An easement is defined as a non-possessory right to use and/or enter onto the real property of another without possessing it. It can give the U.S. government (or a private party) the right to eminent domain over residential property when needed. That said, an easement can only be utilized for specific purposes, so it's important to be aware of this information up front.

For example, easements are helpful for providing a pathway across two or more private properties to a public area.

This could include allowing individuals to walk through private property to reach a public beach or park. An easement could also grant the temporary use of private property for the construction of a public project.