If you try to sell your home in Illinois, you may run into trouble if there is a lien on it. A lien is a claim to your property because you owe a debt. A creditor may put a lien on your home to ensure you pay back your debt, and if you do not, the creditor could take your home as payment. If you have a lien on your home, you cannot sell it without paying off the debt tied to the lien. You should not get too worried, though. Not just anyone can place a lien on your home, and even if they have a right, they must go through legal means to do so.
According to the Daily Herald, the only people who can place a lien on your home are those who have done work or otherwise contributed to the value of your home. For example, contractors and suppliers could place a lien if you do not pay them. Other creditors, though, usually cannot put a lien on your property.
It requires going through court to get a lien. A judge must record a judgment of the lien. You should note a judge could issue a judgment lien for any unpaid debt when the creditor takes you to court for repayment.
If you have a lien placed, it is for the amount of what you owe. So, if you owe $2,000 to a creditor and that creditor gets a lien on your home, you must pay the $2,000 to get rid of the lien. This information is for education and is not legal advice.