What is a common characteristic of a mortgage lien?

A mortgage lien is indeed typically voluntary and secured by the property in question. When a borrower takes out a mortgage, they agree to use the property as collateral for the loan. This means that the lender has a right to the property if the borrower fails to repay the loan according to the agreed terms. The voluntary nature of a mortgage arises because both parties consent to the agreement, and it is not imposed by law but rather created through mutual acceptance.

This characteristic distinguishes mortgages from certain other liens that may arise involuntarily, such as tax liens or mechanics' liens, which can be placed on a property without the owner's consent due to unpaid obligations. Therefore, the security aspect of a mortgage, where the lien is explicitly tied to the property being financed, reinforces its role as a traditional means of securing loans in real estate transactions.