Priority of Tax Liens: Understanding Lien Hierarchy in Real Estate

When property owners face financial difficulties, multiple creditors may place claims against their property. Understanding the Priority of Tax Liens: Understanding Lien Hierarchy in Real Estate becomes critical when determining who gets paid first during a sale or foreclosure. The order in which liens are satisfied can mean the difference between recovering your investment or losing everything.

If you’re dealing with back taxes, inherited property with unknown debts, or discovering liens during a title search, knowing how lien priority works protects your interests. This comprehensive guide breaks down the complex world of lien hierarchy, showing you exactly where different claims stand and what it means for your property.

Key Takeaways

• Tax liens almost always take first priority over other liens, regardless of when they were recorded, making them the most powerful claims against property
• Recording date typically determines priority for most other liens—first recorded, first paid—with important exceptions for specific lien types
• Understanding lien hierarchy is essential before selling, refinancing, or inheriting property to avoid unexpected financial surprises
• Multiple liens can exist simultaneously on a single property, creating complex situations that require expert guidance to navigate successfully
• Not all liens survive foreclosure—junior liens may be wiped out when a senior lienholder forecloses, affecting creditors’ ability to collect

What Is Lien Priority and Why Does It Matter? 📋

Lien priority determines the order in which creditors get paid when a property is sold or foreclosed. Think of it like a line at the bank—whoever is first in line gets served first. When there isn’t enough money to pay everyone, those at the back of the line may receive nothing.

This hierarchy matters tremendously because:

For Property Owners: Understanding which liens take priority helps you make informed decisions about which debts to address first. A junior lien might be negotiable, while a senior lien demands immediate attention.

For Buyers: Purchasing property with liens means inheriting those debts unless they’re properly cleared. Knowing priority helps assess true purchase costs.

For Creditors: Priority position determines the likelihood of recovering owed money. A first-position lien is relatively secure; a fifth-position lien faces significant risk.

For Heirs: Inherited property often comes with unknown liens. Understanding priority helps evaluate whether keeping the property makes financial sense.

The Basic Principle: First in Time, First in Right

The general rule governing lien priority is simple: first recorded, first paid. When a creditor records a lien with the county recorder’s office, they establish their position in line. A lien recorded on January 1st typically has priority over one recorded on March 15th.

However—and this is crucial—several important exceptions to this rule exist. Tax liens, for example, often jump to the front of the line regardless of recording date.

The Priority of Tax Liens: Understanding Lien Hierarchy in Real Estate 🏛️

Tax liens occupy a special position in the lien hierarchy. Governments have granted themselves superior priority for tax debts, recognizing that public services depend on tax revenue.

Federal Tax Liens

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can place liens on property when taxpayers fail to pay federal income taxes. While federal tax liens follow the “first in time” rule against other creditors, they have special powers:

• Priority over subsequently recorded liens: Once recorded, federal tax liens take priority over most liens filed afterward
• Exceptions for certain secured creditors: Purchase-money mortgages and some mechanics’ liens may retain priority
• 10-year enforcement period: Federal tax liens remain enforceable for ten years from assessment date

When the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, it attaches to all the taxpayer’s property and rights to property. This broad reach makes federal tax liens particularly challenging.

State and Local Tax Liens

Property tax liens represent the most powerful type of lien in real estate. In most states, property tax liens take absolute first priority over all other liens, including:

• Mortgages (even if recorded years earlier)
• Mechanics’ liens
• Judgment liens
• HOA liens
• All other voluntary and involuntary liens

This superior priority exists because local governments need reliable tax revenue to fund schools, police, fire departments, and infrastructure. Property tax lien foreclosure can wipe out even a first mortgage if taxes remain unpaid.

“Property tax liens are the 800-pound gorilla of real estate liens. They sit at the top of the hierarchy and can eliminate virtually every other claim against a property.” — Real Estate Title Expert

How Tax Lien Priority Affects Property Sales

When selling a house with a tax lien, the tax debt must be satisfied first from sale proceeds. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Property sells for $200,000
2. Property tax lien of $15,000 gets paid first
3. First mortgage of $150,000 gets paid second
4. Second mortgage of $40,000 gets paid third (only $35,000 remains)
5. Junior creditors receive nothing

Understanding this payment order helps property owners prioritize which debts to address when resources are limited. Tax debts cannot be ignored or postponed without serious consequences.

