A subordination agreement is a legal document used to adjust the priority of liens or claims on a property. In Indiana, a subordination agreement — lien refers to an agreement that modifies the position or priority of a lien on a property in order to allow another creditor's lien to take precedence. This is often done to facilitate the refinancing of a mortgage or to secure additional funds for a property. The Indiana Subordination Agreement — Lien allows for the reordering of lien priority by consenting parties involved. It is typically entered into by the primary lien holder, such as a mortgage lender, and a secondary lien holder, such as a second mortgage lender or a judgment creditor. Through this agreement, the secondary lien holder agrees to subordinate or lower the priority of their lien to that of the primary lien holder. By subordinating their lien, the secondary lien holder allows the primary lien holder to have a higher priority in the event of a foreclosure or liquidation of assets. This is crucial because the primary lien holder will be assured of receiving payment first from the proceeds of the sale. The secondary lien holder, although subordinated, still maintains their claim on the property but their ability to recover the debt is typically dependent on the primary lien holder being fully satisfied. There are different types of subordination agreements in Indiana that cater to various scenarios. Some common types include: 1. Subordination of Mortgage: This occurs when a homeowner seeks to refinance their mortgage. The existing mortgage lender may require the subordination of secondary liens, such as a home equity loan or a line of credit, to ensure their new loan remains the primary lien. 2. Subordination of Judgment Lien: In situations where a judgment creditor holds a lien on a property, they may agree to subordinate their lien to a new mortgage lender. This allows the homeowner to secure a new mortgage or refinance their existing mortgage. 3. Subordination of Construction Liens: When a property undergoes construction or renovation, multiple contractors and suppliers may have placed construction liens for unpaid work or supplies. In such cases, the primary lender may require these construction liens to be subordinated to their lien to ensure their position remains superior. Indiana's subordination agreements — liens play a significant role in real estate transactions and financial arrangements. It provides a flexible tool for creditors to negotiate their claim priority, allowing for smoother refinancing or the acquisition of additional funding. Parties involved in these agreements must carefully review and understand the terms and implications before signing, as it impacts their rights in the event of foreclosure or default.