
Is it bad to have a lien on Your House?
It’s generally considered to be a bad thing if you have a lien on your property. However, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Lots of people have one on their home. Although liens generally get a bad rap, the reality is a little more nuanced than traditional thought.
How long does a lien stay on your bank account?
Who Can Put a Lien on Your Bank Account?
- Writ of Execution. To place a lien, or levy, on your bank account, a creditor must serve a writ of execution on the bank.
- Unsecured Debt. A creditor often resorts to bank levy if you fail to repay an unsecured debt. ...
- Exempt Funds. ...
- Release on Account. ...
Do IRS liens have priority over mortgages?
The IRS lien would go into third position if you also have a second mortgage. If you purchase real estate while your IRS lien remains, the IRS lien will be in first position. Therefore, traditional lenders will not grant a new mortgage to a home buyer who has an outstanding IRS tax lien.
What is a first priority lien?
What Is Lien Priority?
- Lien priority determines the order in which creditors get paid following a foreclosure. ...
- First Mortgages. ...
- Second and Third Mortgages. ...
- Judgment Liens. ...
- Homeowners' Association (HOA) and Condominium Owners' Association (COA) Liens. ...
- Mechanic's Liens. ...
- Priority Determines How Foreclosure Funds Are Distributed. ...
- Talk to a Lawyer. ...

Which type of lien usually takes priority over private liens?
Mortgage liens usually take priority over any other lien except tax liens.
What type of lien takes priority quizlet?
A real property tax lien has priority over all other liens. The borrower gives the lien to the lender as security for the loan on the property.
Which type of lien is always in a superior position?
County Tax Liens Can Eliminate a Mortgage In fact, tax liens are superior to almost all other types of liens. If you or your loan servicer don't pay the taxes on your property, the property might go to a tax sale.
Do federal tax liens have priority?
Federal Tax Liens have No Special Priority. If you fail to pay federal taxes due, the IRS may place a lien on your property by filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien with your county clerk's office. The IRS puts liens on all types of property, including real estate.
Which of the following liens has first priority?
Liens generally follow the "first in time, first in right" rule, which says that whichever lien is recorded first in the land records has higher priority than later recorded liens. For example, a mortgage has priority over a judgment lien if the lender records it before the judgment creditor records its lien.
Which lien would most likely have had priority?
Tax liens for property taxes generally take priority over all other liens, whereas a tax lien for income taxes do not.
What is a first lien position?
A lender or creditor in a first lien position has priority in case a debtor defaults and collateral has to be liquefied to settle the debt.
What is a superior lien?
Liens that are imposed for unpaid property taxes, special assessments, and federal estate taxes have a priority right over other liens in the encumbered property. These are called “superior” or “perfected” liens.
What is 1st lien and 2nd lien?
A lien is a claim on collateral pledged to secure the financing. The first lien debt has the first claim on collateral, while the second lien has a second priority claim. Revolvers, also a form of senior debt, can be secured by their own pool of assets or share collateral with first lien debt.
Does IRS lien have priority over other liens?
Purpose and Effect of Filing Notice IRC § 6323(a). Generally speaking, unless the Service first properly files a notice of its federal tax lien, the purchaser will have priority over the federal tax lien.
What is the difference between a general lien and a specific lien?
What is the difference between the terms general and specific? If a lien is general, then it applies to all personal and real property. If it is specific to one property, such as a house upon which a mortgage is applied, then it is specific.
What is a silent lien?
Liens are the government's legal claim against your property when you neglect or fail to pay a tax debt. A silent lien is a lien that is not made public. An automatic lien (like an estate lien) is one that is triggered automatically, as in the death of a taxpayer.
Understanding Different Types of Liens
Frequently, homes have one or more liens on them. The homeowner chooses to place some liens, like mortgages, on the property. Other liens, like jud...
Lien Priority: First in Time, First in Right
The general rule in property law is that liens have priority in the order that they are filed in the county records office. This is known as the fi...
Exceptions to The First in Time, First in Right Rule
As with most rules, there are exceptions to the first in time, first in right rule. Certain liens, like property tax liens, special assessment taxe...
Priority Determines How Foreclosure Funds Are Distributed
The priority of liens establishes who gets paid first following a foreclosure and often determines whether or not a lien holder will get paid at al...
1. What is a lien?
A lien is a claim or legal right against assets that are normally used as collateral to satisfy a debt.
2. What is lien priority?
Lien priority determines the order in which creditors get paid following a foreclosure.
3. What is a superior lien? What is a junior lien?
This is important terminology to understand when distinguishing lien priority.
4. How does lien priority work with mortgages?
When buying a home, a borrower normally signs two important documents: a promissory note and a mortgage (or a deed of trust).
5. Why is lien priority so important?
We’ll illustrate the significance of lien priority with the following example.
7. What are the exceptions to lien priority?
The exceptions to lien priority often depend on state and federal laws.
8. What is the financial impact of lien priority?
Lien priority can become complicated — especially when the owner of a property simply doesn’t have the money to pay.
What is the first to file lien in a state?
