Learn about property liens, their definition, how they work, and the legal rights involved. Find out how creditors use liens to secure assets and protect debts.

Anyone who has been through a real estate transaction knows there can be hiccups along the way. While the professionals try their hardest to minimize surprises, sometimes they’re simply unavoidable.

A lien is a legal right, or claim, to your property acquired by a creditor. The purpose of a lien is to hold a property item — it doesn’t have to be a house — as collateral for a loan or debt. If you ...

A mechanic's lien is a legal guarantee of payment to builders, contractors, and subcontractors for the building or renovation ...

You might want to check for liens on your property if you’re planning to list your home for sale. To improve their chances of a smooth transaction, most buyers conduct a formal title search to make ...

You might think you already know about any liens on a property you already own. However, the fact is they can lurk beneath your radar and pop up at the most inopportune times. Like when you’re getting ...

I'm concerned that someone will put a lien on my property without my knowledge. Am I going to be notified if a lien is put on my property? If so, who will notify me? The town? The court? It looks so ...

After a property owner receives a tax lien, it creates an opportunity for investors. You’re allowed to purchase the debt related to that property. To do so, you’ll need to participate in an auction ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. how to sell your home with a lien on it Imagine this. You’re ready to put your house on the market and find out there’s a lien on ...

A lien is a creditor’s legal right or claim to your property. The purpose of a lien is to hold a property item — it doesn’t ...

Amy Fontinelle is a freelance writer, researcher and editor who brings a journalistic approach to personal finance content. Since 2004, she has worked with lenders, real estate agents, consultants, ...