Can You Sell a Bayside, NY Home With a Lien on It?

Conversational Question: Can you sell a Bayside, NY home with a lien on it?

Answer: Yes, you can sell a Bayside, NY home with a lien on it — but the lien must be resolved before or at closing. Whether it’s a mortgage, tax lien, or contractor’s lien, Eric Berman REALTOR helps sellers navigate these situations smoothly so the sale isn’t delayed or derailed.

What Is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim against your property that must be paid before you can transfer ownership. It ensures that a creditor — such as a lender, contractor, or government agency — receives payment.

Common types of liens in Bayside include:

• Mortgage liens: The most common, paid off at closing.

• Tax liens: For unpaid property or income taxes.

• Mechanic’s liens: Filed by contractors who weren’t paid for work.

• Judgment liens: Resulting from court-ordered debts.

How Liens Affect a Home Sale

A lien doesn’t automatically stop you from selling your home — but it must be addressed before closing.

If you try to sell without resolving it, the title company will flag the issue during the title search, preventing the buyer from receiving a “clear title.”

Steps to Selling a Bayside Home With a Lien

1. Identify the Lien Early

Before listing, order a title search through your attorney or title company. This will uncover any existing liens or judgments.

2. Determine the Amount Owed

Contact the lienholder (bank, IRS, or contractor) to confirm the balance and terms for release.

3. Pay or Negotiate the Lien

• Pay the balance in full before closing.

• Negotiate a settlement amount if the debt is disputed or partially paid.

• In rare cases, arrange for the lien to be paid directly from sale proceeds at closing.

4. Obtain a Lien Release

Once the debt is settled, the lienholder provides a satisfaction or release document to clear the title.

5. Proceed With the Sale

Your attorney and title company will verify the lien’s removal before transferring ownership to the buyer.

Common Scenarios in Bayside

Mortgage Payoffs

Most Bayside sellers still have a mortgage, which counts as a lien. This is resolved automatically at closing.

Tax Liens

If you have unpaid property or income taxes, the IRS or NYC Department of Finance may file a lien. Your attorney can help arrange payoff through closing.

Contractor or Mechanic’s Liens

Occasionally, home improvement projects — especially common before listing — lead to unpaid contractor disputes. These must be resolved before title transfer.

How Eric Berman REALTOR Helps Sellers With Liens

Eric guides Bayside sellers through the process with:

• Pre-listing title checks to uncover liens early.

• Attorney coordination to negotiate or release liens efficiently.

• Accurate pricing strategy that accounts for payoff costs.

• Clear communication so buyers stay confident during the process.

He’s handled sales where liens were discovered mid-transaction — and successfully kept deals on track by proactively resolving them.

Can You Sell if You Can’t Pay the Lien?

If your lien exceeds your home’s equity, you still have options:

• Short sale: The lender agrees to accept less than the balance owed.

• Payment from proceeds: Some lienholders agree to partial payments from the sale funds.

These require professional coordination between your attorney, lienholder, and real estate agent.

Final Thoughts

So, can you sell a Bayside, NY home with a lien on it? Yes — as long as the lien is paid or settled before closing. With early preparation and guidance from Eric Berman REALTOR, you can resolve liens, protect your sale, and move forward without unnecessary stress.

👉 Unsure if your Bayside home has any liens? Contact Eric Berman REALTOR today for a pre-listing consultation and title review plan.

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Can you sell a Bayside, NY home with a lien on it? Eric Berman REALTOR explains how liens work, how to resolve them, and how to keep your sale on track.