The amount of the tax applicable to real property, until paid, is a lien upon the real property to which the certificate is applicable. Proceedings upon the lien as provided by law for the foreclosure in the circuit court of mortgage liens upon real property may commence only upon the filing by the appropriate collecting officer of a certificate of nonpayment of the obsolete properties tax applicable to real property, together with an affidavit of proof of service of the certificate of nonpayment upon the owner of the facility by certified mail, with the register of deeds of the county in which the property is situated.