Amy Fontinelle is a freelance writer, researcher and editor who brings a journalistic approach to personal finance content. Since 2004, she has worked with lenders, real estate agents, consultants, ...

A lien is a legal right, or claim, to your property acquired by a creditor. The purpose of a lien is to hold a property item — it doesn’t have to be a house — as collateral for a loan or debt. If you ...

You might want to check for liens on your property if you’re planning to list your home for sale. To improve their chances of a smooth transaction, most buyers conduct a formal title search to make ...