Can Credit Card Companies Put A Lien Against Property for Outstanding Debt?

Can credit card companies ever put a lien against your property for outstanding Debt/unpaid balances? What happens to your credit score when you go through this process of not paying the cc companies and then settling with them? Do they become 'charge offs" on your credit report? If so, how long does it take your credit score to recover?
 
In order to lien your property, first they would need to obtain a civil judgment against you. If they obtain a judgment, then your state law will govern what they can and can't do. In Texas, they cannot take your home if you have claimed the homestead exemption. They also cannot garnish wages. What state do you live in?

Your credit score will tank immediately once the first 30 days past due is reported. Regardless of if you settle before or after charge off, it will take a minimum of two years before the negative impact to your score decreases. If the accounts go to a collection agency or are sold to a junk debt buyer, the score may end up right back in the crapper.
 
If you are settling accounts on your own or through a company, you must be aware that this can happen, not to discourage you of doing it because you may not have any other choice other than bankruptcy which is worse to your credit. This is why when joining a settlement company, you may need to suffer the year or two that it takes to get through every extra dollar counts and needs to go to getting this done and fast. The sooner you get it done, the better chances of you not getting sued.
 
Your score will be shot during the process, but with being responsible and keeping current with new debts and existing ones after the program you will be able to repair it pretty quickly.