Lien
A lien is a legal claim against a property that secures a debt and must be satisfied before clear title can transfer.
What Lien means
Mortgages create a voluntary first lien; tax, HOA, contractor, and judgment liens can attach involuntarily. Lien priority determines who gets paid first in a foreclosure or sale.
Florida example
A Florida home with an unpaid contractor's lien can't close until the lien is paid or released. The title company identifies all liens during the title search and arranges payoffs from the sale proceeds.
What a lien is
A lien is a legal claim against your property for an unpaid debt. Your mortgage is a lien, and so are unpaid taxes or contractor bills.
A lien must usually be paid off before you can sell or refinance with a clear title.
Why it matters
Liens show up in a title search and set the order in which debts get paid. A clean title means fewer surprises at closing.
We help you clear title issues before they stall a deal. Reach out and we will review your title early.
Verify the details for your own situation against these government and agency sources: CFPB Owning a Home guide and HUD homebuyer resources.