A lien is a legal claim against your property that has to be satisfied before the property can be sold or refinanced. In New York, the most common types are mortgage liens (from your lender), tax liens (city, state, or IRS), judgment liens (from a lawsuit), mechanic's liens (from contractors who weren't paid), HOA liens, and Medicaid estate recovery liens. Each one shows up on the title report and each one needs to be addressed at or before closing.
The good news is that most liens can be resolved — paid off from the sale proceeds, negotiated down, or in some cases disputed if they were filed in error. The bad news is that liens compound the longer they sit, especially anything tied to interest or penalties. Pulling a current title report so you know exactly what is on the property is the right starting point. Sam can help you understand what each lien means in practical terms and what your real options look like.