What could happen if you buy a house and later discover unpaid liens against the property?

If you buy a house and later discover unpaid liens against the property, one possible consequence is that it could trigger foreclosure on your property. A lien is a legal claim against the property, often placed by creditors for debts owed. If these liens are not addressed, the lienholder may have the right to pursue foreclosure, which means they can take the property away from you to satisfy the debt. This process can lead to the loss of your home, as the lender aims to recover the money owed through the sale of the property.

In contrast, while a decrease in property value might occur due to the presence of liens, it is not a definitive outcome tied directly to the liens themselves. Similarly, an immediate ownership transfer can occur upon closing the sale of the property regardless of existing liens but does not reflect the complications that arise afterwards. Lastly, having unpaid liens does not typically lead to an increase in property tax; rather, property taxes are assessed based on property value and local tax rates. Thus, it’s essential for buyers to research and clear any liens before finalizing a property purchase to avoid such foreclosure risks.