Lien on a title is a common occurrence and is typically caused by government or personal judgment liens. A lien holder is only entitled to the equity in the property, and the seller does not have to pay the full amount owed to the lien holder. The process of obtaining a release can be complicated, and it may take time to get a payoff from the government. Dealing with prior owner liens can also be a challenge, especially if there is no discharge, and it is essential to exchange the check for the release when paying off a lien.