Can You Sell a House With a Lien? Yes—Here’s How to Do It the Smart Way

Learn how to sell your house even with a lien on it—MG Property Bros makes the process fast, simple, and stress-free.

Selling a house is rarely simple, but it gets even more complicated when there’s a lien involved. If you're a homeowner wondering if you can sell a property with a lien attached, the short answer is yes—but there are important steps you need to take first.

At MG Property Bros, we help homeowners navigate difficult situations like liens, foreclosures, or inherited homes. This guide will walk you through what a lien is, how it affects your home sale, and how to move forward with confidence.

What Is a Lien on a Property?

A lien is a legal claim against your property, usually because of unpaid debts. Think of it as a financial hold that must be addressed before the property can legally change hands.

Common Types of Property Liens:

- Mortgage liens – Your lender has a claim until your loan is paid off.

- Tax liens – The government places these if you owe back property taxes.

- Mechanic’s liens – Contractors or suppliers can file these if they weren’t paid for work on the home.

- Judgment liens – These result from lawsuits where a creditor won a judgment against you.

Can You Sell a House With a Lien on It?

Yes, you can—but the lien has to be addressed before or during the closing process. Title companies and buyers will require the lien to be resolved before transferring ownership. You typically have three options:

1. Pay Off the Lien Before Selling 
2. Negotiate the Lien for a Lower Settlement 
3. Sell the Property “As-Is” and Use Sale Proceeds to Pay the Lien

Steps to Selling a House With a Lien

1. Get a Title Search

Start with a professional title search to confirm all existing liens on your property. This gives you a clear picture of what needs to be resolved before closing.

2. Contact the Lien Holder

Once you know who filed the lien, contact them directly. Some lien holders may be willing to negotiate a reduced payoff or work with you on a payment plan.

3. Disclose the Lien to Potential Buyers

Legally, you must disclose any liens to potential buyers. Hiding them can derail the sale or even result in legal trouble.

4. Consider Selling to a Cash Buyer

Traditional buyers and agents might back away when they see liens involved. But MG Property Bros specializes in buying homes with liens, and we’ll help guide you through the process—no fees, no repairs, and no delays.

5. Use Sale Proceeds to Pay Off the Lien

If you have enough equity in your home, the lien can be paid at closing using proceeds from the sale. This clears the title and allows for a smooth transfer.

Pros & Cons of Selling a Home With a Lien

Pros:

- You can resolve debt and move on with your life  

- Selling may be faster than trying to settle the lien separately  

- You can still sell as-is and skip costly repairs  

Cons:

- You may get less than market value, depending on the lien amount  

- Not all buyers are comfortable with liened properties  

- The process may involve extra paperwork and legal steps

Why Work With MG Property Bros?

At MG Property Bros, we help homeowners just like you sell properties with liens every day. Whether you're dealing with unpaid taxes, contractor disputes, or other debt, we’ll make you a fair cash offer and work through the lien situation quickly and professionally.

We Buy Houses With Liens 

No Repairs or Showings  

No Commissions or Hidden Fees  

Fast Closing – On Your Terms

Let’s Make This Easy

If your home has a lien and you’re feeling stuck, you don’t have to go through it alone. MG Property Bros is here to help you sell your home fast, clear your debts, and move forward—without the stress.