---
title: "Lien — What It Means | Ondo RE"
canonical: https://www.ondorealestate.com/glossary/lien/
---

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Closing, title & notary[All terms starting with L](/glossary/#letter-L)

# Lien

A legal claim against a property securing a debt, which generally must be resolved before clear title transfers.

Mortgages are voluntary liens. Tax liens, mechanic’s liens from unpaid contractors, and judgment liens are involuntary. Priority is usually determined by recording order and by statute.

Outstanding liens surface in the title search and are typically paid from proceeds at closing so the buyer receives clear title.

## Related terms

- [Title searchAn examination of public records to confirm ownership and surface liens, easements, or other claims.](/glossary/title-search/)
- [Title insuranceA policy protecting against defects in a property’s ownership history, issued after a search of the public record.](/glossary/title-insurance/)
- [HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)A revolving credit line secured by your home equity, drawn and repaid like a credit card during a draw period.](/glossary/heloc/)
- [Net proceedsWhat a seller actually receives after loan payoff, commissions, and closing costs are deducted from the sale price.](/glossary/net-proceeds/)

## More in Closing, title & notary

- [Acknowledgment](/glossary/notary-acknowledgment/)
- [Apostille](/glossary/apostille/)
- [Condominium](/glossary/condo/)
- [Deed](/glossary/deed/)
- [Escrow officer (settlement agent)](/glossary/escrow-officer/)
- [Homeowners insurance](/glossary/homeowners-insurance/)

## Have a question about your own situation?

Ondo handles brokerage, lending, property management and notary under one roof, so the answer does not change depending on who you ask.

[Talk to Ondo](/contact/)[Browse all terms](/glossary/)