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Foreclosure Fundamentals
This Looked Fine at Closing
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Name That Party
100

This document is signed by the borrower(s) and represents their promise to repay the money borrowed                                            

What is the Note

100

This milestone officially kicks off a foreclosure and may take the form of a complaint, publication, or recorded notice

What is 1st Legal

100

Minor drafting mistakes - such as typos or misspellings - can often be corrected using this type of affidavit

What is a Scriveners Error Affidavit

100

These two core loan documents must be provided before a foreclosure can be initiated

What are the Note and Mortgage/Deed of Trust

100

This is the term for the individual who signs the Note and promises to repay the debt

Who is the Obligor (also known as the borrower or guarantor)

200

This document reflects when the “holder” of the note changes from the original lender

What is an Endorsement or Allonge

200

This milestone occurs in Judicial and Quasi‑Judicial foreclosures - but not in Non‑Judicial actions

What is Judgment

200

This type of title defect can arise when documents affecting the same property are recorded out of chronological order

What is a Lien Priority issue

200

This required “condition precedent” notice must be sent - and fully expired - before foreclosure may proceed

What is a Demand Letter (also known as a Pre‑Foreclosure Notice, Notice of Intent to Foreclose, or Breach Letter)

200

This is the party whose name appears on the deed as holding title to the property

Who is the Current Owner

300

This security instrument gives the lender a legal interest in the property until the loan is paid in full

What is a Mortgage or Deed of Trust

300

This final step of the foreclosure process records in the public land records who the new property owner is

What is the forelcosure deed

300

This letter is often the first step taken to notify the title company of a defect and request correction or coverage

What is a title claim letter

300

These documents show the amounts currently due on the loan

What are current figures (such as a reinstatement quote, payoff quote, or payment history)

300

This is the person who signs the Mortgage or Deed of Trust, granting a security interest in the property

Who is the Mortgagor

400

This document records the transfer of a security instrument from one mortgagee to another

What is an Assignment of Mortgage (or Assignment of Deed of Trust)

400

This milestone action transfers ownership of the property from the borrower to a new owner following foreclosure

What is the foreclosure sale

400

This term refers to the complete, chronological history of ownership and recorded interests affecting a property

What is the Chain of Title

400

This product provides a chronological history of a property, including ownership changes and recorded liens

What is a Title Search

400

This is the judicial officer who presides over and issues rulings in a judicial foreclosure action

Who is a Judge

500

This letter is sent to mortgagors notifying them of their default and the debt owed before foreclosure is initiated

What is a Demand Letter (also known as a Pre‑Foreclosure Notice, Notice of Intent to Foreclose, or Breach Letter)

500

This milestone occurs only in a Judicial foreclosure and typically requires additional court involvement after the sale

What is the Post Sale Process

500

This letter, commonly issued by a title company, offers protection against a title defect but is frequently not accepted by investors as a final resolution

What is a Letter of Indemnification

500

If the named plaintiff does not match the current holder of the note, this document must be obtained to establish standing

What is an Endorsement or Allonge

500

This term describes individuals who may assume ownership or responsibility for a loan following a borrower’s death

What is an Heir