Understanding the Complete Lien Hierarchy 📊

Beyond tax liens, several other types of liens attach to real estate. Each has its place in the priority hierarchy, and understanding these positions is essential for navigating complex property situations.

First Position: Property Tax Liens

As discussed, property tax liens almost universally occupy first position. They survive most other foreclosures and must be paid before other creditors receive payment.

Some states also grant first-position priority to:

• Special assessment liens (for infrastructure improvements)
• Municipal utility liens (water, sewer, garbage)
• Code enforcement liens (for property violations)

Second Position: Mortgage Liens

Purchase-money mortgages—loans used to buy the property—typically hold second position after tax liens. The recording date determines priority among multiple mortgages:

• First mortgage: Recorded first, paid first among mortgages
• Second mortgage: Recorded second, paid after first mortgage
• Third mortgage: And so on…

When a first mortgage forecloses, it typically wipes out all junior mortgages. However, the foreclosing lender must still satisfy any senior tax liens.

Third Position: Mechanics’ Liens and Materialmen’s Liens

Mechanics’ liens protect contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who improve property but don’t receive payment. These liens have special priority rules:

Relation-back doctrine: In many states, a mechanic’s lien “relates back” to when work began, not when the lien was recorded. This can give mechanics’ liens priority over mortgages recorded after construction started.

State-specific variations: Some states grant mechanics’ liens “super-priority” over all liens except taxes. Others place them after recorded mortgages.

Strict deadlines: Mechanics’ liens must be filed within specific timeframes (often 60-120 days after work completion) or the right is lost.

Fourth Position: Judgment Liens

When someone wins a lawsuit and obtains a money judgment, they can record a judgment lien against the debtor’s real estate. These liens:

• Take priority based on recording date
• Typically fall behind mortgages and mechanics’ liens
• Remain enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state)
• Can be renewed before expiration

Judgment liens create complications when selling property with legal problems because title companies require them to be satisfied or released before closing.

Fifth Position: HOA Liens

Homeowners’ association liens for unpaid dues occupy varying positions depending on state law:

Super-priority states: Some states grant HOA liens limited priority over first mortgages (typically for 6-12 months of dues)

Standard priority states: HOA liens take priority based on recording date, usually falling behind mortgages

Foreclosure power: Many HOAs can foreclose for unpaid dues, potentially wiping out junior liens

Sixth Position: Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are those the property owner agrees to, including:

• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
• Second mortgages for renovations
• Seller financing agreements

These take priority based on recording date and typically fall behind involuntary liens like tax liens and judgment liens.

How Recording Date Affects Lien Priority ⏰

The county recorder’s office maintains the official record of all liens against property. The date and time a lien is recorded establishes its priority position among similar lien types.

The Recording Process

When a creditor records a lien:

1. Document is filed with the county recorder
2. Timestamp is applied showing exact date and time
3. Document is indexed under the property owner’s name
4. Public notice is established that the lien exists

This timestamp becomes critical when multiple liens of the same type exist. A mortgage recorded at 9:00 AM has priority over one recorded at 2:00 PM the same day.

Race-Notice and Notice Jurisdictions

States follow different rules about how recording affects priority:

Race-notice states (majority): The first creditor to record wins, provided they had no notice of earlier unrecorded interests.

Notice states (minority): A creditor with actual knowledge of an earlier interest loses priority, even if they record first.

Pure race states (very few): First to record wins, regardless of knowledge of other claims.

Understanding your state’s recording rules helps predict lien priority outcomes in complex situations.

Exceptions to the Recording Date Rule

Several important exceptions override the “first recorded, first paid” principle:

Tax liens: Jump ahead regardless of recording date

Purchase-money mortgages: May have priority over earlier recorded liens in some situations

Mechanics’ liens: Relate back to commencement of work

Lis pendens: Notice of pending litigation can preserve priority from filing date

These exceptions create complexity requiring expert service to navigate successfully.

Special Priority Situations and Exceptions 🔍

Real estate lien priority includes numerous special situations where standard rules don’t apply. Recognizing these exceptions prevents costly mistakes.

Subordination Agreements

Creditors can voluntarily change their priority position through subordination agreements. For example:

A homeowner with a first mortgage wants to add solar panels financed by a second mortgage. The solar lender requires first position. The original mortgage lender might agree to subordinate (move behind) the solar loan.

Subordination is voluntary and typically requires the senior lienholder to receive some benefit or assurance.

