Contractor can put a lien against property after its transferred to buyer?

[vikasintl]

Tacoma WA

We are a prospective buyer for a real estate property and seller had an contract with us as well as with a contractor that he would spend $6660 for various repairs.

Now seller is not happy with contractor's work and he is not ready to pay in full to the contractor he wants to pay only $4000 at closing.

And we found that contractor can put a lien against property and we want to know in case seller does not pay in full to the contractor and we become new legal owner.(after property is transferred to us)Contractor can still put a lien against property?
or he can only put lien against property till the seller is the legal owner?

Please explain.
What should we do to protect us from possible lien by contractor in future in WA state he can put a lien up to 90 days of completion of work.

 

[GaAtty]

GaAtty

If the contractor puts the lien on (correctly, that is) before the 90 days is up, then the seller has to pay that amount. If the contractor will take less, then the seller can pay less. If they do not settle this before closing, then the entire amount will come out of the closing. Presumably it will come out of the seller's proceeds, unless you and the seller agree otherwise (and agree in writing).

The way to protect yourself in the future from contractor's claims is to have a very detailed written contract before the person starts work about what is to be done and the price to be paid. The contract must be signed by you and the contractor. When you pay the contractor, do not give them the money until they sign an agreement that states that they have been paid in full and will not place any liens on the property. Keep the original of that document.