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Lien Theory States 2022.
State | Mortgage Theory |
---|---|
Pennsylvania | Lien |
Rhode Island | Lien |
South Carolina | Lien |
Vermont | Lien |
Is PA a lien theory state?
I just successfully tried a case in July in Tioga County, It was a mortgage foreclosure where no payment had been made ever on a mortgage given in the 1980s. That was an in rem action and not an action on the note. DISCLAIMER The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty... Pennsylvania is a Lien Theory state.
What is the difference between lien theory and title theory?
Now we are ready to explore the differences between lien theory and title theory in real estate. In lien theory states, the buyer, who is also the borrower, will hold the deed to the real estate property for the life of the mortgage. The buyer promises to make payments on the mortgage according to the terms spelled out in the financing agreement.
What is a lien state and how does it work?
In a Lien State, the deed stays with the borrower, and the lender places a lien on the property using the mortgage. The lien is extinguished when the loan is paid off in full.
How are foreclosures handled in lien theory states?
Foreclosure proceedings in lien theory states are managed by a trustee. The non-judicial process is often resolved sooner than judicial foreclosures. Most non-judicial foreclosures are handled without any interaction with the courts.

Is Pennsylvania a lien state?
– ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA. So Pennsylvania is a tax deed state. That means the county will seize/confiscate the property from the delinquent property tax owner.
What kind of mortgage theory is used today in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania, historically, has been a title theory state. But as an intermediary theory state, the property owner does not automatically forfeit the real estate on default of the debt. The borrower must first be given a notice of intention to foreclose before the lender can file suit and proceed with foreclosure.
What are the lien theory states?
In lien theory states, the borrower holds the title to the property. Instead of a Deed of Trust, a Mortgage is recorded in the public record and acts as a lien against the property until the debt is paid off. With a mortgage, a homeowner has both legal and equitable title.
What is the difference between lien theory state and title theory state?
In title theory states, banks or mortgage lenders hold the title of a property until it is paid in full. In lien theory states, however, banks or mortgage lenders never retain title to the property.
Is Pennsylvania a mortgage State?
The instrument that these documents secure is most commonly called a promissory note....Mortgage States and Deed of Trust States.StateMortgage StateDeed of Trust StatePennsylvaniaYRhode IslandYSouth CarolinaYSouth DakotaYY47 more rows
What is title theory state?
In title theory states, the borrower does not keep the title to the property during the loan term. The seller gives the buyer a deed to the property, but when the borrower signs the mortgage for the loan, the borrower gives the title back to the mortgage holder (lender).
Is MA a title theory state?
Massachusetts is a well-established title theory state in both statutory and case law. Under title theory, a mortgage constitutes a “conveyance or transfer” of property.
Which of the following is true in title theory states?
In title theory states, which of the following is a true statement? The bank gives title to the borrower while the loan is being paid off. It is much easier for a lender to foreclose on a property.
Is New York a lien theory state?
A mortgage is a legal agreement designed for purchasing homes. In a mortgage, the bank or another creditor lends a borrower money at interest to take the title of the borrower's property....Lien Theory States 2022.StateMortgage TheoryNew MexicoLienNew YorkLienNorth DakotaLienOhioLien46 more rows
What is a lien theory state in contrast to a title theory state quizlet?
What is a lien-theory state in contrast to a title-theory state? A state in which liens are given priority over other encumbrances. A state in which a mortgagor retains title to the property when a mortgage lien is created.
In what kind of state does a mortgagor retain legal and equitable title to a property?
In lien theory states, the mortgagor actually gives legal title to the mortgagee (or some other designated individual) and retains equitable title. In title theory states, the mortgagor retains equitable title.
Is CT a lien theory state?
“Connecticut is considered a 'title theory' state wherein the mortgagor [debtor] pledges property to the mortgagee [creditor] as security for a debt and conveys 'legal title' to the mortgaged premises; the mortgagor retains 'equitable title' or the 'equity of redemption'….
What is a lien on a property?
In lien theory states, the buyer, who is also the borrower, will hold the deed to the real estate property for the life of the mortgage. The buyer promises to make payments on the mortgage according to the terms spelled out in the financing agreement. The mortgage agreement serves as the lender’s lien on the property until the loan is paid back completely, but the buyer holds the title to the property instead of the lender. The lien is extinguished when the loan is paid off in full.
Who manages foreclosures in lien theory?
Foreclosure proceedings in lien theory states are managed by a trustee. The non-judicial process is often resolved sooner than judicial foreclosures. Most non-judicial foreclosures are handled without any interaction with the courts. However, it is important to note that the original mortgage agreement should include the power-of-sale clause, ...
What states have a lien on a mortgage?
The lien is extinguished when the loan is paid off in full. These are the states where mortgage laws are defined by lien theory: Arkansas. Connecticut.
Which states have intermediary theory?
Washington State. West Virginia. Wyoming. A modified version of title and lien theories may also be used as the basis of evaluating mortgage laws. In intermediary theory states, the borrower retains the title with the express agreement that the lender can take back the title when the borrower defaults on the loan.
