What is the mechanism through which a lender can regain control of a property due to default?

The correct mechanism for a lender to regain control of a property due to default is through foreclosure. This legal process allows a lender to take ownership of a property when the borrower fails to meet their mortgage obligations. Foreclosure typically involves the lender initiating a court action, or in some cases proceeding non-judicially, to reclaim the property and recover the outstanding debt.

During foreclosure, the lender seeks to sell the property, often at a public auction, to recover the amounts owed. This process ensures that the lender can recoup losses while adhering to legal requirements. Foreclosure not only terminates the borrower's rights to the property but also allows the lender to take possession and eventually sell it to satisfy the mortgage lien.

Other mechanisms mentioned, such as judicial sale, may occur as part of a foreclosure process but do not represent the overarching method of regaining control due to default. Abandonment refers to a situation where a property is left unoccupied but does not inherently facilitate a lender's control over the property. Possession can occur through various means but is not a formalized legal process for addressing default in terms of regaining control of a property.