I am trying to refinance my property with a new bank and they just discovered that there is a preexisting lien for sidewalk. It is very vague and I am against time and I need to find out the details and who purchased the lien. I am desperate to get some help and I need to know where to begin

Your county Courthouse will have all that information. Its all public record.

I am trying to refinance my property with a new bank and they just discovered that there is a preexisting lien for sidewalk. It is very vague and I am against time and I need to find out the details and who purchased the lien. I am desperate to get some help and I need to know where to begin

The lien shows up in a title report? If you have not seen the report, ask the bank for a copy. The report should have, attached, a copy of the lien document. If not, ask the title company which prepared the report for the details.

What makes you think that someone has purchased the lien?

Then contact whoever filed the lien and ask for the details, including payoff amount, who to send the check to, etc. You will, of course, want to receive proof of payment (satisfaction of the lien) in writing.

It may be possible to arrange payment of this lien at closing of your new loan, with payment coming from the loan amount.

Go to your local Superior courthouse and go to civil division clerk's office. Give them the information on the lien. They will direct you to records that you must pull. Take quarters for copies. Copy the lien and then contact the lienholder for info or settlement. If you come to an agreement for settlement (it can be less than the amount of the lien - this is up to the holder. The only down side is when people know you are purchasing a home - they know you are desperate)

GET proof that lien is paid in full in your hand. File proof with clerk's office and take proof to your lender.

Good luck and God Bless

Go to your local Superior courthouse and go to civil division clerk's office. Give them the information on the lien. They will direct you to records that you must pull. Take quarters for copies. Copy the lien and then contact the lienholder for info or settlement. If you come to an agreement for settlement (it can be less than the amount of the lien - this is up to the holder. The only down side is when people know you are purchasing a home - they know you are desperate)

GET proof that lien is paid in full in your hand. File proof with clerk's office and take proof to your lender.

Good luck and God Bless


You have not even asked where this is, in many places it is Probate court or often even in separate offices. Next few have copy machies that uses quarters ( have you even been to a court house in 20 years)

Please try to keep your answers correct as to state laws and other info