15-1506.Judgment.

At trial, a foreclosure's factual allegations are usually proved in open court -- unless a verified answer or counterclaim leaves an allegation undenied (or a party states, or is deemed to state, no knowledge sufficient to form a belief), in which case a sworn verification or affidavit is itself sufficient evidence, or unless every allegation has already been proved that way, letting the court enter judgment on motion supported by an affidavit of the amount due. Instruments evidencing the debt and mortgage must be exhibited, marked, and filed with copies. None of this blocks a summary or default judgment under Article II, and notice of a default judgment follows Section 2-1302.

Every judgment of foreclosure must state the last date for redemption and rule on every request for relief in the complaint -- though omitting the redemption date doesn't extend the redemption period or void the judgment. Beyond those required contents, subsection (f) lists an extensive menu of optional special terms a party can request in the complaint or by motion: a sale method other than public auction, a sealed-bid sale, a designated officer to conduct it, exclusive or non-exclusive broker listings and their fees, auctioneer fees, signage, bid timing and location, the newspapers and advertising format for notice, title exceptions, required title insurance, whether contingent bids are allowed, and any other terms the court approves to secure the most commercially favorable price. Where the parties agree in writing on a minimum price and sale to the first written offer meeting it, the court can order the sale on those terms, subject to confirmation. A party can also defer proving priority of its claim to the proceeds until the confirmation hearing, with the court's prior approval.

Entry of judgment has immediate legal consequences. It creates a lien on the property securing every right the judgment gives a party against the mortgagor, ranking with the same priority as the underlying claim and lasting until the sale is confirmed. It also fixes the rights of every party and every noticed nonrecord claimant in the property solely as the judgment and this Article provide. And it does not disturb a bona fide residential lease -- that lease survives the judgment regardless of whether the lessee was ever made a party to the case.