When a lien is placed on a house, it is usually because the homeowner was not able to pay their property taxes on time. After a significant amount of time is given for this debt to be paid, a lien is issued. However, the lien does not immediately help the local government because they need the tax money on time in order to pay for roads, construction, and all the other items in the budget. When a person begins investing in tax liens, the local government gets the upfront funds they need to conduct business without having to cut corners or borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.