California Real Estate Salesperson Exam Practice - Quesiton 35

Question

Which of the following would not be classified as a specific lien?

Selections

• A. An attachment

• B. Property tax lien

• C. Judgment

• D. Mechanic's lien

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Answer: C

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5 Keys Summary

• The item that would not be classified as a specific lien is a Judgment.

• A specific lien attaches only to a particular designated property, such as a mortgage, trust deed, property tax lien, mechanic's lien, or attachment lien.

• A Judgment lien is established upon recording an abstract of judgment and is classified as an involuntary and general lien.

• A general lien is a broader claim that can affect all properties (real and personal) owned by the debtor within the county where it is recorded, or nationwide for federal tax liens.

• Both an Attachment and a Mechanic's Lien are examples of involuntary specific liens because they are placed on one particular piece of property.

Explanations

A specific lien is a legal claim placed on one particular designated property. In

contrast, a general lien is a broader claim that can affect all properties owned by a person or

business entity.

• An attachment is an involuntary, specific lien that attaches to one or more specific

properties held by the owner.

• A property tax lien is a type of involuntary and specific lien, placed on the particular

property for which taxes are owed.

• A mechanic's lien is also a specific lien, typically filed against a designated property by

an unpaid contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or material supplier for work performed on

that property.

• A judgment lien, however, is classified as an involuntary and general lien. It is

established upon the recording of an abstract of judgment and can attach to any current or

future properties owned or acquired by the debtor across multiple counties.

Therefore, a judgment lien would not be classified as a specific lien.

Concepts Definitions

• Specific Lien: A legal claim that affects only a particular designated property, such as a

mortgage, property tax lien, mechanic's lien, or attachment lien.

• General Lien: A broad legal claim that can affect all properties (real and personal)

owned by a person or business entity, like a judgment lien or state/IRS tax liens.

• Attachment Lien: A court-ordered involuntary and specific lien that seizes a defendant's

real or personal assets to ensure they are available to satisfy a potential judgment.

• Property Tax Lien: An involuntary and specific lien placed on a property due to unpaid

property taxes. These liens generally have priority over all other liens, even first

mortgages.

• Judgment Lien: An involuntary and general lien awarded by a court to a party who wins

a case and is awarded financial damages. It is formally established upon recording an

abstract of judgment and can apply to all properties owned by the debtor.

• Mechanic's Lien: A specific lien filed by an unpaid contractor, subcontractor, laborer, or

material supplier against the property on which they performed work or supplied

materials. These liens are usually filed in the county recorder's office where the property

is located.