes referred to as "running with the land". If the easement is not recorded properly, the easement can no longer be valid when the property is sold. Always check with your closing attorney to ensure your easements are recorded properly on your deed. If not, it may take time and legal costs to correct or re-establish an easment for access to the property.