Escrow & Title

In New York, 'priority of liens' generally follows the rule of:

AFirst in time, first in right (earlier-recorded liens have priority over later-recorded liens, with some exceptions)✓ Correct
BMortgage liens always have priority over all other liens
CGovernment tax liens always rank last
DMechanic's liens always have priority over all other liens

Explanation

In New York, the general rule of lien priority is 'first in time, first in right' — liens recorded earlier generally have priority over later-recorded liens. Important exceptions include: purchase money mortgages (which have priority over earlier liens of the seller), tax liens (which may have priority regardless of recording date), and mechanic's liens (which have priority from the date the first work was performed).

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