A buyer of real estate may choose to utilize a mortgage to finance the purchase of real estate. When a borrower mortgages real estate, the borrower receives a loan from the lender. In return, the lender obtains an interest or lien on the real estate. The borrower must pay back the loan, usually through monthly installment payments. If the borrower fails to pay the lender according to the terms of the mortgage, the lender may foreclose on the real estate. A foreclosure involves the forced sale of the real estate. The proceeds of the sale are then used to pay off the loan originally provided to the lender.