If the buyer defaults, the seller can keep the deposit regardless of the actual amount of damages. That also means that if the damages are higher than the liquidated damages – you're out of luck! Liquidated damages are limited in California contracts. The amount has to be reasonable at the time of signing the contract.
To remove or clear a Lien on Texas property, the person or entity claiming the Lien needs to sign a document releasing the Lien. The document is usually called a Release of Lien, Lien Release, or a Deed of Reconveyance.
Before the start of 2022, lien waiver forms had to be notarized to make it official. However, the latest updates to the Texas Lien Laws effective on January 1st, 2022 removed this requirement and lien waivers do not need to be notarized anymore.