Guides
- Spot a Fake QR Code & Avoid Getting Scammed
- Common NFT Scams to Look Out For & Ways to Avoid the Fake Ones
- What to Do If You Witness a Crime?
- What Is Skip Tracing and How Does It Work?
- Common Venmo Scams to Look Out For and How to Avoid Them
- Can You Get Child Custody If You Have a Criminal Record?
- Common Amazon Scams and Ways on How to Avoid Them
- How to Find Liens on a Property?
- Multiple Bankruptcies: How Often You Can File One?
- How to Adopt a Child in the US?
- I Lost My Birth Certificate. What Should I Do?
- Warning Signs of Job Scams and How to Protect Yourself
- What Is a Ban the Box Law?
- What is Expungement?
- How to Transfer Property After Death Without Will
- What Is a Police Blotter?
- How to Appeal a Parking Ticket
- What Is a Clean Driving Record?
- What is Title Washing?
- What is Extortion?
- How To Run a Motorcycle Title Search
- What Is a Digital Footprint?
- What is Anti Money Laundering (AML)?
- Guide on How to Get a Death Certificate
- What is the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
- What is Multi Factor Authentication?
- What is a Citizen's Arrest?
- How to Know that You’re in an Obsessive Relationship
- Guide to Online Survey Scams
- 13 Different Types of Police Officers
- Full Guide on Work-from-Home Scams
- Is Private Browsing Really Private?
- Different Types of Felony Classes & Charges
- What is Juice Jacking?
- What are Romance Scams?
- Traffic Offenses and Violations
- What is Doxing and How to Prevent it?
- What are Spam Text Messages
- The U.S. Death Penalty: History and Modern Usage
- A Guide to Different Types of Bankruptcies
- Common eBay Scams to be Aware of
- What Happens When You are Booked in Jail?
- What Information Can You Get From A License Plate
- Different Types of Assets
- 8 Tips to Help You Find Family Members
- Car History Guide, Benefits, Importance
- Am I Dating a Stalker?
- How to Find out if Your Partner is Cheating
- What Is A Packet Sniffing Attack
- Intellectual Property Law and Rights
- Cyberstalking And Its Dangers
- A Guide to Phishing Scams
- What is Organized Crime?
- I’ve Lost My Driver’s License: What Should I Do?
- Misdemeanor Charges: Types, Classes, and Penalties
- A Complete Guide On Catfishing
- Vanity Phone Numbers: A Complete Guide
- What Happens When You Get Arrested
- Guide to Find Information About a Person Online
- How To Find And Claim Unclaimed Money
- What Happens if You Violate Probation
- Guide on How to Remove a Mugshot from the Internet
- How to Stay Safe on Public WiFi
- How to Deal with an Outstanding Warrant
- Different Types of Car Insurance
- What Is Cyptojacking?
- What Is Email Security?
- What Is the Deep Web and What Can Be Found There?
- What Happens When You Declare Bankruptcy
- How Divorce Settlements are Calculated
- What are Common Methods of Social Engineering
- What is the Difference Between a General Lien and a Specific Lien?
- How to Detect Odometer Rollback
- Different Types of Probation
- Finding forgotten life insurance policies
- What is Bearer Bond and Why the US Banned it
- Everything you need to know about small claims court
- Moral Turpitude: Definition, Examples, and Much More!
- Misdemeanor vs Felony
- How To Read VIN Number
- How to Find Out Who Hacked Your Cell Phone
- How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay On Your Criminal Record?
- The Paypal Phishing Scam You Should Care to Avoid
- License Plates Types: USA Guide
- Effects of Cyberbullying: Complete Guide for Parents
- What is the DPPA?
- Petty Theft: Definition and Consequences
- What is a Life Sentence?
- How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant?
- Marriage License vs Certificate: Everything You Need to Know
- The Ten Most Popular Celebrity Mugshots
- How to Find Out if Someone is Married?
- How to Stop Phone Spoofing?
- How To Avoid Probate
- Dealing with abandoned vehicles in your neighborhood
- How to Find Someone's Cell Phone Number by Their Name
- Who Are the Worst Drivers in America?
- How To Find Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives
- What is a Digital License Plate?
- How to Find out if Someone Died?
- Murder vs Manslaughter: The Differences and Definitions
- How to Hire a Private Investigator?
- What Is a Number Neighbor?
- How to Find Out if Someone was Arrested
- How to Find Someone's Birthday?
- What is a Car Title
- How to Obtain a Police Report and Court Records?
- Filing a false police report
- Prison Valley: Look inside Prison Town
- How to Get Custody of a Child Without Going to Court?
- How to Find Someone’s Social Media Profiles?
- What to Do if Your Phone Is Tapped?
- What Is a Deed in Real Estate?
- Where Was The First US Federal Penitentiary Established?
- How to Find Someone's Location Using Their Cell Phone Number?
- What Is a Restricted Call?
- Who is the Most Dangerous Prisoner in the World?
