What is a lien?

A lien is fundamentally a legal claim or right against a property that allows a lender or creditor to secure the payment of a debt. This means that if the borrower fails to satisfy their debt obligations, the lender has the right to take possession of the property to recover the owed amount. This security interest serves as reassurance for the creditor, allowing them to assert a claim to the property until the debt is resolved.

In the context of real estate, liens can arise from various sources, including mortgages, judgments, and unpaid taxes. They can be voluntary, as in the case of a mortgage, or involuntary, like a tax lien. The existence of a lien on a property can affect the owner’s ability to transfer title, as any prospective buyer will want to ensure there are no outstanding claims that could jeopardize their ownership.

Other options describe different legal instruments or concepts, but none capture the essence of a lien as a claim against property to secure payment of a debt. A deed of trust pertains more closely to securing a loan with property, a guarantee of title involves ensuring that the property’s title is clear, and an easement relates to the right to use a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose. Each of these addresses different aspects of