Selling a house fast in Pittsburgh can be complicated, especially when there are some hurdles. One challenge is discovering that a lien has been recorded against your property. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to understand your options to make selling your home easier. We have compiled a comprehensive guide explaining what you can do if you want to sell a house with a lien in Pittsburgh. 

What Is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim against a homeowner to make sure they pay a debt. It is like a guarantee, and if the homeowner hasn't paid the debt before the home sale, the money from the home sale will go to the lienholder.

Can You Sell a House With a Lien?

Many ask, “Can I sell my house fast in Pittsburgh if I have liens on it?” The quick answer is yes, you can sell a house with a lien, but it can be difficult. If you're selling your home the traditional way, you'll be dealing with so many legal aspects, and depending on the type of lien, your choices for selling might be limited.

Different Types of Liens

  1. HOA liens: If you have failed to pay your homeowner association fees, the HOA can put a lien on your property.
  2. Mortgage liens: If you take out a mortgage to buy a home, it puts a lien on the property.
  3. Judgment liens: If someone wins a lawsuit against you, they can lodge a lien on your home.
  4. Mechanic's liens: If you fail to pay a contractor for work on your home, the contractor has the right to file a lien on your property.
  5. Child support liens: If you don't pay child support ordered by the court, the court can issue a lien on your property.
  6. Property tax liens: If you default on paying property taxes as a homeowner, the government will raise a lien on your Pittsburgh property.

How to Find Out If There's a Lien on Your House

You might want to know how to check if there's a lien on your house. Since liens are public records, you can search for them on your county clerk or recorder's website. You can search liens for free, but you'll have to pay for a copy of the report. You can also hire a real estate attorney or title company to do this for you.

How to Sell a Property With Lien

If you can't afford to pay the lien before selling your home, don't worry. You can still sell it. Here are two ways:

Solution 1: Negotiate With the Lienholder

Sometimes, a lienholder may be willing to negotiate a lower lien amount. For example, creditors typically find it challenging to collect the full value of a lien or judgment, so they might compromise a portion of the outstanding debt or agree to a monthly payment plan to make repayment more practicable.

Solution 2: Sell It to “We Buy Houses in Pittsburgh for Cash” Companies

An easement on your property can scare off traditional home buyers. So, selling your home to a reliable cash home buyer in Pittsburgh can save you from the headache of dealing with the lien yourself and guarantee fast money in less than two weeks to pay the lien off. Plus, you don't have to worry about the lengthy and complicated paperwork that comes with a property having any lien. The cash home-buying company will do all the steps on your behalf to complete the transaction smoothly and successfully.

If you want a quick home sale with liens, connect with 412 Houses. We buy houses in Pittsburgh in any condition and situation within two weeks.