It sounds like the sale did not invalidate his lien. It activated it. Now he can begin foreclosing on the lien. The owner of them property will have to pay him, then go after the title co and the seller for the $$. If they don't pay him, he can take the house. If the current owner pulled a new mortgage, he is first in line ahead of them. They might pay him to protect their interest in the property. Tell him not to be a tightwad and hire a good attorney who specializes in real estate liens. This is not a do-it-yourself thing.