[WSBARP] Priority of mechanics lien recorded post conveyance

[Rick Hoss]

You might be missing that the lien relates back in time to the date of first work or material delivery. The form in RCW 60.04.091 asks at Section 2 the Date Claimant began to perform labor or supply materials. They have 90 days after finishing work to file the lien.

 

If you look closely you might find a smart title insurer who got lien releases from the general before closing, or a sleepy title insurer who did not disclose the possibility of a later lien. Contractors are often asked to release lien rights by title companies, usually generals though.

 

Lawyers who represent material suppliers advise their clients as soon as they get a large order to make very early delivery of a 2x4 and bag of nails to the site, and carefully document the delivery. (Date Claimant began to supply materials….)

 

Contractors who claim a lien must prove they provided a RCW 18.27.114 Notice to Customers in order to claim a lien, and they have to keep copy of the customer’s signature documenting receipt of the Notice for 3 years. But this might not apply to subs, who usually still have to send the Notice of Intent to Claim a Lien – see RCW 60.04.031 for Notice requirements and exceptions.

 

 

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Craig Blackmon
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 2:00 PM
To: WSBA Real Property List Serve
Subject: [WSBARP] Priority of mechanics lien recorded post conveyance

 

'Mates, your input is appreciated following my ineffective legal research (which was then curtailed by error messages on CaseMaker). 

 

Facts: Owner contracts with GC to build house; Owner pays GC in full without sufficient lien release assurances; Owner sells house, title is conveyed to Buyer by recorded warranty deed; Subcontractor thereafter records an otherwise valid mechanic's lien.

 

I assumed the lien was invalid on its face since it is subsequent to conveyance. How can Subcontractor foreclose Buyer's superior-in-time interest? I know a mechanics lien can defeat an existing but unrecorded DOT. But superior to a prior recorded conveyance? 

 

Is it as simple as I think? Is this lien invalid on its face? Or am I missing something?

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

Craig

 




Craig Blackmon, Attorney at Law

Seattle Real Estate Lawyer <http://www.seattlepropertylawyer.com/> 

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