Amy Fontinelle is a freelance writer, researcher and editor who brings a journalistic approach to personal finance content. Since 2004, she has worked with lenders, real estate agents, consultants, ...

A lien is a creditor’s legal right or claim to your property. The purpose of a lien is to hold a property item — it doesn’t have to be a house — as collateral for a loan or debt. If you don’t pay off ...