What is the role of a lien in terms of property sales?

A lien plays a crucial role in property sales as it acts as a legal claim against a property to secure the payment of a debt or obligation. The existence of a lien means that there is an encumbrance on the property that must be addressed before the ownership can be transferred. In most cases, any outstanding liens must be paid off and satisfied prior to the completion of a property sale, which ensures that the new owner receives clear title to the property without any outstanding financial claims against it.

Because of this requirement, liens directly affect the sale process and are essential in protecting both the seller's and the buyer's interests. If a lien is not resolved, it can hinder the sale and complicate the transfer of ownership, which is why it is stipulated that any liens need to be cleared before a transfer can legally occur. This ensures a smoother transaction and protects the rights of the buyer.