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What Is a Lien and How Does It Affect the Sale of Your Home?
A lien is a legal claim placed on your property by a creditor to secure payment for a debt. There are two main types of liens: voluntary liens and involuntary liens.
- Voluntary Liens: These liens are created when the property owner willingly agrees to secure a loan, such as a mortgage lien.
- Involuntary Liens: These are placed without the property owner's consent, often due to unpaid bills or legal judgments. Examples include judgment liens and tax liens.
Regardless of the type of lien, the lien holder has the right to claim proceeds from the sale of your home until the debt is settled. In many cases, the lien must be paid off or resolved before you can move forward with the sale. For more information on liens and how they work, check out this helpful guide from Experian on What is a Lien. Understanding liens can help you navigate the process of selling a property with existing debts.
How to Remove the Lien and Sell Your Property
To sell a property with a lien, the first step is to resolve the lien. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Pay off the Lien: If you can afford it, the easiest way to resolve the lien is to pay off the debt. Once the debt is cleared, the lien is removed, and you can move forward with the sale of your home. If you’re unable to pay off the lien in full, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with the lienholder for a reduced amount.
- Negotiate with the Lienholder: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan or settlement with the lienholder. A real estate attorney can help facilitate negotiations and ensure the settlement is properly documented.
- File with the County Recorder: Once the lien is resolved, the lienholder will file a release with the county recorder, officially removing the lien from your property’s title. This will clear the way for the sale of your home.
For more information on how to get a real estate lien removed, check out this detailed guide from Super Lawyers on How to Get a Real Estate Lien Removed. This guide provides essential steps and advice on navigating the lien removal process.
What Homeowners in Los Angeles, California, Are Saying
We take pride in providing an efficient and seamless selling experience. See what homeowners in Los Angeles, California, have shared about their experience with The California Homebuyer:

I have worked with Adrian at The CA Homebuyer for a few years now. Every transaction we have had together, Adrian goes above and beyond to make sure it is smooth without any issues. He has great communication and is very personable. I highly recommend his company. He is a pleasure to work with.

Julie Howse

I worked with Adrian as a Real Estate Writer and SEO Specialist. The working experience has been so smooth and productive. He’s easy to work with, honest, straightforward, and professional. What amazes me the most is how he prioritizes his customers’ interest (what they stand to gain) in all the deliverables to be uploaded on the website. I certainly look forward to a long work relationship with him. You should get to work with him too.

Mary Boniface

Adrian is the real deal. When we spoke for the first time years ago, he left me with a great impression. His experience and professionalism stands out from the other companies that have also reached out to me. There's a reason why I've stayed in touch with him all these years. Thanks Adrian!

Erwin Miciano
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Can You Sell a House with a Lien?
Yes, you can still sell a house with a lien attached, but you will need to address the lien before the sale. If the lien is not cleared, it will transfer to the buyer, which could make it difficult to find potential buyers willing to proceed with the purchase. Cash buyers, like The California Homebuyer, can be a great option for selling homes with liens because they typically buy houses as-is and are more familiar with navigating the legal hurdles involved in these situations.
Selling your house to a cash buyer also eliminates the need for open houses and waiting months for a buyer who can secure financing. You can close the deal quickly, often in 7 days, and get the lien resolved through the sale process.
For more information on how to navigate selling a home with financial issues, check out our guide on How to Sell a House with Financial Issues in Los Angeles, CA. This guide offers useful insights to help you make informed decisions and move forward.
Types of Liens You Might Encounter
Several types of liens could be placed on your property, and they each require different methods to resolve:
- Tax Liens: If you’ve failed to pay your property taxes, the government can place a tax lien on your home. The county can initiate tax foreclosure proceedings if the debt isn’t paid.
- Judgment Liens: A judgment lien is typically placed by a creditor who has won a lawsuit against you. If you owe money from a court case, the creditor can file a lien against your property until the debt is paid.
- Mechanic's Liens: If you’ve had unpaid work done on your property, a contractor may place a mechanic's lien for non-payment.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) Liens: If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA and fail to pay your fees, the HOA may place a lien on your property.
Each type of lien has specific rules and processes for removal, and it’s important to consult with a real estate attorney to understand your options.
The Importance of Working with a Cash Buyer
When selling a house with a lien, the process can be more complicated than a traditional sale. Real estate agents may be hesitant to take on your property because the lien complicates the transaction. However, cash home buyers like The California Homebuyer are experienced in purchasing homes with liens on your property. Here’s why selling to a cash buyer can be your best option:
- Faster Closing: Traditional buyers may take weeks or months to secure financing, but cash buyers can close in as little as 7 days, allowing you to move quickly and resolve your lien issues.

- No Need for Repairs: When you sell to a cash buyer, you don’t need to make any repairs or improvements to the home. The sale is as-is, which means you don’t have to spend money on fixing up the house.
- No Agent Fees or Commissions: Selling to a cash buyer means no real estate agents, so you can avoid paying agent commissions and closing costs.
- Resolution of the Lien: A cash buyer will work with you to resolve the lien during the closing process, ensuring that the lienholder is paid, and you don’t have to worry about the debt anymore.
If you're dealing with a lien on your property and are considering selling, understanding your options is crucial. For more information on how to navigate selling a home with a lien, check out this guide on Is It Too Late to Sell a Home in Foreclosure in Los Angeles. This will help you gain clarity and explore the best steps to take.
How to Sell Your Home to The California Homebuyer: A Simple 3-Step Process
Selling your home with a lien doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Here’s how our home-buying process works:
1. Contact Us with Property Details: Fill out our quick online form or give us a call to provide us with basic information about your property, including the lien details.
2. Receive a Fair Cash Offer: After assessing the property, we’ll provide a fair cash offer based on the home’s market value and condition.
3. Choose Your Closing Date: Once you accept our offer, you can choose your closing date. We’ll close the deal in as little as 7 days, so you can move forward without the stress of the lien.
If you're looking for guidance on selling a property with a lien, it’s important to understand the necessary steps and legal processes involved. For more on how to sell a home with a lien, check out our guide on How to Sell a House with a Lien on It in Los Angeles, CA. This guide provides detailed information to help you through the process smoothly.
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Ready to Sell Your Home with a Lien?
If you’re ready to sell your house with a lien in Los Angeles, The California Homebuyer can help. We specialize in buying homes as-is, regardless of the lien attached to them. We make the process quick, easy, and stress-free, allowing you to sell your home and resolve your debt without hassle.
Contact us today for a fair all-cash offer, and take the first step toward resolving your lien and moving on with your life.