Equitable Liens

Courts sometimes impose equitable liens when fairness requires it, even without a recorded document. These might arise from:

• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Unjust enrichment
• Constructive trusts

Equitable liens’ priority depends on the specific circumstances and court determination.

Federal Priority Statute

The federal government enjoys special priority under 31 U.S.C. § 3713 when a debtor becomes insolvent. Federal claims (like tax debts) may jump ahead of earlier-recorded liens in insolvency situations.

Bankruptcy’s Impact on Lien Priority

When a property owner files bankruptcy, lien priority becomes more complex:

Automatic stay: Prevents creditors from foreclosing during bankruptcy

Lien stripping: Chapter 13 bankruptcy may eliminate wholly unsecured junior liens

Cramdowns: Bankruptcy courts can modify certain secured debts

Priority preservation: Lien priority generally remains intact, but enforcement is delayed

Bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate properly recorded liens, but it significantly affects how and when they’re satisfied.

How Lien Priority Affects Foreclosure Proceedings 🏠

Foreclosure dramatically demonstrates why lien priority matters. When a lienholder forecloses, the priority hierarchy determines who gets paid and whose liens survive.

Foreclosure by a Senior Lienholder

When a senior lienholder (like a first mortgage) forecloses:

Junior liens are wiped out: Second mortgages, judgment liens, and other junior claims are eliminated

Junior lienholders receive nothing: Unless sale proceeds exceed all senior debts

Senior liens survive: Tax liens and other liens senior to the foreclosing lien remain attached to the property

Example: A property has a $15,000 tax lien, $150,000 first mortgage, and $30,000 second mortgage. If the first mortgage forecloses and the property sells for $160,000:

• Tax lien receives $15,000
• First mortgage receives $145,000
• Second mortgage receives $0 (wiped out)

Foreclosure by a Junior Lienholder

When a junior lienholder forecloses:

Senior liens survive: They remain attached to the property

Buyer takes subject to senior liens: The purchaser must pay senior liens or face foreclosure

Other junior liens are eliminated: Liens junior to the foreclosing lien are wiped out

This makes junior lien foreclosures less attractive to buyers, often resulting in lower sale prices.

Tax Lien Foreclosure

When the government forecloses for unpaid property taxes:

All other liens are eliminated: Including first mortgages, regardless of recording date

Minimal sale prices: Tax foreclosure sales often attract investors seeking bargain properties

Redemption periods: Many states allow the owner to reclaim property by paying taxes plus interest

Property tax lien foreclosure represents the most powerful foreclosure type because tax liens hold superior priority.

Notice Requirements

Foreclosing lienholders must provide notice to:

• The property owner
• All junior lienholders of record
• Any other parties with recorded interests

Failure to provide proper notice can invalidate the foreclosure, creating title problems down the road.

Practical Implications for Property Owners 💡

Understanding lien priority helps property owners make strategic decisions when facing financial difficulties or complex property situations.

When Facing Multiple Liens

If your property has multiple liens, prioritize addressing them strategically:

Pay tax liens first: Their superior priority and foreclosure power demand immediate attention

Negotiate with junior creditors: They face greater risk and may accept reduced settlements

Communicate with senior lienholders: First mortgages have strong positions but may offer workout options

Consider timing: Some liens expire if not renewed; others accrue interest and penalties

Before Selling Property with Liens

Selling property with liens requires understanding which must be paid at closing:

Obtain a title report: Identifies all recorded liens and their amounts

Calculate net proceeds: Determine if sale price covers all liens

Negotiate payoffs: Some creditors accept less than full amount for immediate payment

Explore short sales: When liens exceed property value, lenders may approve short sales

Working with professionals who provide helpful guidance through these complex situations ensures liens are properly addressed.

When Inheriting Property with Liens

Inherited property often comes with unknown liens. Before accepting an inheritance:

Order a title search: Reveals all recorded liens and their priority

Assess total debt: Compare total liens against property value

Evaluate options: Determine whether keeping or selling makes financial sense

Understand liability: In most cases, heirs aren’t personally liable for the deceased’s debts, but liens remain attached to property

When Buying Property with Liens

Purchasing property with existing liens requires careful due diligence:

Require clear title: Most buyers should insist liens be cleared before closing

Adjust purchase price: If assuming liens, reduce price by lien amounts plus a discount

Obtain title insurance: Protects against undiscovered liens and priority disputes

Verify lien amounts: Confirm current payoff amounts, including interest and fees

How to Research Lien Priority on a Property 🔎

Determining lien priority requires accessing public records and understanding how to interpret them.

