Common types of liens
- Property tax liens
- HOA liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic’s or contractor liens
- Other recorded claims found during title work
How liens are usually handled at closing
During a sale, title work identifies recorded liens. The amount owed and requirements for resolving each one are determined as part of the transaction, and they’re often paid from the sale proceeds at closing. The details depend on the lien, the amount and what the title company requires.
Tip: the earlier you mention a known lien, the more realistic our timeline and offer can be.
What we’ll ask about
The type of lien, the approximate balance if you know it, whether there’s also a mortgage, and any notices you’ve received. You don’t need exact figures to start — the title process helps confirm them.