Selling a House with Liens in Jacksonville, FL
When selling a house with liens in Jacksonville, FL, you may have a lot of questions and concerns. When a lien is attached to a house, the property is encumbered and must be resolved prior to sale.
There are many reasons a lien can be placed on a property, and there are different types you may encounter. Below, we explain each type so you understand what you’re dealing with and how to resolve it according to Florida law.
If you’re trying to sell your Jacksonville home fast, resolving property liens is a necessary part of the process.
Evaluating the Liens in Jacksonville: What Are the Different Types?
Judgment Lien:
A judgment lien is filed by unsecured creditors, such as those collecting on credit card debt, personal loans, or medical bills. A lawsuit must be filed and won by the creditor before the lien is granted.
These liens may attach to both real and personal property. If present, the lien must be cleared before closing. Title companies will uncover these during a title search, and any unresolved liens will cloud the title, delaying or preventing a sale.
Property Tax Lien:
Commonly referred to as a tax lien, this occurs after prolonged non-payment of property taxes. If taxes remain unpaid, the county may sell a tax lien certificate to a private investor who then earns interest on the owed amount. Eventually, if taxes remain unpaid, the property may be sold at a tax deed auction.
IRS Liens:
The IRS can place a lien for unpaid federal income taxes. This can result in wage garnishment or even a forced property sale. Learn more on the IRS website.
Child Support Liens:
These liens may be filed by a Florida circuit court when child support payments are significantly overdue. Learn more here.
Mechanic’s Liens:
Contractors and laborers can file a lien when they haven’t been paid for services rendered. In Florida, they must record it within 90 days of non-payment. If they win a lawsuit to enforce it, they may force the sale of your home. Services like Handle make filing these liens easier than ever.
Nuisance Liens:
These are typically filed by the city for unresolved violations such as overgrown grass, broken windows, or excessive debris. The City of Jacksonville may reduce or remove the lien if the homeowner agrees to correct the issues.
Demolition Liens:
Filed when the city demolishes a condemned structure, these liens often accompany nuisance liens and are placed on the now-vacant land. Learn more about selling vacant land or condemned properties.
Selling the House: Options for Resolving an Outstanding Lien
1. Paying Off the Liens Yourself
If you have the means, paying off liens will remove them from the title, allowing the sale to proceed. Once cleared, a title search will reflect the updated status. However, many sellers choose another route due to the cost.
2. Selling the Property with Liens Attached
It’s possible to sell a home with liens, but the buyer must agree to assume them (or they’re paid from closing proceeds). Most retail buyers will walk away from a lien-encumbered property, which is why cash buyers or investors are often the best route. You can sell your Jacksonville property for cash even with liens.
If liens are greater than the home’s value, closing may be impossible without a creative solution. We offer free title searches to help assess what’s owed vs. your home’s current value.
Can I Sell My Home with Property Liens?
Having liens can feel overwhelming—especially if they’re discovered during probate or after inheriting a property. Understanding your options is key.
Resolve Liens Yourself
Paying off liens gives you full control over the process and improves your chances of a smooth sale. It also prevents legal action or financial fallout later on.
Let Us Pay Off Your Liens and Buy Your House
Can’t resolve the liens yourself? That’s where we come in. We’ll:
- Perform a free title search
- Determine your home’s as-is value
- Present you with a fair cash offer
- Pay off any liens as part of the purchase
We buy houses as-is—repairs, liens, and all.
Reach out to us for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Call us or fill out our quick form today.
How Do I Find Out if There’s a Lien on My Property in Florida?
- Visit the County Clerk’s Office or Website: Most have public lien search tools.
- Search by Property Information: Use your parcel number, address, or owner name.
- Review Lien Details: Check type, amount owed, and lienholder info.
- Visit in Person (Optional): Staff can assist with your search.
- Hire a Title Company: They’ll provide a detailed title report.
- Ask Us: We’ll run a title search for you—just get in touch.
Selling a Home with a Lien in Florida
Liens are legal claims due to unpaid debts. They can:
- Delay or block a home sale
- Reduce your home’s value
- Damage your credit
- Result in foreclosure if unresolved
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Lien?
Unpaid liens can accrue interest or penalties. Creditors may escalate to legal action. It’s important to take action early, either by paying, disputing, or negotiating.
How to Remove a Lien from Your Home
To remove a lien:
- Pay the amount owed
- Obtain a notarized release
- File it with the county clerk
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a partial settlement.
Can You Sell a Home with a Lien in Florida?
A home can be sold with a lien in place, but the sale typically cannot proceed without addressing the debt. Most buyers will not purchase a home with an active lien, and lenders often require all liens to be resolved before approving a mortgage.
Common Liens Placed on Florida Homes
- Mortgage Liens: Applied by lenders when a homeowner takes out a mortgage loan.
- Tax Liens: Issued by the government due to unpaid property taxes.
- Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid work or materials.
- IRS Liens: Placed for unpaid federal taxes.
- Judgment Liens: Resulting from legal disputes or court rulings.
- Child Support Liens: Filed when child support payments are overdue.
Can a Lien from a Previous Owner Affect Your Property?
While title searches typically uncover existing liens, there are rare instances where improperly recorded liens may not appear until after a sale. If a lien from a previous owner is discovered after purchase, legal assistance may be required to remove the lien from the property record.
Handling Liens Before Selling Your Home
If you have a lien on your property, addressing it as soon as possible is essential to avoid delays in selling your home. Clearing a lien ensures a smoother sales process and protects your credit score. Seeking professional legal and financial advice can help you navigate the complexities of lien resolution and property sales.
Liens can significantly impact both your ability to sell your home and your financial stability. If you discover a lien on your property, taking prompt action to resolve it is crucial. Whether negotiating payment, disputing the claim, or seeking legal assistance, addressing liens proactively will help you avoid complications and move forward with confidence in your home sale process.