Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Re: Mechanic's Lien when Buying a house

You can demand in your purchase agreement or an amendment to it that you are taking title free and clear of all liens. It would then be up to the seller to make sure all liens are removed prior to close of escrow.

Similarly, the lender for the buyer can make this part of its escrow instructions prior to close of escrow.

Before you close the escrow, you will want the title company to verify that this has been done. They can do this by showing that lien releases have been recorded.

Re: Mechanic's Lien when Buying a house

If the property in question is in Washington state, you'll need an asnwer from a Washington attorney. However, an even more practical approach might be to ask the bank where you intend to apply. I'd guess as a rule most sophisticated lenders will not regard expired liens as particularly important, but it's up to the lender to decide what's important and what's of no consequence to it.