Which encumbrance is defined by a monetary claim against the property's value?

Which encumbrance is defined by a monetary claim against the property's value?

• A. lien.
• B. easement.
• C. encroachment.
• D. deed restriction.

Answer: (A)

A lien is a monetary claim against the property’s value. It secures payment of a debt by attaching to the property, so the lien stays with the property even if ownership changes and must be addressed before a clear title can be conveyed. Examples include mortgage liens, property tax liens, and mechanics’ liens. This is different from an easement, which is a right to use someone else’s land; from an encroachment, which is a structure intruding on a neighbor’s land; and from a deed restriction, which limits how the property can be used.

A lien is a monetary claim against the property’s value. It secures payment of a debt by attaching to the property, so the lien stays with the property even if ownership changes and must be addressed before a clear title can be conveyed. Examples include mortgage liens, property tax liens, and mechanics’ liens. This is different from an easement, which is a right to use someone else’s land; from an encroachment, which is a structure intruding on a neighbor’s land; and from a deed restriction, which limits how the property can be used.