What does the term "priority" typically refer to in real estate transactions?

In real estate transactions, the term "priority" primarily refers to the order of recorded documents and liens. This concept is crucial because it determines the sequence in which creditors can enforce their claims against a property. When multiple liens or legal documents are recorded against the same property, their priority establishes which claim has the right to payment first in the event of a foreclosure or sale.

For instance, a first mortgage lien typically takes precedence over second mortgages or other liens. This hierarchy ensures that parties with a higher priority are paid before those with lower priority in the event of a property’s liquidation. Thus, understanding the order of recorded documents is essential for anyone involved in real estate transactions, as it impacts both the financial responsibility and rights associated with a property.