- Poshmark Scams: How to Prevent and Report Them
- How to Find a Missing Person?
- How to Send Money to a Federal Inmate?
- DUI vs DWI: What're The Differences
- How Long After Buying a Car Do You Need to Register it?
- How to Find out Where Someone Lives?
- What Happens If You Get Caught Driving a Car Without Interlock
- Situational Crime Prevention: Theory, Techniques and Examples
- How Can I Find Out Who Called Me for Free?
- Gun Free Zone Statistics and Facts
- Online Threats and Digital Security: Trends, Types and Most Common Examples
- Cold Cases: Best Practices For Police Officers and Investigators
- Court Order: Definition, Types and Examples
- What Does a Fingerprint Background Report Show?
- How to Check Your Criminal Record?
- What is Tort Law?
- How to Calculate Child Support
- Property Rights: Definition, and Characteristics
- 12 Common Reasons for Public Records Request
- What is Antitrust Law?
- Virginia Gun Confiscation Law
- How Do You Find Out Who Own a Property?
- Neighborhood Watch Program
- How to Perform a Mugshot Search?
- Crime Mapping
- Safest Colleges in Florida
- Veterans Guide to Cars and Driving
- U.S. Correctional System: Structure, Incarceration and Facts
- License Plate Laws in the US
- How to Locate Inmates and Access Jail Records?
- Email Hacking: Laws, Penalties and Protection
- Romeo and Juliet Laws
- Holiday Safety for Home and Family
- Differences between Criminal and Arrest Records
- Public Records and Property History: What is Public Information and What Isn’t
- How to Look up Immigration Inmates?
- Famous Prisons in the USA
- How to Find Out Who Owns a Vehicle Using Reverse Lookup Tools
- How to Search for Your Family Tree?
- The Federal Judicial Center
- Mass Incarceration in the USA
- What is COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act)?
- Data Safety After The Capital One Breach
- Scholarships Guide for Students
- Complete Guide to Student Safety
- What Is a Vehicle Identification Number?
- Determining Divorce: 5 Types of Divorce You Must Know
- Sex Offenders: Complete Guide to be Protected
- New Privacy Laws and Public Records
- Motor Vehicle Registration in the US
- Digital Token Age: Security Laws and Regulations
- Facial Recognition Technology and Legal Restrictions
- What Shows up in a Background Report
- Car Repossession Laws: Dealing with Car Dealers and Auto Fraud
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- Human Rights in the Prison
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- Starting a Business and Business Licenses
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- Self-Driving Cars: Laws and Regulations
- White-Collar Crime: Statistics and Facts
- Have You Been Arrested? Cases You'll Need a Lawyer
- How to Get a Driver's License in the US
- Car Theft in the US: Prevention and Facts
- Identity Theft Passport Program
- Changing your Name after Marriage: What You Need to Know
- Finding the Perfect Roommate: Dos and Donts
- What if You Get Into a Car Accident? A Complete Checklist
- Property Crimes: How to Burglar Proof Your Home
- Consumer Laws in the US: What Do They Mean for a Customer and a Business Owner
- Child Trafficking: The Scope, Understanding, and Prevention
- Business Assets: A Guide to the Financial Health of your Business
- Guide To The College Application: How, When and Where to Apply
- Which States Have “Stand Your Ground” Laws?
- Adolescent Depression Symptoms and Causes
- Things to Know About the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory System
- Inheritance in the US: With & Without a Will
- Online Dating Safety Guide for Men and Women
- Sexual Abuse in the U.S.: Laws and Statistics
- Supporting Children After Divorce: Child Custody Options
- Halloween Horrors Come to Life: Holidays Crimes in the U.S.
- Charity Scams in the U.S.: Be Aware and Protected
- Webcam Hacking & Spying in the US
- Sex Offender Search
- Freedom of Religion in the U.S.
- Senior Financial Scams: How are the Elderly Targeted and How to Avoid It
- Catcalling: Is it illegal? How to Deal With It
- A Complete Guide To Insurance Fraud: Common Types and Prevention
- Sextortion: What to Do if You Became a Victim of Blackmailing
- Concealed Carry: How to Protect Yourself on Campus
- Debt Collection Laws | Fair Debt Collection Act: What You Need To Know
- How Much Is My House Worth? Ultimate Guide to Home Buying and Selling
- What are the Traits of a Sociopath?
- Do You Know Who Your Neighbors Are?
- Learn How to Find Your Birth Parents
- The Importance of Public Records in Law
- Do You Know What's the Difference Between Jail and Prison?
- Homeowner’s Insurance, Is it a Public Record?
- The Disturbing Facts of Gun Violence in America
- How to Use Public Records in Marketing
- Best & Worst Cities for Driving
- LGBT Bullying
- What You Need to Know When Buying or Selling a Used Car?
- School Safety and Security Standards
- Making Your DMV Experience Fast And Easy
- How to Prepare For an Active Shooter Incident
- How to Report a Crime?
