Lien
A monetary claim against property that secures payment of a debt. It can be voluntary, like a mortgage, or involuntary, like a tax or judgment lien.
Quick flashcard
What does Lien mean on the Texas real estate exam?
Answer: A monetary claim against property that secures payment of a debt. It can be voluntary, like a mortgage, or involuntary, like a tax or judgment lien.
Read the explanation below, then return to the full flashcard deck and try it again from memory.
Lien definition
A lien is a charge against property that secures payment of a debt or obligation. A voluntary lien is created by agreement, such as a mortgage. An involuntary lien arises by operation of law, such as a property tax lien, a judgment lien, or a construction lien.
Liens are a type of encumbrance. Priority among liens usually follows the order of recording, but Texas property tax liens take priority ahead of most other liens.
Source basis
Definition checked against the official sources below on .
On the exam
Exam trap
Tested in
Ownership & Title (9 of 80 National)
From definition to recall
See this term inside a real exam question.
Pass Texas gives you Texas-specific practice, diagnostics across the 14 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $59.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.
Try 5 free questionsThis definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.