What is a lien and how does it affect you? You’re in good company if you’re not exactly sure how liens work. It’s not one of those topics that makes it into most people’s water-cooler conversations.

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 property lien can be either general or specific and voluntary or involuntary. A mortgage lien is a specific, voluntary lien. The priority of the liens on a property determines which debt will be ...

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, ...

A mortgage lien is a mortgage lender’s legal right to take legal possession of your home if you fail to pay your debt — a process known as foreclosure. This claim makes your home the collateral that ...

You're in good company if you're not exactly sure how liens work. It's not one of those topics that makes it into most people's water-cooler conversations. But knowing what a lien is and how it works ...

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 ...