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

• Bank of America Begins Mailing Mortgage Reduction Letters
  Bank of America Home Loans has begun reaching out to customers who may be eligible for forgiveness of a portion of the principal balance on their mortgage under terms of a recent settlement among five major banks, 49 state attorneys general and the federal government.
• OCC Public Service Announcements Regarding Independent Foreclosure Review Program
  The OCC recently released public service material regarding the Independent Foreclosure Review to help increase public awareness regarding this initiative.
• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Streamline Short Sales to Help Borrowers and Communities (PDF)
  The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop enhanced and aligned strategies for facilitating short sales, deeds-in-lieu and deeds-for-lease in order to help more homeowners avoid foreclosure. The effort will come in stages with the first taking place June 2012. The new, aligned timelines include the requirement that mortgage servicers review and respond to requests for short sales within 30 calendar days from receipt of a short sale offer.
• $25 Billion National Mortgage Settlement Finalized by Court Order
  The record $25 billion dollar national mortgage servicing settlement over alleged widespread mortgage fraud, negotiated by Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna along with 48 state attorneys general and the federal government, is now finalized by court order.
• National Complaint Against Mortgage Servicers Filed, Paving Way for $25 Billion Mortgage Settlement
  Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, along with 48 state attorneys general plus the District of Columbia, joined the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in alleging misconduct by the nation's five largest mortgage servicers in a civil complaint.
• Independent Foreclosure Review Program Deadline Extended Until July 31, 2012
  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.
• 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.
• 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.