In a first to file state, the mortgage has priority to the mechanics lien. This means the contractor would only be able to enforce the lien to the extent possible once the amount remaining due on the mortgage has been paid in full.
What is a mechanics lien?
Mechanics liens are a powerful way for construction participants to secure payment on their projects. Rather than relying costly remedy of hiring a lawyer to file suit for breach of contract, a mechanics lien “secures” the amount due by giving the claimant in interest in the property improved during the construction project itself.
Why do priority rules matter?
Priority matters whenever there are multiple creditors and/or claimants wanting to get paid. The priority rules serve the function of determining how the pie will be split, and these rules help navigate scenarios where similarly situated creditors fight over that same pie to get paid.
What is priority in construction?
Priority, as related to a secured claim, and as you may guess, refers to a party’s right to payment in reference to other creditors. When multiple parties go unpaid on a project and there may not be enough money to go around, the priority rules sort out the mess and determine who gets first crack at getting paid.
How to sort out a priority mess?
The most prominent way states sort out the priority mess is through the first to file or “first in time, first in right” rule. This essentially means the old stand-by, first come, first served, applies. When this rule is applied, whichever encumbrance on a property was filed first would be the first in line among creditors.
Do mechanics lien holders have to defer to the mortgage holder?
When a mortgage or, more likely, a secondary mortgage is fixed on a property after the work on the construction project has begun, a mechanics lienholder would not have to defer to the mortgage holder. Under the first to file method, a secondary creditor is paid only after the credit interest ahead of it is paid off.
Do mechanics lien holders get left holding the empty bag?
Since (at least) the first mortgage on a property is typically recorded before projects are initiated or even contemplated, liens are often second in priority to mortgages – which, depending on the equity in the property, could mean mechanics lien holders get left holding the empty bag. When a mortgage or, more likely, ...
What is a first lien on a home?
The most common type of a first lien is a mortgage . Normally, when you buy a home, the lender pays for a title search before giving you the loan money to make sure the property has clear title. If title to the home is clear, you'll probably sign a mortgage (or a deed of trust) to secure the debt. The lender will then record the mortgage—called a first mortgage —in the county records or other public land records in order to create a lien on your property. If you then take out another loan, like a home equity loan, from a different lender, the second lender will record it and also get a lien on the property.
What happens when a home has more than one lien?
When a home has more than one lien, priority determines the lienholders’ rights after a foreclosure sale. Certain liens have priority over others, which entitles those liens to be paid first out of the proceeds from a foreclosure sale. A first lien has priority over a second lien and therefore gets paid from foreclosure sale proceeds ...
What happens if you don't pay a lien on your property?
If a condition on your property violates a local ordinance, like a broken window or unkempt yard, the county or municipality may require you to correct the issue. If you don't, the municipality might fix the problem itself and charge you for the work. If you don't pay, it will place a lien on the property for the unpaid amount. Unlike many other types of liens, municipal liens are a type of superior lien that isn't extinguished by a foreclosure.
Why are county tax liens so serious?
County tax liens are very serious liens because they can wipe out the interest of a first lien mortgage. In fact, tax liens are superior to almost all other types of liens.
What happens if you fail to pay your homeowners association dues?
If you fail to pay your homeowners' association (HOA) dues, the HOA often automatically gets a lien on your home . Most HOA liens are junior to a first mortgage based on the terms of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. Though, if your state has a super-lien statute, the HOA lien might be superior to the mortgage lien.
What is a first mortgage?
The lender will then record the mortgage—called a first mortgage —in the county records or other public land records in order to create a lien on your property. If you then take out another loan, like a home equity loan, from a different lender, the second lender will record it and also get a lien on the property.
What is a judgment lien?
Judgment Liens. Judgment liens are one of the most common types of junior liens. When a person defaults on a debt, the creditor may sue the debtor to attempt to collect. If the creditor obtains a judgment against the debtor in court, the creditor can attach that judgment to any real property that the debtor owns.
What is lien priority?
Lien priority describes the “pecking order” of liens. In other words, the order of importance each lien has over other liens. Lien priority also refers to the order in which claims against the property will be paid off. “First come, first served” is a general law, which governs lien priority.
Do tax lien certificates have priority?
The creditor knew (or should have known) about the creditors ahead of it when it extended to Bill, so it was aware (or should have been aware) of the risk involved. One of the major benefits of investing in tax lien certificates is that real estate property tax liens almost always have lien priority to any other lien, ...
What is the mortgage lien?
The Mortgage or The Lien? For lenders, prior to taking a mortgage on property within a condominium or homeowners’ association community, it is important to review and understand the association’s governing documents (declaration, by-laws, and articles of incorporation) to determine the priority of an assessment lien and a mortgage.
Can a lender have a mortgage on the same property?
A lender may also have a mortgage on the same property on which the association has recorded its assessment lien. Section 720.3085 of the Florida Statutes (homeowner associations) and section 718.116 of the Florida Statutes (condominium associations) govern first mortgagee’s rights.
Do you have to put priority language in a mortgage declaration?