County Recorder’s Office

The county recorder (or register of deeds) maintains records of all recorded liens. You can:

Visit in person: View records at the county courthouse

Search online: Many counties offer online property record databases

Request copies: Obtain certified copies of recorded documents

Pay fees: Most counties charge nominal fees for searches and copies

Title Companies and Title Reports

Title companies specialize in researching property ownership and liens. A comprehensive title report includes:

• Complete ownership history
• All recorded liens with recording dates
• Easements and restrictions
• Legal description of the property
• Priority determination for each lien

Title reports cost $200-$500 but provide professional analysis of complex lien situations.

Public Records Searches

Several types of public records reveal potential liens:

Court records: Judgment liens from lawsuits

Tax records: Property tax arrears and tax liens

UCC filings: Liens on personal property (sometimes attached to real estate)

Federal records: IRS tax liens and federal judgments

Thorough research examines all these sources to identify every potential claim.

Professional Assistance

Complex lien situations benefit from professional help:

Real estate attorneys: Interpret lien priority and advise on legal options

Title examiners: Research and analyze property records

Real estate professionals: Provide industry experts guidance on navigating lien issues

Sure Path Property Solutions specializes in helping property owners understand and resolve complicated lien situations with friendly and caring expert service.

Resolving Lien Priority Disputes ⚖️

Sometimes creditors disagree about their priority positions. Several mechanisms exist for resolving these disputes.

Quiet Title Actions

A quiet title action is a lawsuit that asks the court to determine the validity and priority of all claims against property. This legal proceeding:

• Names all potential claimants as defendants
• Presents evidence of each lien’s recording date and basis
• Asks the court to establish definitive priority order
• Results in a court order clarifying ownership and lien positions

Quiet title actions typically cost $2,000-$5,000 and take 6-12 months to complete.

Interpleader Actions

When a property sells and insufficient funds exist to pay all lienholders, the seller or closing agent may file an interpleader action. This legal proceeding:

• Deposits sale proceeds with the court
• Asks the court to determine proper distribution
• Protects the depositor from multiple liability claims
• Allows lienholders to argue their priority positions

Negotiated Settlements

Many lien priority disputes resolve through negotiation:

Junior creditors accept reduced payments: Recognizing their weak position

Senior creditors subordinate: In exchange for fees or other considerations

Creditors share proceeds: Agreeing to proportional distribution

Liens are released: In exchange for negotiated settlements

Negotiation often provides faster, cheaper resolution than litigation.

Title Insurance Claims

When title insurance exists, priority disputes may trigger insurance claims:

Covered defects: Unknown liens or priority errors discovered after closing

Defense costs: Insurer pays legal fees to defend against claims

Loss coverage: Insurer compensates for financial losses from priority mistakes

Title insurance provides valuable protection but only covers issues existing before the policy date.

Common Lien Priority Mistakes to Avoid ⚠️

Understanding common errors helps property owners avoid costly mistakes.

Assuming All Liens Are Equal

Mistake: Treating all liens the same and paying them in random order

Reality: Priority determines payment order; ignoring it wastes resources

Solution: Research lien priority before deciding which debts to address

Ignoring Tax Liens

Mistake: Focusing on mortgage payments while ignoring property taxes

Reality: Tax liens have superior priority and aggressive collection powers

Solution: Prioritize property tax payments to avoid foreclosure

Failing to Record Liens Promptly

Mistake: Delaying lien recording, allowing other creditors to jump ahead

Reality: Recording date determines priority among similar liens

Solution: Record liens immediately to secure priority position

Not Obtaining Title Insurance

Mistake: Purchasing property without title insurance to save money

Reality: Undiscovered liens can create devastating financial losses

Solution: Always obtain title insurance when buying real estate

Attempting DIY Lien Resolution

Mistake: Trying to navigate complex lien situations without professional help

Reality: Lien priority involves technical legal rules with significant financial consequences

Solution: Consult with industry experts who provide trustworthy service and helpful solutions

State-Specific Variations in Lien Priority 🗺️

Lien priority rules vary significantly by state. Understanding your state’s specific laws is essential.

