Some jurisdictions allow lenders to foreclose property without getting a court order first. This is called a non-judicial foreclosure.
Non-judicial foreclosure is only available for deeds of trust with power-of-sale clauses. They are not available for traditional mortgages.
Where available, non-judicial foreclosures are heavily regulated. Generally, before foreclosing, lenders must give special notice to the property-owner. Afterwards, lenders must wait a specified time before auctioning off the property.
See State Property Statutes; Foreclosure; Judicial Foreclosure.