A Family Almost Lost Their Home Over a Solar Lien: What Happened

Quick Answer: A family I worked with almost lost their Texas home over a solar lien left by the previous owner. Neither the buyers nor the sellers wanted to pay it, and the deal was about to die. Because I held the whole file as their Realtor and loan officer, I caught it and found a way to split the cost.

What happened?

The house had a solar lien from the previous owner, and the solar company would not release it until it was paid. The buyers did not want to pay it. The sellers did not want to pay it.

How did it get solved?

I talked to the seller's agent and we split it. The family closed.

Why did it work?

They had done nothing wrong. Holding the whole file means I catch the problem and I solve it, and I put the family first.

What is a lien?

A lien is a claim on a property that can follow the home after it is sold, so it has to be cleared or settled before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solar lien?
A claim a solar company can have on a home when the equipment is financed. If it is not paid, it can follow the home to a new owner.

Who pays a lien at closing?
It depends on the contract and what the parties agree to. Title companies usually find liens before closing.

How do I check for liens before buying?
Your title company searches the property records. Ask early, and ask me what to look for.

Questions about this? Send me a message or call 512-300-8611, in English or Vietnamese. See also first-time home buyers in round rock with Ai Tran.

Ai Tran, NMLS #2627075. Loans through Loan Factory, NMLS #320841, in Texas and California only. Equal Housing Lender. Subject to underwriting approval; not all applicants qualify. Disclosures · Texas disclosures. This post was first published on 2026-10-21; market figures are as of that date.