lien
Definition
A legal claim against an asset which is used to secure a loan and which must be paid when the property is sold. Liens can be structured in many different ways. In some cases, the creditor will have legal claim against an asset, but not actually hold it in possession, while in other cases the creditor will actually hold on to the asset until the debt is paid off. The former is a more common arrangement when the asset is productive, since the creditor would prefer that the asset be used to produce a stream of income to pay off debt rather than just held in possession and not used. A claim can hold against an asset until all the obligations to the creditor are cleared (a general lien), or just until the obligations against that particular assets are cleared (a particular lien).
Cite this definition
Related Terms
chattel mortgage, clear title, blanket lien, deed of release, discharge of lien, Federal tax lien, floating lien, general lien, judgment lien, no-lien affidavit, prior lien bond, tax lien, title search
'lien
' appears in the definitions of these terms on BusinessDictionary.combanker's lien, equitable lien, special lien, possessory lien, statutory lien, and
Related Research Articles from the InvestorGuide.com University
Selling a Home Looking to sell your home or just to find out the best practice for the process? Learn the steps you need to take to sell your home, and how to get the best price.

Home Equity Looking for a second mortgage or to borrow against the money you have down on your house? Find out all you need to know in this comprehensive article about home equity.

Mortgages Learn how to find a mortgage. Learn how to choose between fixed-rate and variable rate mortgages. Understand what points are, and what term or duration is best for you. Learn about pre-qualification, credit history, down payments, refinancing, reverse mortgages, and related topics.

Featured Sponsor
|
|