Lien priority
The order in which competing claims against a property get paid. Property tax liens are almost always first-priority — they get paid before a mortgage — which is part of why a mortgage lender will often redeem a tax lien on a delinquent borrower's behalf.
See how this plays out in a specific state: browse all 50 states, or check the full glossary for related terms.
General definition — exact terminology and mechanics vary by state and county. Always confirm against the specific county's own auction notice before bidding.