Johnson helped dig a sewage ditch for property owner Smith on February 21 and 22. On March 9, a mortgage was recorded against the property. On March 11, still unpaid, Johnson filed a mechanic's lien of record. Which of the following is true?

a. The banks mortgage lien was recorded first and has priority over the mechanic's lien
b. Mortgage liens always have priority over all types of liens except for property tax liens
c. The mechanic's second lien status precludes a foreclosure action by Johnson
d. The mechanic's lien has priority over the mortgage lien

Ans: d. The mechanic's lien has priority over the mortgage lien