Off market propery has a mechanics lien

[Garret L.]

A wholesaler has a property for sale but the title search came back with a $2,500 mechanics lien. I understand to clear the lien someone must get paid $2,500 but in this case who gets paid? The contractor is no longer in the country and unreachable. The lawyer that filed the lien is no longer in business. Is there another way to get a clear title on this property?

[Tom Gimer]

Mechanics liens typically expire much quicker than mortgage or judgment liens. Research local law (or contact your title company) and determine how long that out-of-the-country contractor has to foreclose on its lien. Many statutes limit them to a period of days or months, not years. Once it is expired it is a non-issue.