What distinguishes a lien from an easement?

A lien is fundamentally a legal claim against a property, typically arising from an obligation, such as a mortgage or tax debt. This claim gives the lienholder the right to take possession of the property if the debt is not paid. In contrast, an easement is a legal right to use someone else's property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a road or utility lines. The distinction lies in the nature of the rights being granted; liens represent financial interests in the property that can impact ownership and transferability, whereas easements define the permissible usage of the property without transferring ownership. Therefore, understanding this distinction is crucial for real estate transactions, as it affects how properties can be encumbered or utilized.