What is the most common type of voluntary lien?

The most common type of voluntary lien is a mortgage lien. This type of lien is created when a property owner borrows money from a lender to purchase or refinance real estate. By signing a mortgage agreement, the borrower voluntarily encumbers the property with a lien that serves as security for the loan. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender has the legal right to foreclose on the property to recover the owed amount.

In contrast, tax liens are typically involuntary and arise from the government's claim for unpaid taxes, while judgment liens are created by court order following a legal judgment against a debtor. Mechanics liens are also involuntary and arise when a contractor or supplier has not been paid for work performed on a property. These other lien types do not involve the voluntary agreement to encumber the property like a mortgage lien, which makes the mortgage lien the quintessential example of a voluntary lien.