The key is to make sure the buyer and seller sign off on the escrow release.

If you receive the notice, make sure you get both partial (as you go) releases with draws and a Final release before/when making final payment, both from all subs you know of/can identify, and the gc.Some jurisdictions require you to file/record some type of Notice of Commencement so that subs/suppliers have the proper legal address for these notices.....if you fail to do this, their “clock” to start the timelines for their required notices/liens never starts.

You typically want partial releases from all subs, starting with the second draw (they get paid after the gc gets their draw typically).  

My suggestion , play nice , offer him $2500 in a cashiers check in return for the lien release .  

Here, they had to have filed a Notice To Owner notifying them they are a sub/supplier on their project...after that the owner needs to get a progress/final release from that sub each time they pay the GC.

You may need:"authorization to release information"= Gives you permission to talk to the bank on their behalf. 

Here's what we have.This disclaimer is at the bottom of our applications, before the signature line:AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION— The landlord or landlord’s representative who will verify information is <you or your agent>, Property Manager, <your entity here>, LLC.

The craziest past of this dune buggy accident is I felt like the biggest a-hoe in the world and could not forgive myself as I was driving to the hospital to meet the two accident victims, but the time I got to the hospital both victims had already been releases with not even a scratch.I never learned my lesson after the dune buggy accident.

To have the funds released you need to have a third-party inspect the house (typically handled by the HML) and the repairs made.

After he/she/it pays for the permits and provides proof of payment, reimburse the contractor (while obtaining the appropriate lien release from the contractor).