A tax lien is when the government essentially puts a hold on your property, making it unsaleable until overdue property taxes are paid.. . A private party can place a lien against your property consequent to a monetary judgment in civil court. There is also a mechanics lien, which is a lien placed against your property by someone you owe wages to.. . At a certain point (five years in many states) a forced sale results. The liens get paid first, then the auctioneers fee, then the mortgage holder, and if anything is left over, the former property owner.