HOMEOWNERSHIP.WA.GOV - Assistance from the State of Washington
Washington State Homeownership Information Talk To A Counselor
Call 1.877.894.HOME

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).


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Latest News

  • Freddie Mac Announces Immediate Availability of Streamlined Modification for Delinquent Borrowers
    Freddie Mac announced it is making its new Streamlined Modification program immediately available to all eligible borrowers nationwide in order to expedite financial relief for potentially thousands of distressed families. Freddie Mac's Streamlined Modification program had originally been scheduled to start on July 1, 2013.
  • Update on Independent Foreclosure Review Payments
    More than 2.2 million people have cashed or deposited more than $2 billion in checks related to the Independent Foreclosure Review Payment Agreement through May 9, 2013. To date, more than 3.9 million checks, totaling more than $3.4 billion, have been sent to eligible borrowers. The first wave of checks was sent April 12. A final wave of checks that required additional information from the borrower will be issued during the summer.
  • Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) Extended To 2015 (PDF)
    The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to extend the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to December 31, 2015.
  • New Initiatives Connect Homeowners to Foreclosure Prevention Programs
    The Obama Administration has announced three new housing initiatives aimed at building on efforts to connect struggling homeowners to the Administration’s foreclosure prevention programs.
  • DFI Charges 40 Companies In Continuing Efforts To Combat Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue Scams
    The Consumer Services Division of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced today they have filed 40 Statements of Charges against businesses preying on Washington homeowners facing foreclosure. None of the companies or individuals charged with offering these so-called mortgage rescue services are licensed with DFI, a requirement that provides essential consumer protections.
  • 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.

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.

Guide to Home Loans

DFI's free Guide to Home Loans contains information, tips, and resources for first-time home buyers.

DFI's Guide to Home Loans can be viewed online (PDF) or ordered from DFI's website for free.
Guide to Home Loans

 Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide

The Seattle-King County Asset Building Coalition's Washington Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide is a great resource for homeowners to learn more about the foreclosure process.

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