The court noted there would be no need to put the priority language in the declaration if the assessment lien was not intended to trump certain mortgages. At least one other Florida court has determined that an association’s assessment lien was superior to a lender’s mortgage lien, due to the specific language of the declaration.
Does a mortgage take priority over an assessment lien?
Just because a mortgage was recorded prior to the assessment lien, does not mean the lender’s mortgage will take priority over the association’s assessment lien. The language of the association’s governing documents is critical in determining the priority of these encumbrances.
Can a condominium association record a lien in Florida?
In Florida, a condominium association or homeowners’ association has the ability to record liens in the public records when its constituents fail to pay assessments. Chapter 718 and Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes. A lender may also have a mortgage on the same property on which the association has recorded its assessment lien.
What is voluntary lien?
Voluntary liens are recorded in agreement between the Lender and the Borrower. As an investor in mortgage notes, whether as an originating private lender or a secondary note investor, you will have either a 1st position or second position lien in the form of a mortgage deed, or deed of trust.
What is property tax lien?
A property tax lien takes priority over all other liens, period! This is one example of where the “first in time, first in right” rule does not apply. One way or another the Government will get their taxes!
What are the requirements for a deed of trust?
While the specific terminology to be included in a mortgage or deed of trust varies from State to State, every lien should contain at least the following: 1 Borrowers’ name (s) 2 Real Estate address 3 Legal description of the Real Estate 4 Amount of the debt
What is a mechanic's lien?
A mechanic’s lien is another type of judgement lien insofar as the creditor requires a court judgement to file the lien. This can happen if a homeowner fails to pay a contractor. The contractor can use their court judgement to file a lien against the property. In some cases the contractor can even force the sale of the home.
What is a 2nd position mortgage?
A 2nd position mortgage is a junior lien. These are paid out only after the first position lien has been settled in full. Second mortgage loans, equity release loans and Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) will be in 2 nd position.
Can you file a lien on child support without a judgement?
In most States, the recipient of court-order ed child support can file a lien for unpaid payments without a court judgement. Child support liens do not take priority over 1st position mortgages.
Do first position liens take priority?
First position liens usually take priority over all other liens. That said, there are some instances where other liens can take priority over even a first position mortgage. This is why ensuring clean title (and title insurance) is so important. We’ll cover this more later in this article.

What Is A Lien?
What Is Lien Priority?
- Lien priority determines the order in which creditors get paid following a foreclosure. The rule is normally “first in time, first in right.” This says that whichever lien is recorded first in the land records has a higher priority than the later records. For example, a mortgage will have priority over a judgment lien if the lender records it befor...
What Is A Superior Lien? What Is A Junior Lien?
- This is important terminology to understand when distinguishing lien priority. A lien that has priority over another lien is known as a “superior” lien. A low-priority lien is called a “junior” lien.
How Does Lien Priority Work with Mortgages?
- When buying a home, a borrower normally signs two important documents: a promissory note and a mortgage (or a deed of trust). Promissory note:the personal promise to pay back the money borrowed Mortgage or deed of trust:establishes the lender’s lien on the property and is recorded in the county’s records In a typical home purchase, the mortgage will be recorded first. This mean…
Why Is Lien Priority So Important?
- We’ll illustrate the significance of lien priority with the following example. You purchase a home for $500,000. There’s no down payment, and you take out two loans consisting of a $400,000 first mortgage and a $100,000 second-mortgage loan. Your house needs some additional repairs done. To do these, you borrow $50,000 from a friend, and this loan is secured by your home. Ho…
What Is The “First in Time, First in Right Rule” as It Applies to Tenants?
- This rule states that whichever lien is recorded first in the land records has a higher priority than the later records. However, because a tenant doesn’t have a recorded lien on rented real estate, what happens then? The tenant may not have a recorded lien, but they do have an interest in the property based on the time the lease goes into effect. According to this rule, if a mortgage is rec…
What Are The Exceptions to Lien Priority?
- The exceptions to lien priority often depend on state and federal laws. For example, liens placed on a property for the collection of property taxes, special assessment taxes, homeowners’ association(HOA) or condominium association (COA) assessments, and contractor fees might have priority over first mortgages and other liens that were recorded earlier. A county tax lien, fo…
What Is The Financial Impact of Lien Priority?
- Lien priority can become complicated — especially when the owner of a property simply doesn’t have the money to pay. Knowing how lien priority operates in a particular state is incredibly important to recovering amounts owed. However, there are several scenarios in which the merits of the claim may not matter. Once multiple parties have established secure credit interests, they …
What Is A Mechanic’s Lien?
- If you choose to have major work done to your home, like putting on a new roof, installing a new AC, or completing major renovations, you’ll likely need to work with a contractor. However, if you don’t pay your contract for this work, then they could file a mechanic’s lien on the property. This kind of lien is also superior to a first lien mortgage, and the contractor could potentially choose t…
What Are Judgment Liens?
- Judgment liens are a common type of junior lien that occur when a person defaults on a debt. The creditor may sue the debtor to try and collect the debt. If the creditor gets a judgment against the debtor in court, then the creditor can attach that judgment to any real property that the debtor owns.