Mechanic's lien on my new condo?

Question

I was just given notice that a mechanic's lien has been filed on my new condo. Attached to the notice is a bill from the claimant to the builder of the condos. The bill was dated September of 2006 (while the builder still owned the condo) and the lien was just filed in August of 2007 (eight months after I had purchased the condo).

I know what a mechanic's lien is because I work in the construction industry and our company files them against people who don't pay us. Is there anything I need to do about this? The builder is the one responsible for the bill, but a mechanic's lien does not motivate them to pay the bill because they no longer own the property. I don't plan to sell the condo anytime soon, but I'm worried about what will happen if the builder doesn't pay the bill.

I live in Iowa.

Answer 1

Contact an attorney to take care of this problem. It won't go away on its own and may become a problem down the road if you ever want to move.

Answer 2

absent knowing where you are, we can't tell you about your state's laws.

you may have to file an action to quiet title in court. This would, of course, have to be properly drafted and argued, which probably means hiring an attorney.

I'm fairly sure that in my state any possible mechanic's lien is squashed when the deed recording the sale of the property is filed -- however, this may not be the case in your state.


GL

Answer 3

You can contact a lawyer,a Real estate lawyer. he can get this off your home and off you credit report. Good luck.Just do this and you will be free of worry.

Answer 4

Just sit it out . . . It might be easier to pay it (depending on the size). It sounds like your caught in someone else's fight.