Chris Swynford described various liens not commonly known:

Voluntary Liens Most people are aware of voluntary liens placed on their property. These include mortgages or deeds of trust executed by owner/borrower.

Involuntary Liens As term suggests, involuntary liens are placed on property by other than legal owner of property. Common involuntary liens are placed on property to cover real estate taxes; judgments; homeowner’s association/condominium liens for unpaid dues/assessments; and mechanics liens for labor and materials provided to build/improve property.

Municipal Liens As term implies, local municipality may place a lien on property. Perhaps owner did not pay trash removal or grass cutting fees. Or, municipality had to remove inoperable motor vehicles from property, or remove a structure endangering public health; or, for community improvement, e. g. to pay for a park adjacent to a property, new sidewalks, gutters, alleys, water and sewer lines.

Lis Pendens This provides notice that a suit against title is pending. A Lis Pendens may indicate a breach of contract, or an heir who claims ownership of property; or, a person who claims ownership of property through adverse possession. It has to be cleared for property sale or purchase to proceed

Estate Tax Liens Some states may have an estate tax, though many do not. Estate taxes liens do not have to be recorded in order to be valid. If estate of a deceased individual is subject to federal or state estate taxes, proceeds of sale are held for one year from date of property owner’s death. If proceeds are not held for one year, a bond may be posted to cover any tax due.

It is always advisable to seek legal advice in closing a real estate transaction, often involving legal and significant economic considerations.

Farms of New Kent A massive building project was recently approved by New Kent County Board of Supervisors in late May of 2005. Farms of New Kent will build out 2,520 acres surrounding Route 249/106/609 intersection at Talleysville as a planned unit development. The New Kent Charles City Chronicle called this “the largest single development approved in county. The plans approved by Board of Supervisors include 1,450 age restricted (at least one occupant over 55 and none under 18 allowed) houses, 650 general market homes, 300 estate lots, 100 resort cottages, and a village center with 150,000 square feet of space surrounding a farmer’s market at center.” Another 18-hole championship golf course is also in works, a winery and vineyard, country inn and spa, three clubhouses, an equestrian center, bed and breakfast, and a polo field. It may take 15-20 years to build out residential and commercial real estate space.

Kentland: Commercial Property This parcel of land is approximately 6 minutes drive from town of Providence Forge. It is directly opposite Brickshire and Royal New Kent’s Entrance and is zoned commercial. A small one-stop gas plaza, a Dairy Queen, and a car wash are only retail stores located there presently.

Retire, Relocate or Purchase a Second Home in New Kent County NOW If I had a hammer, I would build in New Kent County Virginia. Ray Davis, a Board Supervisor said, “a recent survey listed New Kent County as 72nd fastest-growing county in nation and third fastest in state.” The time to buy in New Kent County is right now. If you are interested in learning more about buying in golf communities in Virginia, read my article “Live and Play in Your Own Backyard: Golf Communities in Williamsburg” overview at http://www.voncannonrealestate.com/Live_and_Play_in_Your_Own_Backyard_Golf_Communities_in_Williamsburg.php. Grab your hammer, and I’ll see you in New Kent County, Virginia.