Which of the following is NOT one of the means of enforcing a lien against real estate?

In the context of enforcing a lien against real estate, the correct answer indicates that "Direct takeover" is not a recognized or standard method of enforcement.

Liens serve as a legal claim against a property, often used to secure the payment of a debt or obligation. When enforcing a lien, established methods such as public auctions, foreclosure, and obtaining a court order are typically followed.

Public auction is a common practice for selling a property in order to satisfy the lien, usually after the foreclosure process has been initiated. Foreclosure itself is the legal process through which a lender takes possession of a property when the borrower defaults on their mortgage, effectively allowing the lender to recoup losses. Obtaining a court order is another means of enforcing a lien, as it allows the lienholder to seek judicial support to enforce their rights over the property.

In contrast, "Direct takeover" lacks the formal legal framework that governs lien enforcement. This term implies an informal or extrajudicial method that does not follow the established legal processes and protections required in property law. Therefore, it does not constitute a recognized method for enforcing a lien, making it the correct choice for this question.