Which of the following best describes a financial encumbrance on property?

A financial encumbrance on property is best described as a lien, which is a legal claim against a property for the satisfaction of a debt or obligation. When a property is subject to a lien, it signifies that the property cannot be sold or transferred without first satisfying the debt associated with that lien. Liens can be imposed for various reasons, such as unpaid loans, property taxes, or other financial obligations.

In contrast, while a neighborhood association fee and property taxes can also impose obligations on property owners, they do not constitute liens in the legal sense unless they become delinquent and the property is subject to a claim. An easement, on the other hand, allows others the right to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose (like a pathway or utility line) but does not represent a financial obligation or claim on the property itself. Thus, a lien is the most accurate term for a financial encumbrance, as it directly relates to debts that affect title and ownership rights.