What is a lien? A lien is a notice attached to your property which puts everyone on constructive notice that a creditor has a claim.  A lien is typically a filed and recorded in the county public records (if involving real property) or with the secretary of state (if involving personal property). Why does a lien help a creditor? Well… in order to sell or refinance the property, the borrower’s lender is going to require clear title on the property as a prerequisite to the loan. Thus, a lien existing on your house has the negative effect of clouding the title and …