Definition of "Mortgage lien"

Miguel C. Martinez real estate agent

Written by

Miguel C. Martinezelite badge icon

Coldwell Banker Realty

A lien on the property of a mortgagor. In most states a mortgage gives the mortgagee a lien-as opposed to the common-law practice of granting conditional title-on the house or property as security for the loan. A mortgage lien secures the loan. In the event of a default, a mortgage lien holder can foreclosure on the property in order to satisfy the claim of the mortgagor. The priority of a mortgage lien depends on the number of previous liens on the property. If there are no other previous mortgage liens or other financial obligations against the property, then the mortgage lien is considered a first mortgage and takes priority over succeeding loan agreements. In case of foreclosure, the holder of a second mortgage lien can recover only after the first mortgage lien holder has been paid.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

The amount of inherent risk for a mortgage in granting a mortgage. An operating principle in mortgage risk rating is that the mortgage cannot exceed 2.5 times the mortgagor's annual income, ...

Lien on a given property, such as an person's house as a collateral for a loan. ...

Legal status conferred by certain states on a homeowner's principal residence. In certain states, homestead status may provide protection against creditor claims or forced land sales ...

Cost of the standard unit of area that is used to measure a parcel of real estate. Commercial property rentals are generally quoted on the basis of square foot cists. For example, a ...

Same as term higher and best use: Use of a parcel of land that will produce the greatest current value. ...

Land subject to an easement. ...

Commercial building having several different uses blending together. For example, retail shops are on the first floor, professional offices are on floors two through ten, and a restaurant ...

Provision at the end of a document, such as a will, wherein the witnesses sign that the instrument has been executed before them. This may be useful involving transfers of real estate. ...

Out-of-state or out of jurisdiction administrator appointed to probate a decedents property when there is no executer or executrix. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions