Unpaid property taxes, IRS liens, HOA liens, or contractor judgments don't have to stop your sale. As licensed California real estate professionals, we help homeowners understand their options and move forward, whether that's a fast cash offer or a traditional MLS listing.
Free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review your lien situation and walk through your options.
Liens come in many forms, and each one affects the sale process differently. Here's a breakdown of the most common types we help Southern California homeowners navigate.
Unpaid property taxes accrue penalties and interest over time. If left unresolved, the county can eventually initiate a tax sale. In most cases, these can be paid off at closing from sale proceeds.
Federal and state tax liens attach to all property you own. Selling is possible, but the IRS or FTB must be paid or a discharge must be arranged before the title can transfer free and clear.
Homeowners associations can place liens for unpaid dues, fines, or special assessments. These are typically straightforward to resolve at closing, but they must be addressed before the sale finalizes.
Contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who weren't paid can file a mechanics lien. If you had work done on the property and a dispute arose, this lien must be resolved or bonded around before closing.
If a court judgment was entered against you, it may automatically attach to your real property. These liens survive in the county records until paid or discharged, and title companies require them to be cleared.
Sometimes homeowners don't know exactly what's on title. A title search will reveal all recorded encumbrances. We can walk you through the results and help you understand what needs to be resolved.
Whether the liens are small or substantial, we'll help you understand the full picture and choose the path that makes the most financial sense for you.
We review the property, pull what's on title, and identify all recorded liens or encumbrances. No charge, no obligation.
We help you understand what each lien would cost to pay off, including any accrued penalties, interest, or negotiated discounts.
We show you what you'd net from a cash offer vs. a traditional listing, after liens are resolved, so you can make an informed decision.
Liens are typically paid from sale proceeds at closing. We coordinate with escrow and the lien holders to make the process as smooth as possible.
There's no single right answer. The best option depends on your equity position, the size of the liens, your timeline, and your goals. We'll help you figure out which one fits.