Selling a house can be a complex and overwhelming process, and it becomes even more challenging when there's a lien on the property. Understanding what liens are and how to navigate them can make selling your home go smoother. If you find there is a lien on your property, don’t panic, we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
After over 15 years of being in business, we’ve seen it all and want to help you navigate this situation by providing you with expert advice and how you can still sell your home.
A lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a creditor to secure the payment of a debt. It is filed with a county records office and can become viewable by the public. Having one on your house can raise questions like, “Can I sell a property with a lien?” and what steps need to be taken to address it. Let’s take a closer look at how you can sell your house if it has a lien…
A lien on a house can arise due to various reasons, but they typically fall under two categories:
1. Voluntary Lien:
2. Involuntary Lien:
For more information about how they can affect house sales, see our article What Types of Liens Affect the Sale of My House?
When a lien is placed on a property, it becomes encumbered, meaning that the creditor has a legal right to seek repayment from the proceeds of the property's sale, if necessary.
The most common way to know if you have a lien on your property is by being notified via mail or from the outcome of a court proceeding. However, you might have a lien on your home and not even know it. Not to worry! You can easily find out by contacting the county clerk or recorder. Most Texas counties provide an easy online way to check by entering your address on the county’s website. For example, to find properties with tax liens on them, you can go straight to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website.
Every state has different laws for the statute of limitations for a lien. Even if it expires, in most states, creditors can re-file the lien to extend it.
If there is a lien on your Texas property and you are wanting to sell, you have options. We know, you’re probably still wondering, “Can a house be sold with a lien on it?” The short answer is yes. Here are some of your basic options:
Yes, you can, but the process is complex and stressful, especially when your emotions are involved.
The trick is knowing how to negotiate the payment of the lien. You might not be in a financial position to pay off a lien on your home, and unless you find the right title company, you might not be able to negotiate the best deal either. If you feel stuck but really want to sell your Texas home, we’re always happy to help. We understand how stressful it can be to be in financial hardship, feel stuck in your home, and feel like you have no options. We want to help you get to the next step on your journey and, hopefully, into a better situation.
Creditors know that most people misunderstand their rights and options in resolving a lien. When you have an expert on your side, creditors are much more likely to negotiate.
Texas homeowners are fortunate to live in a state with access to services from reputable real estate experts like our team at Big State Home Buyers. When you choose to sell your house with a lien with us, you can benefit in the following ways:
Selling a house with a lien on it is possible, and it can be a smooth process when dealing with a reputable cash home-buying company like Big State Home Buyers. Whether you decide to pay it off or sell directly to a company like Big State, you have options to move forward with the sale and alleviate the burden of a lien-encumbered property. If you find yourself in such a situation, consider reaching out to us for a hassle-free and efficient solution.
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