This website is a one stop resource center for homeownership and foreclosure assistance for Washington residents.

The website was developed by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions with support from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Washington Department of Commerce.

If You Need Foreclosure Assistance
If you're in need of foreclosure assistance talk to a certified housing counselor by calling 1.877.894.HOME (4663).

Latest News

• Fact Sheet: President Obama's New Refinancing Plan
  In his State of the Union address, President Obama announced that he is putting forward a plan that will provide non-GSE borrowers who are current on their payments with an opportunity to refinance and take advantage of historically low interest rates.
• The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation
  If you borrow money from a commercial lender and the lender later cancels or forgives the debt, you may have to include the cancelled amount in income for tax purposes, depending on the circumstances. This provision applies to debt forgiven in calendar years 2007 through 2012.
• Independent Foreclosure Review Program
  As part of a settlement between federal banking regulators and 14 of the largest lenders, homeowners who faced foreclosure in 2009 and 2010 may be eligible for free, independent reviews of the foreclosure. Eligible individuals can expect to receive a information letter from their lender in the mail. Individuals who do not receive a letter can still proactively request a review.
  
  More information about the program is available by calling 1-888-952-9105 or visiting www.independentforeclosurereview.com.
• Obama Announces New Steps That Make It Easier For Some Homeowners To Refinance
  On October 24, 2011, President Barack Obama announced new steps to make it easier for some homeowners to refinance their mortgages. By eliminating the maximum cap on underwater borrowers participating in the Home Affordable Refinance Program, as well as eliminating certain risk-based fees and encouraging competition by addressing the issue of representations and warranties, these changes should help more Americans save several hundred dollars each month by taking advantage of today’s historically low interest rates.
• Chase Opens Homeownership Center in Lakewood
  Chase opened a home ownership center in Lakewood recently to help service members and veterans avoid foreclosure. It’s one of six such centers the bank aims to open around the country this year near major military installations.
• Washington Foreclosure Mediation Program Starts July 22
  The Washington State Foreclosure Fairness Act Mediation Program begins Friday, July 22. The program makes Washington the third non-judicial foreclosure process state in the country with a program designed to help homeowners find a resolution to foreclosure proceedings with their lender or servicer.

What to Do If You’re Late on Payments

• Contact Your Lender
  Washington homeowners who are having trouble making their monthly mortgage payment should try to work with their lender to assess their ability to repay debt, and consider other options.
• Take Advantage of Free Counseling and Assistance
  Free counseling and assistance is also available to Washington residents. To be connected to a counselor, call the Washington Homeownership Information Hotline at 1-877-894-HOME (4663). They will be able talk to you about your situation, evaluate options, and explain assistance programs that may be available to you. You may also contact a Washington HUD approved counselor or a Washington Housing Finance Commission approved counselor.
  
  More About What to Do If You're Late on Payments

Report Fraud

If you are or think you are a victim of mortgage fraud contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1.877.RING DFI (746-4334) and fill out the linked complaint form below.

• File a Complaint
  File a complaint with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.