Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

The answer will depend on the circumstances. Generally speaking, if you are loaning money to someone and want to put a lien on their property until the loan is repaid, this is a mortgage and subject to all the rules in Maryland regarding residential mortgages. An attorney can talk to you in greater detail about the law and process related to mortgages but the general rule is that an unlicensed lender cannot put a lien against a house unless they fall within a few narrow categories of exempt lenders.

If someone owes money and you get a judgment against them, it will automatically be a lien against property in any location where the lien is recorded. However, a judgment is not automatic and a creditor must go through the courts and win their case to get a judgment.

Please understand that this post offers only general legal information - to get specific answers to a specific situation you are encouraged to meet with an attorney.