While seeing a lien on your home might feel concerning at first, these are actually quite common in homeownership. Many homeowners face liens at some point, and they can typically be addressed through normal repayment processes or by working directly with the lender. Understanding liens as a standard part of home financing can help you approach the situation with confidence rather than worry.
Types of Liens
The most common types of liens include:
Mortgage liens: Created when you take out a mortgage to purchase your home.
Tax liens: Placed by government agencies for unpaid property or income taxes.
Judgment liens: Resulting from court judgments in lawsuits.
Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors who performed work on your property but weren't paid.
How Liens Affect You
Having a lien on your home typically means:
Limitations on selling or refinancing: You may not be able to sell or refinance your home with a clean title until the lien is resolved.
Potential foreclosure risk: Certain lienholders may have the right to force the sale of your property to satisfy the debt.
Credit impact: Some liens appear on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score.
Removing a Lien
To remove a lien from your property:
Pay the debt in full and obtain a lien release from the creditor.
Negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount owed.
Contest the lien if you believe it was filed incorrectly.
Wait for the lien to expire (though this varies by state and lien type).
Consult a real estate attorney if you’re unsure about your options.
It's important to know what liens mean for you and to take care of them quickly. This helps protect your home and keeps your finances healthy.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or lending advice. Loan terms and availability vary by lender and state. Consult a qualified financial professional or lender for personalized guidance tailored to your situation. Unison HELOC and Unison HELOAN are powered by SpringEQ and are not underwritten by Unison Mortgage Corp.
About the Author
Unison
We're the pioneers of equity sharing, offering innovative ways for you to gain access to the equity in your home. For more than a decade, we have helped over 12,000 homeowners to pursue their financial goals, from home renovations to debt consolidation, retirement savings, and more.
