You can also find things recorded against it!

Most consumers are not aware that a lot of your mortgage and property information can be found by virtually anyone in public records. These public records are usually available in your county courthouse at the county recorder's office. Some of this information is even available online now as well. You can find out who a person's mortgage is with, what type of mortgage it is (ARM or fixed), how much the mortgage was for, when the mortgage was taken out, how many mortgages are on the property, and much, much more.

Whenever a person receives a "notice of intent to foreclose" on a property, this information, aside from being a public record, is published in a newspaper.
This is why, when someone finds themselves in this unfavorable position, they will receive many solicitations through the mail as well as phone calls, from companies and individuals looking to buy the house, or for other other programs that they may be trying to offer.