Can liens against a house be found out before closing?

[Andrea Tapp]

Is there any public way to find out if there are any liens against a house you are going to make an offer ? One owner told me there may be some liens from the city for yard maintenance? but he wasn't sure.  how can i find this out.  he also said that he is getting water bills.  just makes me wonder what other bones are in the closet?  can i dig and find out before i make any offers?