The Old Contractor's Lien: When a Decades-Old Debt Nearly Killed the Sale

An old roofing contractor's unpaid bill resurfaces as a $15,000 lien on a home that just went under contract. The buyer thought they were days from closing; instead, the deal nearly collapsed. In this episode, Matthew Halliday walks through the true story of how a decades-old debt almost killed a sale, and how the buyer saved it by understanding the title report. You'll learn what a preliminary title report actually reveals, why hidden liens are more common than you think, and the difference between lender title insurance and an owner's policy. Matthew breaks down the three moves every buyer should make before closing: review the title commitment early, question every exception, and never skip owner's title insurance. If you're buying or selling, this episode gives you a simple checklist to keep your closing on schedule and protect your equity for years to come. Don't let an old debt steal your new home.