How to Search for Liens on Homes
When you’re considering an investment in a home, you’ll want to know whether it is bound to lien holders in the business, property or federal tax sectors. Here’s how to check.
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Instructions
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Call the clerk of court at the city or county courthouse where the property is located. Some courts publish lien information on publicly available Web sites. Barring that, you’ll want to go in person to the court.
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Ask the clerk of court to direct you to the tax records, where the property will be listed.
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Note the sources of any references to the property, including the file number or book number and page, and return to the clerk for access to those sources. Apart from possible photocopy charges you may incur, such court records are free.
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You may also obtain access to lien records through paid, Web-based services. See examples in the “Resources” section below.
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Use the Experian credit reporting agency to check for liens and investigate other aspects of businesses online. From the home page, click on “business services,” and scroll down to the “client access” menu. Now choose “business public records" from the pull-down list. You will be guided through the process and must pay a fee.
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