Common liens
- Mortgages and home equity lines
- Property tax liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens from lawsuits
- Mechanic's liens from unpaid contractors
- HOA liens for unpaid dues
Selling a home with a lien
Common and usually straightforward: payoffs are ordered, paid from the proceeds at closing, and releases are recorded. If the liens exceed what the home sells for, lienholders must agree to accept less, which is a short sale.
Buying a property with a lien
Lenders and title insurance require liens to be paid or released at closing. Buying without clearing them, for example at certain auctions, means you may take the property subject to the debt.
Common questions
Can a lien be put on my house without me knowing?
Judgment and mechanic's liens can be recorded without your involvement, though you typically have notice of the underlying claim.
What is the most common lien on property?
A mortgage.
Can I do a lien search on myself?
You can search county records yourself, or order a lien search for a complete check.