A house with a lien against it adds another wrinkle to the already complex task of selling one, whether it’s unpaid taxes, alimony, or contractor bills.

But don’t worry — some homeowners have successfully sold their homes even with liens. Here’s everything you need on how to sell your Boardman, OH house with liens.

Types of Property Liens

Liens are legal claims on assets that let the holder access the property if debts aren’t paid. Common liens you’ll find in a house include:
Mortgage Lien: This serves as collateral or real security for your mortgage. If you stop paying your mortgage, the lender can take possession and sell your house to recoup the debt.

• Tax Lien: When homeowners owe back taxes, the government can record tax liens. This lien can be removed by satisfying the debt and/or by hiring a real estate lawyer to either negotiate or dispute them.
• Judgment Lien: A judgment lien is recorded when a judge issues a judgment against a property owner who loses a lawsuit and court-ordered damages go unpaid. Court approval is needed to sell a house with a judgment lien.
• Homeowner Association Lien: Depending on HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions, HOAs can initiate foreclosure even when mortgage payments are current.
• Child Support and Alimony Lien: A lien can be placed on a property if alimony or child support isn’t paid. Court approval can take a long time, but the judge may let the owner sell.

How to Sell Your House Even with Liens

You can get rid of property liens by paying off the debt or negotiating with creditors. If you’re selling a house with a lien, follow these steps.

• Pay the lien upfront. If you have the money, pay the lien right away to clear the title to your property.
• Negotiate the debt. If you don’t have enough money or equity in your house, hire an attorney to negotiate a lower payoff with the creditor.
• Dispute the lien. You can hire an attorney to dispute a lien you’ve already paid, or believe is higher than what you owe.
• Get a payoff letter from your creditors. Once you’ve confirmed, negotiated, or disputed the debt, ask the creditor for a payoff letter. Give it to your escrow agent if you’re working the debt into the sale settlement.
• Pay the lien with the sale proceeds. It’s easier to pay the lien with the sale proceeds. Just send the payoff letter to your agent, and they will handle the rest.
• Sell the house for cash. Depending on local law and regulations, you can sell a house for cash with a lien still on it. The lien will remain with the property, even if this is allowed, so if the new owner wants a clear title or financing in the future, they’ll have to address and possibly satisfy it. A better option is to sell your Boardman, OH home to a cash home buyer. These buyers buy houses for cash “as-is”, so they will buy property even if it is un-repaired or has liens in them.
• Get a lien release. After you pay the debt, the lienholder is supposed to give you a lien release stating the debt is paid and the lien is removed. Sometimes it’s called a satisfaction of mortgage, a lien discharge, or a lien termination. Keep that document — it’s very important to prove to anyone, including your potential buyer, that the title to the property is clear.

It’s still possible to sell a house with a lien on it. Whether you’re willing to pay for the lien or let a cash home buyer do the dirty work for you, these tips should give you a clear picture of what steps to take.

Want to Sell Your House Fast?

Have you told yourself, “I want to sell my Boardman, OH house fast”? Selling to Access Homebuyers might be the right solution for you.

Buying a house for cash is what we do at Access Homebuyers. Our local hom ebuyers are serious about buying your house, whether you need to move suddenly or you just found yourself with property you don’t need. Just call us, and we’ll give you a fair cash offer and take the house out of your hands within 14 days. No realtors, no commissions, no repairs or maintenance.

Get your fair cash offer today by calling (330) 708-7077.