When purchasing a foreclosure or bank owned property from Auction.com, it is imperative you understand if the property is
When purchasing a foreclosure or bank-owned property from Auction.com, it is imperative you understand if the property is subject to the title or lien theory of mortgages. Each theory has considerations on who will hold title and how foreclosure proceedings will take place. But before we jump into the two theories, let’s discuss how a mortgage works.
2 attorney answers
I just successfully tried a case in July in Tioga County, It was a mortgage foreclosure where no payment had been made ever on a mortgage given in the 1980s. That was an in rem action and not an action on the note.
James S. Tupitza
Pennsylvania is a Lien Theory state. This means that the Borrower holds title to the property, and the Lender holds a lien against the property via the Mortgage. As to your Statute of Limitations question, you will have to be more clear so that assumptions are not made.
What is the difference between title and lien?
As we all know, real estate laws vary state by state. In title theory states, banks or mortgage lenders hold the title of a property until it is paid in full. In lien theory states, however, banks or mortgage lenders never retain title to the property.
What is title theory?
Definition: Title theory states function where banks or mortgage lenders hold the title of a property until it is paid in full. In title theory states the lender holds title to the property in the name of the borrower through a Deed of Trust.
What is a lien on a house?
Definition: In lien theory states banks or mortgage lenders never retain title to the property. Instead, the mortgage lender holds a lien against the property. In these states, the deed stays with the borrower, and the lender places a lien on the property using a mortgage. The lien ends when the loan is paid in full.
How does foreclosure work in title theory?
Generally, foreclosure in title theory states occurs through non-judicial proceedings (handled by a trustee), while lien theory states are conducted via judicial methods (typically a lawsuit). In conclusion, each theory has special considerations on who holds the title, and how foreclosure proceedings take place is the distinction between the two.
What is intermediary theory?
Definition: Intermediary theory states function where the borrower retains the title however, the lender can take back the title if the borrower defaults on the loan (with out judicial proceedings).
Title Theory vs. Lien Theory vs. Intermediary Theory
When it comes to mortgages, each theory has considerations about who will hold the title and how foreclosures would proceed if necessary.
Foreclosures in Title Theory States vs. Lien Theory States
Foreclosure procedures are different in title theory states and lien theory states. In title theory states, foreclosure proceedings are a judicial process. The lender instigates a title theory foreclosure by filing a foreclosure lawsuit against the borrower. The court will then issue a foreclosure judgment.
Intermediary States
Intermediary states modified the title and lien theories. In intermediary states, the borrower keeps the title with the expressed agreement that the lender may take back the title if the borrower defaults on the loan.
Lien Theory States
Twenty-four U.S. states and Puerto Rico are lien theory states. Four states, marked with asterisks, are intermediary states.
What is the difference between lien theory and title theory?
In both title theory states and lien theory states, if you fail to pay your loans back, you could lose any title through the legal process of foreclosure. The differences between title and lien theories lie in who holds the title, and how foreclosure is handled.
What states have a title theory?
Virginia. Washington State. West Virginia. Wyoming. If your home site is in a title theory state, it means that for you to secure a loan to buy a home, you first have to place your title into a trust. Instead of signing a mortgage, you sign a deed of trust.
How do mortgage lenders hold the title to a property?
Here, mortgage lenders hold the title to the property in the name of the borrower through a Deed of Trust – when the loan involves an agreement between a trustor and a creditor lending the money/selling the property, plus a trustee.
What is the lien theory of a mortgage?
Lien Theory. In the Lien Theory of mortgages, mortgage lenders never retain title to the property. Instead, they hold a “ lien ” against the property using a mortgage. The buyer will hold the deed to the real estate property during the loan term instead of the lenders. The buyer promises to make payments on the mortgage according to ...
How does foreclosure work in title theory?
Generally, the foreclosure process in Title Theory States occurs through a non-judicial proceeding ( handled by a trustee), while foreclosures in Lien Theory States are conducted via judicial proceedings (typically a lawsuit) .
Which states have a lien on the property?
South Carolina. Wisconsin. In these states, the deed stays with the borrower, and the lender places a lien on the property using a mortgage. The l ien is extinguished when the loan is paid in full. To illustrate, say you own a house in a lien theory state. The title to your home belongs solely to you.
Is a lien vs title a foreclosure?
Foreclosure proceedings in a lien theory vs in a title theory state may be more difficult for a lender, since the buyer is the one holding the property title and not the lender. Generally, a judicial foreclosure is instigated after the lender files a foreclosure lawsuit and the court issues a foreclosure judgment against the borrower.

Lien Theory States
- In a Title State, the lender holds title to the property in the name of the borrower through a Deed of Trust. When the loan is completely paid off, the lender issues and records a Deed of Reconveyancein favor of the borrower who then has clear title to the property. The Deed of Reconveyance removes any interests that the lender may have in the prop...
Title Theory States
Differences in Foreclosure Proceedings
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