- Common Real Estate Terms Local to Washington State
- Common Real Estate Terms Local to Washington State
Survey
A survey is a professional measurement and mapping of a property’s boundaries and improvements, prepared by a licensed Washington State land surveyor. While surveys are not always required in Washington real estate transactions, they are highly recommended—especially for waterfront, rural, or large parcels. Surveys help identify property lines, easements, encroachments, access points, and shoreline boundaries. In some cases, surveys are necessary for new construction, boundary line adjustments, or resolving disputes.
Beach Access
Beach access in Washington State refers to the legal right to reach and use shoreline areas. Ownership and access can vary significantly depending on the body of water. Along Puget Sound, private ownership often extends to the mean low tide line, while the state typically owns tidelands beyond that unless they have been privately conveyed. Beach access may be deeded, shared via an easement, or public through parks or rights-of-way. Buyers should confirm whether beach access is private, shared, or public and understand any restrictions tied to tidelands or shoreline regulations.
Easement
An easement in Washington State is a legal right allowing someone to use a portion of another person’s property for a specific purpose, without owning it. Easements are typically recorded with the county and “run with the land,” meaning they remain in effect even when the property is sold. Common Washington easements include utility easements, access or ingress/egress easements, shared driveway easements, and shoreline or conservation easements. Easements can significantly affect property use and value and should always be reviewed in the title report.
Encroachment
An encroachment occurs when a structure or improvement—such as a fence, driveway, building, or retaining wall—extends onto a neighboring property or into an easement area. In Washington, encroachments can be discovered through a survey or lender-required inspection. Encroachments may require removal, legal agreements, or recorded boundary adjustments, depending on their severity. Unresolved encroachments can delay or jeopardize a real estate transaction and may affect title insurance coverage.
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