What characterizes a property interest lien?

A property interest lien is a legal claim against a property that serves to secure payment or performance of an obligation. One of the defining characteristics of a property interest lien is that it can impede the selling or refinancing of the property. When a lien is in place, it creates an obligation that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred to a new owner or refinanced for additional funds. This condition can deter potential buyers or limit financing options, as they may not want to deal with a property that has outstanding liens.

Additionally, liens typically must be resolved to clear the title, which means the seller must address the lien through payment or negotiation before closing a sale. Therefore, a lien can significantly influence a property's marketability and the owner's financial decisions regarding the property.