Community Property States

Nine states follow community property rules (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin). In these states:

• Property acquired during marriage is community property
• Liens may attach to community property for one spouse’s debts
• Priority rules apply differently to separate vs. community property

Homestead Exemption States

Most states provide homestead exemptions protecting a portion of home equity from creditors:

• Exemption amounts vary from $5,000 to unlimited
• Some liens (taxes, mortgages) override homestead protection
• Homestead laws affect which creditors can force sales

Super-Priority HOA States

States like Nevada and certain others grant HOA liens super-priority over first mortgages for limited amounts:

• Typically 6-12 months of unpaid dues
• HOA foreclosure can eliminate first mortgage
• Creates significant risk for mortgage lenders

Mechanics’ Lien States

States differ dramatically in mechanics’ lien priority:

Relation-back states: Lien priority dates to work commencement

Recording-date states: Priority based on lien filing date

Super-priority states: Mechanics’ liens beat all but tax liens

Researching State-Specific Rules

To understand your state’s lien priority rules:

• Consult state statutes on liens and foreclosure
• Review state supreme court decisions
• Hire local real estate attorneys
• Contact county recorder’s office
• Work with experienced title companies

Working with Professionals to Navigate Lien Priority 🤝

Complex lien situations benefit tremendously from professional guidance.

Real Estate Attorneys

Real estate attorneys provide:

• Legal analysis of lien priority
• Advice on resolution strategies
• Representation in quiet title actions
• Negotiation with creditors
• Document preparation and review

Attorneys typically charge $200-$500 per hour or flat fees for specific services.

Title Companies

Title companies offer:

• Comprehensive title searches
• Title insurance policies
• Escrow services for closings
• Lien payoff coordination
• Priority determination

Title company services typically cost $500-$2,000 depending on property value and complexity.

Real Estate Professionals

Experienced real estate professionals provide:

• Market analysis for properties with liens
• Buyer/seller representation
• Coordination with lien resolution
• Creative solutions for difficult situations

Sure Path Property Solutions specializes in helping property owners navigate complicated real estate issues including liens, judgments, and unclear title. Our team provides helpful guidance through every step of the process.

Tax Professionals

When tax liens are involved:

• CPAs analyze tax debt and payment options
• Enrolled agents negotiate with IRS
• Tax attorneys handle complex tax disputes
• Offer in compromise specialists seek debt reduction

Credit Counselors

For property owners facing multiple debts:

• Nonprofit credit counseling agencies provide free advice
• Debt management plans consolidate payments
• Bankruptcy counselors explain all options
• Housing counselors assist with foreclosure prevention

Real-World Scenarios: Lien Priority in Action 📖

Examining real situations illustrates how lien priority works in practice.

Scenario 1: Tax Lien Wipes Out First Mortgage

Situation: A homeowner stops paying property taxes for three years, accumulating $18,000 in tax debt. The property has a $120,000 first mortgage and is worth $140,000.

What Happened: The county forecloses for unpaid taxes. At the tax foreclosure sale, an investor buys the property for $25,000.

Result: The tax lien is satisfied, and the investor owns the property free and clear. The first mortgage is completely eliminated despite being recorded first. The mortgage lender loses $120,000.

Lesson: Tax liens’ superior priority makes them extremely powerful. Mortgage lenders cannot ignore tax arrears.

Scenario 2: Junior Liens Eliminated in Foreclosure

Situation: A property has:

• $12,000 property tax lien
• $180,000 first mortgage
• $40,000 second mortgage
• $15,000 judgment lien

The property is worth $200,000. The first mortgage forecloses.

What Happened: At foreclosure sale, the property sells for $195,000.

Distribution:

• Property taxes: $12,000
• First mortgage: $180,000
• Second mortgage: $3,000 (only $3,000 remains)
• Judgment lien: $0 (wiped out)

Result: The second mortgage and judgment lien are eliminated. The buyer owns the property subject only to any remaining tax obligations.

Lesson: Junior creditors face significant risk when senior liens foreclose.

Scenario 3: Mechanic’s Lien Priority Dispute

Situation: A homeowner refinances with a new $200,000 mortgage recorded January 15th. Construction on a home addition begins January 10th. The contractor files a mechanic’s lien on April 20th for $35,000 in unpaid work.

What Happened: The contractor claims priority over the mortgage because work began before the mortgage was recorded (relation-back doctrine).

Result: In a relation-back state, the mechanic’s lien has priority. The mortgage lender faces a senior $35,000 lien they didn’t anticipate.

Lesson: Lenders must verify no construction is underway before closing loans. Mechanics’ liens can have surprising priority.

