A real estate mortgage is classified as which type of lien?

A real estate mortgage is classified as a voluntary lien because it is created with the consent of the property owner. When a homeowner decides to take out a mortgage, they enter into a contract with a lender, agreeing to use their property as collateral for the loan. This agreement is what establishes the lien on the property, allowing the lender to have a legal claim to the property if the borrower defaults on their loan obligations.

In contrast, an involuntary lien is placed on a property without the owner's consent, such as tax liens or mechanics' liens, and a general lien applies to all of a person's property rather than a specific one. A statutory lien is a type of involuntary lien that arises under statute, which is not applicable here as a mortgage is a product of a private agreement. Thus, the classification of a mortgage as a voluntary lien highlights the aspect of mutual agreement and consent in the lending process.