Clear the title, keep the fight — move the lien onto a bond.
How you clear a lien without paying it first
When a mechanic’s lien is recorded against your property, it can block a sale or refinance. A lien release bond lets you remove (“bond off”) the lien from the title by substituting a surety bond for the property as security — so the dispute continues against the bond instead of tying up your real estate.
What a lien release bond does
Posted by the property owner or principal contractor contesting the lien, the bond shifts the claimant’s security from the real property to the bond. The property becomes freely transferable, and if the claimant proves the lien was valid, they recover against the bond (plus interest, costs, and fees). It is the go-to tool when a lien would block a closing or refinance.
How the amount is set — by state statute
This is one of the few bonds with a statute-fixed multiple of the lien claim, and it varies materially by state — commonly 1.5 times (150%) the lien amount, though some states differ (for example, New York is lower at 110%, and Texas uses a tiered formula). The extra margin covers the claimant’s interest and attorney’s fees. Premium runs roughly 1%–3% for good credit; larger accounts may need collateral. We confirm the exact multiple for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bonding off a lien work?
You post a surety bond that substitutes for your property as the claimant’s security. The lien comes off the title so you can sell or refinance, and the dispute proceeds against the bond instead of the real estate.
How much is a lien release bond?
The bond amount is set by state statute as a multiple of the lien — commonly 1.5x (some states differ, e.g., NY 110%). The premium is typically about 1%–3% of the bond amount for good credit.
Why would I bond off a lien instead of paying it?
To clear your title immediately — often to close a sale or refinance — while still contesting whether the lien is valid, rather than paying a claim you dispute.
How do I get a mechanic’s lien release bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.