Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways A lis pendens is a public notice of pending litigation that makes your Greensboro home nearly impossible to sell through traditional channels, but doesn't affect your ownership or equity rights. Greensboro's strong market means your equity is worth protecting — with median home prices at $248,500 and rising, you likely have substantial value even with title complications. You have options beyond waiting for litigation to resolve — including petitioning to remove the lis pendens, negotiating settlements, or selling to specialized buyers who handle distressed properties. Time is critical when dealing with lis pendens — the longer you wait, the more complicated and expensive resolution becomes, so take action quickly to protect your investment.

Lis Pendens in Greensboro, NC: What Homeowners Need to Know About Protecting Your Equity

Look, I get calls every week from homeowners in Greensboro who just discovered there's something called a "lis pendens" filed against their property. The panic in their voice is real — they're scared, confused, and don't know what it means for their home and their equity.

Let me break this down for you in plain English. A lis pendens is Latin for "lawsuit pending," and it's basically a public notice that says your property is involved in a legal dispute. When it's filed in Guilford County, it creates a cloud on your title that can make selling your home nearly impossible through traditional channels.

What Exactly Is a Lis Pendens?

Here's the deal — a lis pendens is a legal document filed in public records that warns potential buyers that your property is subject to a pending lawsuit. It's not a lien exactly, but it has the same effect: it complicates any sale and can scare off buyers and lenders.

I had a homeowner call me last month from the Fisher Park area whose ex-business partner filed a lis pendens claiming interest in her home because of a disputed business loan. Even though she disagreed with the claim, that filing made it impossible for her to refinance or sell through a realtor.

In North Carolina, anyone can file a lis pendens if they claim an interest in real property and there's a pending lawsuit. The filing doesn't prove the claim is valid — it just puts the world on notice that there's a dispute.

Greensboro's Current Market Reality

According to recent data from the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, the median home price in Greensboro reached $248,500 as of January 2026, up 4.2% from last year. With inventory still tight at just 2.1 months of supply, homes are selling fast — unless there's a title issue.

When you've got a lis pendens on your property in this market, you're basically locked out of the normal selling process. Traditional buyers can't get financing, and most investors won't touch properties with active litigation. That's where companies like HOMESELL USA come in — we specialize in exactly these situations.

Common Reasons for Lis Pendens Filings in Greensboro

I've seen this a hundred times, and here are the most common situations that lead to lis pendens filings:

Divorce Disputes

When couples can't agree on property division, one spouse might file a lis pendens to prevent the other from selling or transferring the home during divorce proceedings.

Business Partnership Disputes

If you used your home as collateral for a business loan or your business partner claims interest in your property, they might file a lis pendens during litigation.

Contractor Liens

While contractors typically file mechanic's liens, sometimes they'll also file a lis pendens if there's active litigation over unpaid work.

Boundary Disputes

Neighbor disputes over property lines can result in lis pendens filings, especially in older Greensboro neighborhoods where surveys might be unclear.

Estate Disputes

When family members fight over inherited property, lis pendens filings are common to prevent one heir from selling while the dispute is ongoing.

How a Lis Pendens Affects Your Ability to Sell

Let's be straight about this — a lis pendens makes your property nearly unsellable through traditional channels. Here's why:

No Financing: Mortgage lenders won't approve loans on properties with lis pendens because they can't get clear title insurance.

Scared Buyers: Even cash buyers get nervous when they see active litigation on a property.

Title Company Issues: Most title companies won't issue policies on properties with lis pendens, which kills most deals.

I worked with a family in Sunset Hills last year who needed to sell quickly due to job relocation. They had a lis pendens from a frivolous lawsuit that their attorney said would take 8-12 months to resolve. They couldn't wait that long and needed their equity to buy in their new city.

Protecting Your Equity When Facing Lis Pendens

Just because someone filed a lis pendens doesn't mean your equity is gone. Here are your options:

Fight the Lis Pendens

In North Carolina, you can petition the court to remove or discharge a lis pendens if it was filed improperly or if the underlying claim has no merit. This requires an attorney and can take months.

Settle the Underlying Dispute

Sometimes the fastest path is negotiating a settlement. If someone filed the lis pendens to pressure you into a deal, it might be worth considering if the numbers make sense.

Sell to a Specialized Buyer

Companies like HOMESELL USA that specialize in distressed properties can often work around lis pendens issues. We've closed deals where we coordinate with all parties to resolve the dispute at closing.

The Greensboro Advantage: Strong Equity Growth

Here's some good news — Greensboro's housing market has been strong, with home values in desirable areas like Irving Park, Fisher Park, and Sunset Hills seeing consistent appreciation. According to Zillow's latest data, homes in these areas have gained 15-20% in value over the past three years.

That means even if you're dealing with a lis pendens, you likely have substantial equity worth protecting. The key is acting quickly and understanding your options.

What NOT to Do

Look, I've seen people make expensive mistakes when dealing with lis pendens. Don't do these things:

Don't Ignore It: A lis pendens won't go away on its own. The longer you wait, the more complicated it gets.

Don't Try DIY Legal Work: This is complex stuff that requires proper legal guidance.

Don't Assume You Can't Sell: While traditional sales are difficult, specialized buyers can often work around these issues.

Your Next Steps

If you're dealing with a lis pendens on your Greensboro property, here's what you should do:

First, get a copy of the filing from the Guilford County Register of Deeds to understand exactly what's being claimed. Second, consult with a real estate attorney who understands North Carolina law. Third, evaluate whether fighting the lis pendens or settling makes more financial sense.

And remember — even with a lis pendens, you have options. At HOMESELL USA, we've helped dozens of Greensboro homeowners protect their equity in these exact situations. Whether you sell to us or find another solution, the important thing is taking action to protect your investment.

The Greensboro market is too strong right now to let a lis pendens filing steal your equity. With median home prices up and inventory low, your property has value — you just need to know how to access it.

If any of this sounds like your situation, give Uncle Charles a call. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options and how to protect the equity you've worked so hard to build in your Greensboro home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Lis Pendens in Greensboro

Can I still sell my Greensboro home with a lis pendens filed against it?

Yes, but it's very difficult through traditional channels. Most mortgage lenders won't approve loans on properties with lis pendens, and title companies are reluctant to issue policies. However, specialized cash buyers like HOMESELL USA can often work around these issues and close deals even with pending litigation.

How long does a lis pendens stay on my property in North Carolina?

A lis pendens remains on your property until the underlying lawsuit is resolved, dismissed, or the court orders it removed. In North Carolina, there's no automatic expiration date, which is why it's important to address the issue quickly rather than hoping it goes away.

Does a lis pendens mean I'll lose my home?

No, a lis pendens is just a notice of pending litigation — it doesn't transfer ownership or guarantee the person filing it will win. It's essentially a placeholder that protects their claimed interest while the legal dispute plays out. Your equity and ownership rights remain intact during the process.

Can I get a lis pendens removed from my Greensboro property?

Yes, you can petition the Guilford County Superior Court to discharge a lis pendens if it was filed improperly, without merit, or if the underlying claim doesn't actually affect the property. This requires legal representation and proof that the filing doesn't meet North Carolina's requirements.

How much does it cost to fight a lis pendens in North Carolina?

Legal costs vary widely depending on complexity, but expect to pay $3,000-$10,000 or more in attorney fees to properly contest a lis pendens. You'll also need to consider the time factor — legal resolution can take 6-18 months, during which your property remains difficult to sell through traditional means.