Which of the following reflects a characteristic of "foreclosure"?

The characteristic of foreclosure is accurately captured by the statement that it is a process to sell a property to clear debts. Foreclosure occurs when a lender takes possession of a property due to the borrower's failure to make required mortgage payments. This legal process allows the lender to recover the outstanding debt by selling the property, typically through a public auction. The proceeds from the sale are then applied to the debts owed, which is the fundamental purpose of the foreclosure process.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the foreclosure process. Settling disputes over property lines involves boundary disputes and typically requires different legal mechanisms, such as surveys and possibly litigation or mediation. Applying for a mortgage is a loan application process, essential for obtaining financing to purchase property but unrelated to the concept of foreclosure. Updating property titles generally refers to changing the ownership records in public offices, which does not involve clearing debts or the specific actions involved in foreclosure. Thus, the focus on selling a property to clear debts is what defines foreclosure.