- How to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks
- 50 Things to Know When Filing for Divorce
- What to Do When You Are Stopped By the Police
- Tips for Back-to-School Safety and Security
- Guide to Filing for Bankruptcy
- How to Appeal the Court's Decision
- A User's Guide to Warrants
- How to Fight a Traffic Ticket?
- Keeping Your Neighborhood Safe For Your Family
- A Parent's Guide to Keeping Your Child Drug-Free
How to Find Liens on a Property?
If you have tried to buy or sell a home before, you must have come across the term "property lien." A lien is essentially a legal tool used by debtors to ensure they will be paid back. If you are unaware of this tool, this guide will enlighten you on property lien meaning and how it works. Read on to find out.
What Is a Property Lien?
Property lien refers to a legal claim against a property that could be used as collateral. Liens can be attached to real property, such as a house, or other property, such as furniture or a car. The property used depends on the type of debt a person owes. For instance, property tax or mortgage liens are attached to the real property on which taxes or mortgages are owed.
Generally, properties such as vehicles should have a lien if the owner is still paying the auto loan used to purchase them. A house will also have a lien, especially if the owner is still paying for a mortgage. Judgment liens can be attached to both personal property (like cars and furniture) and real property (homes).
How Do Liens Work?
Understanding how liens work is vital, especially if you want to purchase or sell a property. Creditors can use liens in various situations depending on the end goal. When discussing a property's legality and financial information, what a lien is and its impact on the process should take center stage. This is because a lien grants the creditor a legal claim to specific assets should the person fail to pay the loan.
Before a creditor gets approved for a property lien, they must file for it through a state agency or county records office. It is crucial to note that each level of jurisdiction has unique rules and regulations regarding property liens.
This is why it is crucial to check lien records and determine the authenticity of a lien holder before proceeding with the transaction. Considering liens are placed on a property, lien holders can be allowed to force the sale of the property to raise funds for settling the debt.
For example, if a person owes $10,000 to a lien holder, they cannot instantly raise the money from the individual's home. Instead, they can sell the home and take their $10,000 from the proceeds. If you owe several lien holders, each has a right to the proceeds when your property is sold. This is done to ensure every debt is settled.
Types of Property Liens
There are different types of property liens, and understanding each of them will help you make the right decision in your transaction. The different types of property lien include:
Mechanic's Lien
This is a common type of lien used in property transactions. A mechanic's lien can occur when a property owner fails to pay the contractor for renovation or construction work performed on their home. This kind of lien has priority over others, except federal liens.
Mechanics liens only apply to work done after the contract between the homeowner and the contractor is signed. The agreed-upon work must be completed before the contractor claims the mechanic's liens.
This lien is placed on personal or real estate properties to protect the creditor from defaulting on loan payments. The contractor is also protected because the property owner cannot sell it before clearing the debt.
Judgment Lien
A judgment lien results from a court ruling against an individual. If you owe money and fail to pay on time, the lender has the right to sue you. If they sue and the court rules favorably, the lender can file a judgment lien on your personal and real property. If their judgment lien is approved, they can sell your property to raise the funds you owe them.
It is crucial to note that a judgment lien can also apply to properties you acquired after the lien is filed. For instance, if the judgment lien was filed the previous month and you buy a new car today, the lien can still be attached to it. If you have obtained a judgment lien against a person, it is vital to check their property records to ensure you know all the assets they own.
Tax Lien
The government can obtain tax liens on your property if you fail to pay property tax, income tax, or local or state tax. This might include financial or real estate assets you own. Generally, tax liens take priority over other liens due to urgency and protocol. For instance, if a tax defaulter sells their home, the money will pay off tax liens before the balance goes to the mortgage lien.
What Does It Mean to Have a Lien on a House?
Having a lien on a house means that you have agreed to have your home act as collateral for any debt you owe, whether a mortgage or auto loan. There are different types of liens, each of which could have unique impacts on your home. Having a lien on a home could also mean you have failed to settle the debts you owe, and the creditor is about to use your home as collateral. They can legally sell your home and use the proceeds to settle the debt.
How To Remove Property Lien?
There are several ways you can get a lien removed from your property. Some of the ways you can do so include:
Pay Off the Lien
The easiest and perhaps the most preferred way of removing a lien from your property is by paying back the lien holder. Once you pay back what you owe them, make sure the lien is canceled. This helps prevent any illegal and unauthentic practices.
Negotiate the Lien
Paying back the entire amount can be a challenging endeavor. In that case, you can negotiate with the lienholder for a payment plan that will eventually see you offset the debt. You can also offer partial repayment in exchange for property lien removal.
Dispute the Lien
Alternatively, you can dispute the lien in court. If it is invalid, you go to court and ask for a court order to remove the property lien. You must review court records and find other crucial evidence to support your claim. Those with title insurance can also file a claim with their insurer to have the lien removed.
Conclusion
When buying a property, it is crucial to check its lien records. It can be devastating to buy a brand new home only to realize it has outstanding debts and liens. Avoid making such catastrophic mistakes by checking the property's lien records.