Selling a house is already a stressful experience, but it becomes even more complex when there are liens attached to the property. A lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a creditor—such as a lender, the government, or a contractor—and it typically needs to be addressed before the home can legally transfer ownership.
If you’re trying to sell a house with liens in Arkansas, it’s essential to understand your options so you can move forward with confidence. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully sell a property that has one or more liens on it.
1. Identify the Type of Lien
Before you can resolve a lien, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. In Arkansas, the most common types of property liens include:
- Tax Liens – Filed by the government when property taxes go unpaid.
- Contractor or Mechanic’s Liens – Placed by contractors or subcontractors who weren’t paid for completed work on the home.
- Mortgage Liens – Held by your lender when mortgage payments are overdue, especially in pre-foreclosure situations.
- Judgment Liens – Created when a creditor wins a lawsuit against the homeowner and a court orders repayment.
Each type of lien has its own rules and legal implications. Understanding what type you’re facing is the first step to resolving it and preparing your house for sale.
2. Contact the Lien Holder
Once you know the type of lien, reach out to the lien holder directly. This is usually the entity or individual that filed the lien—whether it’s a bank, a contractor, or a government agency. Ask:
- How much is owed?
- Are there payment plan options?
- Can the debt be settled for less than the full amount?
Some lien holders are open to negotiation, especially if they know you’re trying to sell the home. However, if a lien must be paid in full before closing, and you don’t have the funds, this can delay or derail the sale.
3. Sell to a Cash Home Buyer in Arkansas
If you’re dealing with a lien and don’t have the time or resources to negotiate a payoff or fund repairs, selling your house directly to a professional cash home buyer like Natural State Home Buyer may be your best option.
Here’s how Natural State Home Buyer can help:
✅ We buy homes as-is – no repairs or clean-up needed
✅ We handle the lien negotiation – so you don’t have to
✅ We pay in cash – with closings in as little as 7 days
✅ We cover most or all of the closing costs
Our experienced team has worked with homeowners across Arkansas who were dealing with difficult situations, including liens, foreclosure, inherited property, and more. We know how to navigate these situations and can help you move forward quickly and with less stress.
4. Consider Working with a Real Estate Agent (With Caution)
If you’re not comfortable selling directly, you may want to consult a real estate agent. Some agents have experience working with properties that have liens and can guide you through listing the home, negotiating with lien holders, and attracting buyers. However, keep in mind:
- Agents charge commissions (usually 5-6% of the sale price)
- You may need to make repairs or stage the home
- The process can take months—which may not be ideal if you’re in a time-sensitive situation
If you choose this route, be sure to work with an agent in Arkansas who has specific experience handling sales involving liens.
You Have Options – Don’t Let a Lien Stop You from Selling
Selling a house with a lien in Arkansas isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. With the right approach—and the right team on your side—you can still sell your home and move forward, even if you’re facing financial or legal hurdles.
📞 Contact Natural State Home Buyer today at 479-324-5820 to get a fair, all-cash offer on your house—even if it has liens or other issues.
📝 Fill out our online form to get started.
At Natural State Home Buyer, we’re here to help you sell your home fast, no matter the condition or situation. Let’s turn your challenge into a solution.