T
he Unseen Liens That Can Attach to Your Home

    As a homeowner, you're likely aware of the mortgage that secures your property. However, there are other debts that can quietly attach to your home, waiting to be discovered when it's time to sell. These hidden liens can catch you off guard and derail even the most straightforward real estate transactions.

    Consider John Smith, who fell behind on his homeowner's association dues. The HOA placed a lien on his property, which could have been avoided with timely payments. Similarly, Jane Smith's failure to pay her Delaware income or federal taxes resulted in a judgment against her, attaching a lien to her home. And then there's Jacob Smith, who neglected to pay his Sussex County property taxes, leading to years of back taxes and interest – not to mention the threat of forced sale.

    The key takeaway is that unpaid debts can lead to liens on your property, which must be settled before you can sell your home. It's a costly and time-consuming process, but one that becomes unavoidable when title searches reveal these hidden liabilities. As Meaghan Mahoney Hudson so aptly puts it: "It's better to pay the piper, as it will catch up with you at the time of a sale."

    But what about those unexpected liens? Like the home equity line of credit that slipped under the radar for one seller, only to surface during title search. Or the mechanic's lien filed by an unpaid contractor? These can be just as devastating, especially if they're not addressed before settlement.

    The moral of the story is clear: stay on top of your debts and obligations. Pay your taxes, keep your HOA account current, and review your credit reports regularly. And when it comes to contractors or service providers, request proof of payment and ensure that all work is completed before making final payments. By doing so, you'll avoid the stress and financial burden of hidden liens – and ensure a smooth real estate transaction.