In Delaware, a mortgage is a lien against the property granted by the home owner to the lender to secure an obligation to pay the note. The note is a written promise to pay a debt (the loan). When we use the word mortgage, it will generally mean both the mortgage and the note. When you fail to make required payments on your mortgage, your mortgage will be in default. Once you are in default, the lender can start foreclosure proceedings, and you could lose your house if you have no defenses. You will probably receive notices from the lender and/or the court related to foreclosure.