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987654 · Apr 11, 2008, 11:26 AM

I am trying to sell my house and am afraid that there may be a lien on it. How do I find out for free? And if there is a lien, what are my options?

ScottGem · Apr 11, 2008, 11:38 AM

You go down to the county clerk's office and ask. They should tell you without a cost or, at most, a nominal fee.

Your options are to pay off the lien, either prior to or at the closing.

odobson · Apr 11, 2008, 11:40 AM

go to your city hall first and ask where do they send the liens - I know that for Mass. The pace where you can find all the records for the house are in Cambridge.
If you have a lien on the house when you sell the house the value of the lien will be held by the buyer layer to pay the lien. If the lien is invalid - a mistake of some sort it's better you resolve the issue prior to selling. I advice you to get a lawyer - For selling a house a fee should around 600-800. The layer can find if you have lien on the house and also make sure you are protected in the future. You know for example that if you have modifyed the house and no building permit the buyer can sue you after they move into the house? So a think money spent on a lawyer are money well spent

987654 · Apr 11, 2008, 11:54 AM

ScottGem... Thank you for the advice, however, I now live out of state and don't have access to the county clerk's office. Is that info they would tell me over the phone?

ScottGem · Apr 11, 2008, 11:55 AM

To odobson, I assume the w key on your keyboard sticks and that layer meant lawyer. I agree that anyone selling or buying real estate should have an attorney to represent them.

However, that's not necessary just to determine if a lien exists. Most title records are kept by the county. While the conty clerk's office may be in the city hall more liekly its in a county office building.

987654 · Apr 11, 2008, 11:56 AM

If someone places a lien on your property, don't they have to tell you?

ScottGem · Apr 11, 2008, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by 987654

ScottGem...Thank you for the advice, however, I now live out of state and don't have access to the county clerk's office. Is that info they would tell me over the phone?

They may or you may have to submit something in writing. Each one is different so call them and ask.

Originally Posted by 987654

If someone places a lein on your property, don't they have to tell you?

No

987654 · Apr 11, 2008, 11:59 AM

Wow! That is scary! Thank you again for the insight and feedback. I will contact the county clerk and see what I can find out from them.

ScottGem · Apr 11, 2008, 12:23 PM

On the other hand, you should know if you owe someone money.