The homeowner must miss a payment.
Default on payment is the only way a property can enter the foreclosure process. This also applies to local taxing authority, a condo association or homeowners association.

The lender or foreclosing party must notify the owner that they are entering into the foreclosure process through either personal service of a document or if the owner cannot be located through publication in a legal journal.

The homeowner is informed that they have a bank sale or auction date at which point the foreclosing mortgage company will gain control of the property.