Certainly! Here’s a professional and informative blog post tailored for Florida homeowners and real estate professionals:
Why a Lien Search Should Be Your First Step After Going Under Contract in Florida
When buying or selling a home in Florida, time is of the essence—and so is doing your due diligence. One of the most overlooked yet critical steps in the real estate transaction process is ordering a lien search immediately after the contract is signed. Waiting too long can result in costly delays or even derail a closing entirely.
What Is a Lien Search?
A lien search is a comprehensive review of any legal claims, open permits, code violations, unpaid utility balances, and municipal fines that may be attached to a property. Unlike a title search, which focuses on ownership and encumbrances recorded in public records, a lien search dives into unrecorded issues that are typically managed at the city or county level.
Why Timing Matters
Florida municipalities are known for having slow turnaround times when it comes to lien payoff requests and permit status updates. Some cities may take up to two weeks or longer to respond, especially during peak seasons. That’s why ordering your lien search as soon as the contract is executed is essential to prevent last-minute surprises at the closing table.
Common Issues That Delay Closings
Here are just a few of the red flags that a lien search might uncover:
- Open or expired permits that need to be closed out or inspected
- Unpaid code enforcement fines or property maintenance violations
- Outstanding utility balances that must be settled
- Municipal liens not yet recorded in the public record
If these issues are discovered late in the transaction, they can lead to:
- Closing delays
- Unexpected costs
- Legal headaches
- Or worse—a canceled deal
The Bottom Line
A lien search is not just a formality—it’s a critical risk management tool for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and title companies. Ordering it early ensures there’s ample time to cure any issues, negotiate repairs, or resolve fines, allowing for a smooth and timely closing.
Whether you’re selling your primary residence, buying an investment property, or facilitating a transaction, don’t wait. Order the lien search the moment the contract is signed. It’s a small step that can save you from big problems down the road.