What is a Lien? Understanding Liens for Real Estate Students
RELNY provides the education, tools, and support to help future real estate professionals master the complexities of liens in the New York market
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Course Certified & Accredited by NYS DOS & ARELLO®
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77 Hour NYS Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Course
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Live Office Hours with Kristen
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Take Final Exam at Home
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Kristen's 1:1 Private Tutoring
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Subtitles/Transcripts for all languages offered by NYS DOS
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Call/Text (877) 997-3569
What is a Lien? Understanding Liens for Real Estate Students
If you’re studying real estate, you may have come across the term lien and wondered, What is a lien? A lien is a legal claim against a property used as collateral for a debt. Understanding liens is essential for real estate students because they can impact property transactions, financing, and legal ownership. At RELNY, we provide the education, tools, and support to help future real estate professionals master the complexities of liens in the New York market.
What is a Lien?
A lien is a legal encumbrance placed on a property by a creditor or governing authority to secure payment for a debt. Until the lien is resolved, it can restrict the owner’s ability to sell or refinance the property. Here are some common types of Liens in real estate:
- Mortgage Liens
When a borrower takes out a mortgage, the lender places a lien on the property until the loan is fully paid.
- Tax Liens
The government can place a lien on a property if the owner fails to pay property taxes.
- Mechanic’s Liens
Contractors or suppliers who aren’t paid for work done on a property can file a lien to secure payment.
- Judgment Liens
If a court grants a creditor the right to collect an unpaid debt, they may place a lien on the debtor’s property.
- HOA Liens
Homeowners’ associations can file liens against properties when dues go unpaid.
As a real estate professional, understanding these liens will help you guide your future clients through potential title issues and ensure smooth transactions.
Why Real Estate Students Need to Understand Liens
Liens can prevent real estate transactions from closing and affect property valuations. As a future agent, you’ll need to:
- Identify liens through title searches before a transaction.
- Understand lien priority to determine which debts must be paid first.
- Assist clients in resolving lien issues to close deals successfully.
Knowing what a lien is and how it affects real estate can make you a more knowledgeable and effective agent.
How Real Estate Agents Identify Liens
As a real estate professional, you’ll need to verify whether a property has any outstanding liens. Here’s how:
- Title Searches
A title company reviews public records for liens before closing a sale.
- County Recorder’s Office
Many liens are publicly recorded and can be accessed for verification.
- Working with Attorneys
Real estate attorneys can help resolve lien disputes before a transaction closes.
How RELNY Prepares Real Estate Students to Handle Liens
At RELNY, we offer comprehensive real estate courses that equip students with the knowledge and skills to handle liens and other transactional challenges.
- Fully Accredited Real Estate Courses
Our courses are approved by the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) and accredited by ARELLO®, ensuring you receive industry-leading education.
- Learn from New York’s #1 Real Estate Instructor
Kristen Bacorn, recognized as New York’s #1 Real Estate Instructor, leads our courses, providing practical insights on topics like liens, contracts, and title searches.
- Multilingual Support
To support New York’s diverse real estate community, RELNY offers course video subtitles and full transcripts in all five languages supported by the NYS Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam:
- English
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Russian
- Korean
- Affordable and Flexible Learning
RELNY offers one of the most affordable pre-licensing courses in New York without compromising on quality. Our flexible online platform allows you to learn at your own pace, whether you’re balancing a full-time job, family obligations, or other commitments.
- Job Placement Solutions
RELNY’s commitment to your success doesn’t stop at education. Our Job Placement Solutions connect you with top real estate brokers in New York, providing valuable networking opportunities and career support as you launch or advance your career.
Start Your Real Estate Career with RELNY Today!
Understanding what a lien is is crucial for anyone entering the real estate industry. At RELNY, we provide the knowledge and resources to help you build a successful career. Our accredited courses, expert instruction, and job placement assistance ensure that you’re well-prepared for real-world transactions.
Enroll today and take the first step in your real estate journey!
Complete List of RELNY Real Estate Accreditations
RELNY is proud to be fully accredited by both the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) and the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO®). This accreditation is more than just a formal recognition; it serves as a testament to the high standards of education and training we provide in the real estate sector.
RELNY's Unparalleled Learning Advantage
Kristen Bacorn's Online Real Estate Courses are Produced Exclusively for RELNY. As New York’s #1 Real Estate Instructor, Kristen’s engaging teaching style and comprehensive curriculum make RELNY the ideal choice for anyone looking to excel in real estate.
Unlock Success with RELNY: Purpose-Built Course Software
In the fast-paced world of real estate education, having the right tools can make all the difference between merely passing an exam and truly excelling in your career. RELNY’s purpose-built course software offers a suite of features designed to elevate the learning experience, making it easier, more engaging, and highly effective for students.
Meet RELNY's Kristen Bacorn, New York's #1 Real Estate Instructor
• NYS Department of State & ARELLO® Certified
• Masters, Harvard University
• Commercial & Residential Real Estate Broker
• Educator at RELNY, SUNY, CUNY, NAR, AIA
• Addressed the United Nations 2X
• Interviewed by Wall St. Journal & New York Times
RELNY FAQs
At RELNY, we understand that embarking on a career in real estate is a significant step, and choosing the right educational path is crucial. As the premier New York real estate school, we are dedicated to providing our students with the highest quality education and support. This FAQ page is designed to address some of the most common questions prospective and current students have about our courses and exam prep.
RELNY Job Placement Solutions: Your Bridge to Success
At RELNY, we are committed to more than just providing a top-tier real estate education—we're dedicated to ensuring our students thrive in their careers post-graduation. Our comprehensive Job Placement Solutions & Services are designed to support you every step of the way as you transition from being a student to a successful real estate professional.
Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent with RELNY Instructor Kristen Bacorn
Learn how to become a New York real estate agent from Kristen Bacorn - the #1 Real Estate Instructor in New York. Our accredited New York real estate licensing course can be completed in 1 week and can be taken online from the comfort of your home, or from your mobile phone.
