Can a release of lien be obtained if the original lienholder cannot be located?

The standard practice is that any lien against the property should be paid off at or before closing. You should also have obtained title insurance, which generally covers liens that were not satisfied. You should have received a copy of your title insurance policy sometime after closing, and the lien coverage (or any exception) should appear on the policy. At this point, you should contact an attorney to review all of your closing documents and advise you on the best course of action.

Hello! My name is Dolan and thank you so much for coming to the site. Once you’ve identified the lienholder (usually it's the county assessor), you’ll need to resolve the outstanding debt. Depending on the circumstances, this might mean paying off the unpaid taxes yourself if they were not cleared during the sale. If you’re paying the lien yourself, make sure to get documentation from the lienholder showing that the debt has been satisfied. Usually, this may just require going online to get a receipt or proof that the property has a zero balance. What else you can get is a lien release or satisfaction of lien. The lienholder is responsible for filing the release with the county recorder’s office (these are often in the same agencies), but it’s always a good idea to follow up and make sure it’s actually recorded. Let us know how else we can help! Thanks!

I'm assuming this is a UCC Lien on the business assets. You can file a release yourself with the IL Secretary of State. There's also an affidavit that will go with it.

Without complications, attorneys fees relative to drafting a deed granting the property from one owner to another will cost roughly $500 - $750 in Massachusetts. Usually, these matters are relatively uncomplicated, however, at times they can be more complex. The attorney should take some time with you to understand the details of your situation so as to ensure that the deed is drafted according to your needs.

In Massachusetts it is advisable to have an attorney represent you in negotiating a Purchase and Sale Agreement. Purchasing a home is usually the most expensive item that a person buys in their lifetime. Regarding closing costs, they are driven mostly by your lender.