Yes — you can sell a St. Louis house that has a lien. The lien simply gets paid out of your sale proceeds at closing by the title company before you receive your share, so it doesn’t block the sale; it just has to be settled when the home changes hands. Here’s how it works and how to sell despite one.
Common types of liens
- Tax liens — unpaid property taxes (county) or income taxes (IRS/state).
- Judgment liens — from a creditor who won a court judgment.
- Mechanic’s liens — unpaid contractors.
- HOA liens — unpaid association dues.
Can you sell a house with a lien? Yes.
You can absolutely sell — the lien simply gets paid out of the sale proceeds at closing by the title company before you receive your share. If there’s enough equity to cover the lien, it’s usually straightforward. If the liens exceed the home’s value, options include negotiating a payoff/release with the lienholder or a short sale.
How we help with liens
We buy St. Louis houses with tax, judgment, and HOA liens regularly. Our title company runs a full search, identifies every lien, and handles the payoffs at closing so you don’t have to chase down creditors. You get a clear net figure up front and a clean, fast close.
FAQ
What if I don’t know all the liens against my house?
That’s normal — the title search uncovers them. We’ll walk you through what’s owed and how it’s handled.
Will the lien come out of my pocket?
It comes out of the sale proceeds, not separately — you net the remainder.
What if the liens are more than the house is worth?
We can sometimes negotiate releases, or a short sale may fit — see our short sale guide.
Need to sell fast? Wishbone Buys Homes pays cash for houses across St. Louis & St. Charles — any condition, no repairs or fees. Call (314) 312-7264 or request your free cash offer.
Last updated June 2026.