I am doing a VA short sale with Bank of America servicer and it would be generally quite painless except that the seller has an outstanding loan with Piedmont Natural Gas for a new HVAC system that was installed about 3 years ago.  BofA is saying they will not allow this lien to be paid in the short sale - even if buyer increased their offer.  Sale cannot close if this lien is not released.  Has anyone had any experience negotiating with Piedmont Natural Gas specifically?  NC folks?

Seller is receiving relo incentive of $5,000, which is not quite sufficient to cover the outstanding on this lien, but honestly she needs every penny of that to ensure survival and recovery from losing her home of 19 years.