If you are looking to sell a property, you might be wondering what happens if you have a lien on it. A lien is a legal claim against a property, typically as a result of unpaid debts or taxes. It can be placed on your property by creditors, the government, or even contractors who have done work on your property.

So, can you sell a house with a lien? The short answer is yes, but it can be a bit more complicated than selling a property without a lien. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you need to know about selling a house with a lien and what steps you can take to make the process go more.

What is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim against a property that gives a creditor or other party the right to take the property if the owner fails to pay a debt or fulfill other obligations. A lien can be placed on a property by a variety of parties, including contractors, lenders, the government, and others.

There are several types of liens, including:

Mechanic’s lien: A lien placed on a property by a contractor or supplier who has not been paid for work or materials provided.

Tax lien: A lien placed on a property by the government to collect unpaid taxes.

Judgment lien: A lien placed on a property as a result of a court judgment, typically in a lawsuit.

Can You Sell a House With a Lien?

Yes, you can sell a house with a lien, but it may be more challenging to do so. The reason is that a lien creates a cloud on the title of the property, which means that the ownership of the property is not clear. This can make it difficult to transfer ownership to a new buyer.

When you sell a property with a lien, you’ll need to take steps to clear the lien from the title. This typically involves paying off the debt or obligation that created the lien in the first place. Once the lien has been satisfied, you can then transfer ownership of the property to the new buyer.

Steps to Sell a House With a Lien

To ensure a smooth process when selling a house with a lien, follow these steps:

Determine the lien amount: First, calculate the amount of the lien to understand the payoff amount before the transfer of ownership can occur.
Negotiate with the lienholder: Next, try to negotiate with the lienholder to reduce the owed amount or establish a payment plan.
Pay off the lien: After settling on an agreement, pay the lien in full. It may be necessary to sell the property for a higher price to cover the lien’s cost.
Transfer ownership: Finally, transfer ownership to the new buyer with the assistance of a title company or real estate attorney to ensure the title is clear and the transfer is legal.

Conclusion

Although selling a house with a lien is workable, it can be a more complicated process than selling a property without a lien. Clearing the lien from the title and ensuring that the transfer of ownership is legal and valid are crucial steps when selling a property with a lien. By collaborating with a real estate expert and adhering to the steps listed above, you can sell your property and move forward with your next endeavor.