How to Check if There Is a Lien on Your Property

A lien on your property can be a major problem, especially if you are trying to sell the property. Equally, buyers may be concerned about a lien on the property they are planning to buy.

There are systems in place and places you can go to determine if a lien has been placed on your property or a property you are planning to purchase. This post will share with you how to check if there is a lien on your property.

What Is A Lien On A House?

A lien on a house is a judgement amount owed by a property owner and is attached to a property. Sources of a lien can include a civil lawsuit, owed income taxes, or unpaid property taxes. Additionally, a utility company can place a lien against a property for unpaid utility costs.

Also, a mechanic’s lien can be placed on a property. Mechanic’s liens are liens which are for work completed by a vendor at a property.

How To Put A Lien On A Property

First, I am a real estate agent. I am not a lawyer. Do not take this as legal advice. This is a rudimentary explanation of the steps to put a lien on a property.

1. Win a judgement against a property owner.

2. Have the judgement recorded with the county recorder where the property exists. The judgement should attach to the property.

You are encouraged to contact a local attorney where the property exists in order to do this properly.

How To Check For Liens On A Property

There are several ways to check for liens on a property. You can do this yourself, but I recommend the options that involve a professional doing the work for a fee. Those professionals are familiar with doing this work, and you can rely on their work. Additionally, by paying someone to do the work, you have some recourse if there is a mistake.

1. Go See For Yourself

Contact the County Recorder where the property sits. You can review the records and look for a recorded lien. The recorder may give you some help, but might not. You’ll have to know what you are looking for.

2. Have A Lawyer Look For You

Basically, this method is everything you see in number one. Except, an attorney is doing the work.

3. Contact A Title Company

A title company can run title work on any property. They are experts at looking back in records and searching for liens. A title company is the best resource to check for liens on a property. If you are buying a property, use a title company to settle the transaction and ensure you are getting clear title to the property. This is the best way for a buyer to protect themself and get clear title to the property.

Conclusion

Getting a clear title to a property is very important. At the same time, as a seller you want to know that you are passing a clear title to the buyer. Using the resources in this post will help you feel at ease.

Quadwalls.com helps people make better decisions when buying or selling real estate. Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions. Our team of real estate agents are ready to help you.