A lien is a creditor’s recorded claim against a property as security for a debt. Mortgages are the most common, but liens can also come from unpaid property taxes, court judgments, or contractors who weren’t paid (mechanic’s liens). Because a lien travels with the property, it generally has to be satisfied before ownership can transfer free and clear. At closing the title company identifies every lien and arranges payoff — typically from the seller’s sale proceeds — and obtains the releases. Catching and clearing liens is a core reason the title search and escrow process exist.