Lien Payoff & Priority Calculator

A mechanic's lien usually equals the unpaid contract balance for labor, materials, or services that improved the property, plus statutory interest (often 1-1.5% per month) and, in many states, attorney fees if the lien is foreclosed. Some states require strict notice and pre-lien filings within 20-90 days of work.

Judgment interest is set by state statute and ranges widely - commonly 4-10% simple interest, but some states (e.g., 9% in New York, 10% in California for non-financial judgments) are higher. Interest typically runs from the date of judgment until paid. Compounding rules vary; most states use simple interest unless a contract provides otherwise.

Mechanic's liens generally must be foreclosed within 90 days to 2 years of recording (state-specific). Judgment liens typically last 5-20 years and can usually be renewed. Property tax liens vary by state but often have priority over almost all other liens.

Pay and obtain a release; bond around the lien (post a bond, typically 100-150% of the lien amount, to free the property); negotiate a settlement; or challenge the lien in court if it was improperly recorded. Improperly recorded liens can also expose the claimant to slander-of-title damages.