In general, the right of the holder of the lien is confined to the mere right of retainer. But when the creditor has made advances on the goods of a factor, he is generally invested with the right to sell. In some cases where the lien would not confer power to sell, a court of equity would decree it. And courts of admiralty will deCree a sale to satisfy maritime liens. Judgments rendered in courts of record are generally liens on the real estate of the defendants or parties against whom such judgments are given.
Liens are also divided into legal and equitable.
The lien which the vendor of real estate has on the estate sold for the purchase money remaining unpaid, is a familiar example of an equitable lien. Lien Of Mechanics And Material Men. By virtue of express statutes in most states, mechanics and material men or persons who furnish materials for the erection of houses or other buildings, are entitled to a lien or preference in the payment of debts out of the houses and buildings so erected and to the land, to a greater or lessor extent, on which they are erected. The lien generally attaches from the commencement of the work or the furnishing of materials and continues for a limited period of time. In some states, a claim must be filed in the office of the clerk of the court or a suit brought within a limited time.