Scenario 4: Multiple Heirs, Multiple Liens

Situation: Three siblings inherit property worth $150,000. They discover:

• $8,000 in unpaid property taxes
• $95,000 first mortgage
• $22,000 second mortgage
• $12,000 HOA lien

What Happened: The siblings disagree on whether to keep or sell. Meanwhile, liens accrue interest and penalties.

Result: After consulting with helpful professionals, they sell for $155,000. After paying all liens and closing costs, they net approximately $15,000 to split three ways.

Lesson: Inherited property with multiple liens requires quick action and professional guidance to preserve any equity.

Protecting Yourself: Best Practices for Lien Management 🛡️

Proactive lien management prevents problems before they develop.

For Property Owners

Pay property taxes first: Their superior priority demands priority attention

Maintain insurance: Protects against catastrophic losses that could lead to financial distress

Monitor your credit: Judgment liens often appear on credit reports

Record ownership changes: Ensures you receive notice of any lien filings

Keep good records: Document all property-related payments and agreements

For Buyers

Always obtain title insurance: Protects against undiscovered liens

Require title search: Identifies all liens before closing

Verify lien payoffs: Confirm liens are actually released after payment

Use escrow services: Ensures proper handling of lien payments at closing

Review title commitment carefully: Understand all exceptions and requirements

For Lenders

Conduct thorough due diligence: Search for all potential liens before lending

Require title insurance: Protects lender’s security interest

Monitor tax payments: Ensure borrowers stay current on property taxes

Perfect security interests: Record mortgages immediately after closing

Verify no construction: Check for mechanics’ lien risks before closing

For Contractors and Service Providers

File liens promptly: Strict deadlines apply to mechanics’ liens

Provide required notices: Preliminary notices preserve lien rights

Document everything: Keep detailed records of work performed and materials supplied

Understand state requirements: Lien laws vary significantly by state

Consider payment bonds: Require bonds on large projects for added security

The Future of Lien Priority: Emerging Trends 🔮

Several trends are shaping how lien priority works in 2026 and beyond.

Electronic Recording

More counties are implementing electronic recording systems:

• Faster recording with precise timestamps
• Reduced errors and lost documents
• Easier public access to records
• Potential for blockchain-based recording

Electronic systems make determining priority more precise and transparent.

Increased HOA Power

States continue debating HOA lien priority:

• Some expanding super-priority provisions
• Others limiting HOA foreclosure powers
• Growing litigation over HOA lien rights
• Federal legislation proposals

HOA lien priority remains a developing area of law.

Tax Lien Investment Changes

The tax lien investment market is evolving:

• Online auction platforms increasing participation
• Institutional investors entering the market
• Some states reforming tax foreclosure procedures
• Greater regulation of tax lien purchasers

These changes affect how quickly tax liens are enforced.

Title Insurance Innovation

Title insurance companies are modernizing:

• Automated title searches using AI
• Instant preliminary reports
• Enhanced coverage options
• Blockchain title registries (experimental)

Technology is making title research faster and more comprehensive.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Lien Situation

Understanding the Priority of Tax Liens: Understanding Lien Hierarchy in Real Estate empowers property owners to make informed decisions when facing complex financial situations. Whether you’re dealing with back taxes, inherited property with unknown debts, or title problems, knowing how lien priority works protects your interests.

The key takeaways to remember:

✅ Tax liens almost always come first, regardless of when other liens were recorded

✅ Recording date matters for determining priority among similar lien types

✅ Not all liens survive foreclosure—junior liens may be eliminated when senior lienholders foreclose

✅ Professional guidance is invaluable when navigating complex lien situations

✅ Proactive management prevents problems—address liens before they multiply and grow

Your Next Steps

If you’re facing property lien issues:

1. Order a title search to identify all liens against your property
2. Determine priority for each lien based on type and recording date
3. Calculate total debt compared to property value
4. Explore options including sale, refinance, or lien negotiation
5. Seek professional help from experienced real estate professionals

Sure Path Property Solutions specializes in helping property owners navigate complicated situations involving liens, judgments, back taxes, and unclear title. Our team of industry experts provides friendly and caring guidance, working with counties and title professionals to find helpful solutions for even the most challenging property situations.

Don’t let lien priority confusion prevent you from taking action. Whether you’re trying to sell land with a lien, resolve inherited property issues, or simply understand your options, professional guidance makes the process manageable.

Ready to resolve your property lien situation? Contact Sure Path Property Solutions today for a free consultation. Our expert team will review your specific situation, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence toward a clear, practical solution.