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

Can you sell your Port Washington home if there’s a lien on it?
Yes, but the lien must be resolved before closing. A lien is a legal claim against your property, usually from unpaid debts or obligations, and it can complicate — but not prevent — the sale.

What Is a Lien?

A lien gives a creditor the right to collect what they’re owed from your property’s proceeds if you sell. Common types include:

• Mortgage liens: From your lender, automatically recorded when you take out a loan.

• Tax liens: From unpaid property or income taxes.

• Mechanic’s liens: From contractors or vendors who haven’t been paid.

• Judgment liens: From court rulings tied to unpaid debts.

How to Sell a Home With a Lien

1. Identify the Lien Early

   • Order a title search before listing your home. Your attorney or REALTOR can help coordinate this.

   • This will reveal any active liens or judgments.

2. Determine the Payoff Amount

   • Contact the creditor or lienholder to find out exactly how much you owe.

   • Request a written payoff statement valid through your anticipated closing date.

3. Negotiate or Resolve the Lien

   • You can pay off the lien in full before closing or negotiate a reduced settlement with the lienholder.

   • In some cases, payment can come directly out of sale proceeds at closing.

4. Close With Full Transparency

   • Your attorney and title company will handle the lien payoff at closing, ensuring the lien is released and recorded.

   • Buyers require clear title, so all liens must be satisfied before the deed transfers.

Can You Sell Without Paying the Lien?

In most cases, no. Buyers (and their lenders) require clear title before completing a purchase. The only exceptions are:

• Selling subject to the lien — rare and typically only done with cash investors who assume the risk.

• Short sales or legal settlements where the lienholder agrees to release the lien for less than the full balance owed.

How Eric Berman Helps Sellers

Eric Berman, REALTOR, works closely with Port Washington homeowners and attorneys to:

• Identify title or lien issues early

• Communicate with lienholders to arrange timely payoffs

• Coordinate with attorneys and title companies to ensure a clean closing

• Price and market the home appropriately based on your net proceeds after payoff

Bottom Line

You can sell your Port Washington home even if there’s a lien on it — but it must be cleared before closing. With proactive planning and expert guidance, the process can be straightforward.

Have a lien on your Port Washington property? Contact Eric Berman for a confidential consultation and guidance on resolving title issues before listing.

Meta Description:
Can you sell a Port Washington home with a lien on it? Yes — but the lien must be resolved before closing. Learn how to handle lien payoffs with REALTOR Eric Berman.