Selling your house can be a stressful and time-consuming process, especially when there are liens on the property. If you’re not familiar with liens, they are legal claims against a property that can be placed by creditors, the government, or even contractors who have gone unpaid for work they have done on the property. These claims can make selling your house more complicated than you might expect.
If you’re looking to sell your house with property liens in North Texas, it’s important to understand your options and the steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about handling property liens when selling a house in North Texas.
1. Identify the Type of Lien on Your Property
Before you can take any action, you’ll need to understand what kind of lien you’re dealing with. There are several different types of property liens, and each one has its own process for resolution.
Common Types of Liens:
- Tax Liens
These are imposed by local or state government authorities when a property owner fails to pay property taxes. A tax lien can give the government legal rights to the property, and in some cases, lead to a tax sale or foreclosure if not resolved in time. - Contractor (Mechanic’s) Liens
If a contractor or subcontractor performed work or provided materials for your home but didn’t receive full payment, they can file a lien against your property. Even if you believe the work was incomplete or overcharged, the lien can still legally cloud the title until settled. - Mortgage Liens
This is the most common lien, placed by your mortgage lender. It allows them to reclaim the property through foreclosure if you default on your payments. If you’re behind on payments, the lender might start pre-foreclosure proceedings before you even consider selling. - Judgment Liens
If someone sues you, wins the case, and is awarded monetary damages, the court may place a lien against your home until the judgment is paid. These liens can stem from anything from unpaid debts to personal injury claims.
Understanding which type of lien is on your property will help you determine the best path forward. If you’re unsure, a title search or property record check can reveal all existing liens. A real estate attorney or title company can also assist in interpreting this information.
2. Contact the Lien Holder Immediately
Once you’ve identified the type of lien, the next step is to get in touch with the lien holder. This could be the county tax assessor’s office, a contractor, a mortgage company, or even an attorney representing a judgment creditor.
When you contact them, ask for:
- The total amount owed
- Any interest or penalties
- Instructions on how to pay off or settle the lien
- Whether they are open to a settlement or payment plan
In some cases, particularly with judgment liens or contractor liens, the lienholder may be willing to negotiate. They may accept a lesser amount to release the lien, especially if they understand that the property is going to be sold and they’ll get paid faster by cooperating.
However, if negotiations aren’t successful, you may need to pay off the lien in full. This can be frustrating for homeowners who are already struggling financially or need to sell quickly, but addressing the lien head-on is essential to moving forward with a clean sale.
3. Explore the Option of Selling to a Cash Home Buyer
If paying off the lien is not financially feasible—or you just want a faster, simpler route—selling to a reputable cash home buyer in North Texas may be your best option.
Cash buyers like Lonestar Partners specialize in purchasing homes in “as-is” condition. That means:
- No need to make repairs
- No agent commissions
- No waiting months for financing
- No upfront costs
- And often… no need for you to personally settle the lien before selling
In many situations, a cash buyer can help negotiate with lien holders and incorporate the lien payoff into the closing process. This allows you to sell the house without having to come up with cash out of pocket.
Cash sales can close in as little as 7 to 14 days, making them an ideal solution for homeowners who are facing foreclosure, need to relocate, or simply want to be done with a burdensome property.
4. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent
If you’re not in a rush and prefer to list your property on the open market, consider working with a licensed real estate agent who is experienced with lien situations. The right agent can:
- Help guide you through the resolution process
- Recommend a real estate attorney or title company
- Coordinate with lien holders during the transaction
- Assist with pricing, marketing, and buyer negotiations
However, it’s important to keep in mind:
- Selling on the market takes time – Often 30-60 days or more.
- Most buyers want a clear title – Liens must typically be resolved before closing.
- You may need to cover lien costs upfront – Especially if the sale price won’t cover everything.
- Agents charge a commission – Usually 5-6% of the sale price.
If your situation is urgent or financially tight, this route may not be the most practical. However, for some sellers, it’s a good option—especially if the lien is minor and easily resolved. We have agents who can help you!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Lien Stop Your Sale
Selling a home with a lien can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right approach—and the right people in your corner—you can still move forward and close the deal.
Recap:
- Start by identifying the lien type so you understand what you’re dealing with.
- Contact the lien holder to get the payoff amount and explore your resolution options.
- Consider selling to a cash home buyer if you want to skip the red tape and sell quickly.
- Work with a real estate agent if you have time, funds, and want to go the traditional route.
At Lonestar Partners, we work with homeowners across North Texas who need to sell fast, even if there are liens or other title issues. Whether you’re facing foreclosure, behind on taxes, or just ready to move on, we’re here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.
📞 Call us today at 469-689-4663 or visit DFWFastOffer.com to request a free, no-obligation offer, or simply fill out the contact form below. We’ll walk you through your options, take care of the hard parts, and help you move forward with peace of mind.