Can You Spot a Property Lien Before It's Too Late?

The Expert Podcast

🔍 Episode Show Notes:

• Yes, it is possible to determine if there’s a lien on a property.
• Real estate records are public and accessible at the county level.
• There are 3,611 counties in the U.S., and each has a county recorder's office that maintains real estate documents.
• Types of documents you can find include:
  • Liens
  • Mortgages
  • Deeds
  • Quitclaim deeds
• If a lien exists, it should be filed in the county recorder’s office where the property is located.
• How to search for liens:
  • Run a commercial title search through a legitimate company.
  • Visit the county recorder’s office in person to do a document or index search.
• Avoid common mistakes:
  • Don’t rely on Google searches or unofficial online sites.
  • Avoid paying random online companies for lien info—they're often inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Even official-looking online databases may contain errors or omissions and are usually labeled as non-official.
• If the property matters to you (buying, lending, investing), take the time to verify lien status in person or through a professional.
• Instant online results are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
• Some liens may not be directly recorded against the property but against the individual, like:
  • IRS tax liens
  • Child support liens
• These personal liens can attach to any property the person owns in that county.
• Consult a qualified attorney if you need a legal opinion on lien status.
• Remember: A mortgage is also a type of lien—a voluntary one you agree to when borrowing from a lender.
• Other types of liens to watch out for include:
  • Construction liens
  • Tax liens
  • HOA liens
  • Bail bond liens
• Always perform a thorough lien check to avoid costly real estate mistakes.