Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of an easement in gross?

1. It benefits a specific parcel of land

2. It is tied to the owner rather than the land

3. It can be easily revoked

4. It is only applicable in commercial real estate

The correct answer is: It is tied to the owner rather than the land

An easement in gross is a type of easement that is unique in its characteristic of being tied to an individual or entity rather than a specific piece of land. This means that the easement is granted to a person or organization, allowing them certain rights to use another's property without the necessity of benefiting a particular tract of land. For instance, utility companies often hold easements in gross to install and maintain utility lines, ensuring they can access these services regardless of who owns the underlying property. In contrast, an easement that benefits a specific parcel of land typically enhances that particular property's use or enjoyment and is not dependent on the individual owner. The revocability of the easement can depend on various factors, including how it was established; thus, it is not inherently true that easements in gross are easily revocable. Additionally, easements in gross are not limited to commercial real estate; they can be applied in residential settings as well. Hence, the focus on the easement being tied to a person or entity exemplifies the defining feature of easements in gross.