Can you sell a Snohomish County or King County home with a lien?
Yes, you can sell a home in Snohomish County or King County even if there’s a lien on it. A lien is a legal claim against your property for unpaid debts, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent a sale. With expert guidance from local REALTOR® Marie-Noelle Metseye, you can navigate lien resolution and successfully close your home sale.
What Is a Lien and How It Impacts Your Sale
A lien gives a creditor the right to claim part of your property’s value to cover a debt. Common types in Washington include mortgage liens, property tax liens, mechanic’s liens, HOA liens, and judgment liens. When a lien is recorded, it attaches to your property title, meaning it must be cleared or resolved before the sale can finalize.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Lien
The first step is identifying what kind of lien exists. Review your title report or contact escrow. You can also search county property records online. Both Snohomish and King County allow public access through their recorder or auditor’s offices.
Step 2: Understand Your Options Before Selling
Here are common ways to handle liens before or during a sale:
- Pay off the lien before closing. Clear the debt to ensure a clean title.
- Use sale proceeds to pay off the lien at closing. Escrow can handle the payment directly.
- Negotiate a partial payment or release. Creditors may accept a reduced amount.
- Seek legal or financial help. For complex or judgment liens, consult professionals.
Step 3: Work With a Skilled Agent and Title Company
Marie-Noelle Metseye works closely with trusted title and escrow professionals to identify and resolve lien issues early. By obtaining a preliminary title report before listing, potential problems can be addressed proactively to avoid closing delays.
Step 4: Be Transparent With Buyers
Washington law requires sellers to disclose known title issues, including liens. Transparency helps prevent disputes and builds buyer confidence. Buyers are often open to purchasing if they know the lien will be cleared during closing.
Local Market Insights
In Snohomish and King County, sellers frequently discover small liens, like unpaid utilities or contractor balances, during title review. These are common and easily handled at closing. High-demand areas such as Bothell, Bellevue, and Lynnwood often see lien payoffs arranged quickly through escrow so sales stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home With a Lien
Can I sell my home if I owe property taxes?
Yes. The taxes are usually paid from the sale proceeds during closing.
What if I can’t afford to pay the lien upfront?
You can often pay it from your home’s equity when the sale closes.
Does a lien lower my home’s value?
It doesn’t reduce the market value, but it must be resolved to complete the sale.
Conclusion: You Can Still Sell With Confidence
Selling a home with a lien may sound complicated, but it’s very manageable with the right help. Marie-Noelle Metseye helps homeowners in Snohomish and King County resolve liens efficiently and move forward with confidence.
Have a lien on your property? Contact Marie-Noelle Metseye today for professional guidance and a clear path to selling your home successfully.
