You can put a lien on that property so that if they ever sell or refinance the property you might get paid. To do this, you first need an Abstract of Judgment.In California, if you're the person owed money (the creditor), you can place a judgment lien on the debtor's real estate or personal property. A judgment lien affects real estate you own in the county where the creditor records the lien, or where the court enters the judgment. Once you have a judgment you can file it in the county where the property is located and that will create a lien. If your equity is below the homestead declaration protected amount party desiring to collect cannot record a lien, or it has to be removed. In California property owners usually are not personally liable for the payment of real property taxes. For example, if you fail to pay a debt, the creditor can sue you in court.