How to Find Judgments or Liens on Property
Prospective purchasers of a home or of real property must know whether the property is encumbered by liens or judgments because satisfaction of such liens or judgments is mandatory to acquire title to the property. Banks, construction companies, government tax agencies and other creditors place liens on property, alerting the public that a property provides security for an outstanding obligation. Judgments are legal records of unpaid debt that has been confirmed by a court. Judgments and liens are a matter of public record and can be discovered by checking with the county clerk or by performing a title search.
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Instructions
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Gather all relevant data regarding the property. Identify the name of the county where the property is found, the street address of the property, the name or names of the property owners and a legal description of the property, if available. This information can be gathered from various sources, including plat maps or telephone directories.
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Conduct a search for liens or judgments at the office of the county clerk or recorder where the property is found. Many county clerks provide the information online, but in other cases a visit to the office will be necessary. The lien or judgment should provide the name of the lien or judgment holder, the amount of the obligation and contact information.
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Hire a title search company (using an online finder such as manta.com or valuationresources.com) to conduct a title and name search regarding the property. Title search companies can find judgments and liens that may not be recorded with the county clerk. Title searches--conducted against the name or names of the owners, the property description and street address of property--can also locate tax liens from government authorities.
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