A lien is a legal claim placed on your property, usually because of an unpaid debt. It could come from a missed mortgage payment, unpaid taxes, or a contractor who wasn’t paid for their work. The key thing to know is this: you can’t sell your home with an unresolved lien. It has to be paid off or cleared during the sale process.
At Best Offer KC, we work with sellers who have liens all the time. We help them understand their options and find a solution that keeps the sale moving forward. Let’s break it down.
What Is a Lien?
A lien gives a creditor the legal right to claim part of the value of your home until a debt is paid. That means when you go to sell, the lien must be resolved before the sale can close. It doesn’t always require upfront cash — sometimes it can be handled through the closing proceeds.
Common Types of Liens
- Mortgage Liens: Linked to your home loan
- Tax Liens: From unpaid property taxes or income taxes
- Judgment Liens: From court decisions in a lawsuit
- Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work
How Liens Impact a Home Sale
If a lien shows up during a title search, it can delay or even block the sale entirely. Most buyers, especially cash buyers, want a clean title. That’s why it’s so important to know if there’s a lien ahead of time and plan to deal with it.
How to Handle a Lien
- Find out what it is: Look up your property’s public records or have a title company perform a title search
- Contact the lienholder: You might be able to pay it off, negotiate a settlement, or roll it into the closing costs
- Be upfront with buyers: Working with an experienced homebuyer who understands liens can help avoid surprises and delays
You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
At Best Offer KC, we understand that liens can feel overwhelming. We’ll help you navigate the process and make sure your options are clear. If a lien needs to be paid at closing, we can help structure the sale so you’re not left scrambling.
