Can You Sell a Home in Port Washington With a Lien on It?

Can you sell a home in Port Washington with a lien on it?
Yes, you can sell a home in Port Washington with a lien on it—but the lien must be satisfied (paid off or resolved) at or before closing. Common liens include unpaid taxes, contractor fees, or outstanding mortgages. With the right guidance, you can clear the title and move forward. Eric Berman, REALTOR, can help you identify and resolve lien issues efficiently so your sale stays on track.

What Is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim against your property by a creditor. It must be cleared before you can transfer ownership to a buyer. Common types include:

• Mortgage liens (from your lender)

• Tax liens (from unpaid property or IRS taxes)

• Mechanic’s liens (from contractors or vendors)

• Judgment liens (from court rulings)

• HOA or condo association liens

In Port Washington, liens are often discovered during the title search process, which is a standard part of the sale.

Can You List the Property While It Has a Lien?

Yes. You can list your home with a lien in place. But:

• It may limit your buyer pool

• The lien will need to be resolved before or at closing

• Buyers may hesitate unless you have a clear plan to address it

Eric Berman, REALTOR, will work with your attorney and title company to verify the lien and prepare a path to resolution.

What Happens When a Lien Is Found?

During escrow, the title company runs a search. If a lien is discovered:

1. You’re notified of the lien type and amount.

2. You must either pay it off or negotiate a settlement.

3. The title company will require a lien release before issuing title insurance and closing.

Eric Berman can connect you with trusted local attorneys and help coordinate payoff logistics.

How to Resolve a Lien Before Closing

1. Pay It Off Using Sale Proceeds

• Most common solution

• The lien is paid at closing, and the balance goes to you

2. Negotiate a Settlement

• Possible with older debts or judgment liens

• Your attorney can negotiate with the lienholder

3. Dispute an Invalid Lien

• If you believe the lien is incorrect, you can contest it

• May delay the sale if not handled early

In all cases, having an experienced agent like Eric Berman keeps the deal on track while the legal team resolves the lien.

Port Washington-Specific Considerations

• Waterfront properties may face more complicated title histories (especially in Sands Point or Harbor Acres)

• Co-ops or townhomes may have association liens or unpaid fees

• Older homes may have unresolved contractor liens from past renovations

Eric will help you identify red flags early so you’re not caught off guard during escrow.

What If You Can’t Pay the Lien?

If you can’t pay off the lien:

• You may be able to pursue a short sale, with lender or creditor approval

• In some cases, the buyer may agree to assume the lien (rare)

• Legal resolution is required before transferring clear title

Eric Berman will explore all options and help you understand what’s realistic given your timeline and finances.

Final Thoughts

You can absolutely sell your Port Washington home with a lien—but you need a plan. The key is addressing it early, getting the right professionals involved, and communicating clearly with buyers.

Eric Berman, REALTOR, has helped sellers resolve liens and successfully close in neighborhoods across Port Washington. He'll help you protect your equity and navigate the process smoothly.

Have a lien on your home and thinking of selling?
Contact Eric Berman today for a no-obligation strategy session to understand your options and prepare for a successful sale.

Meta Description:
Can you sell your Port Washington home with a lien on it? Yes—but it must be resolved. Learn how to handle liens and sell with confidence with Eric Berman, REALTOR.