Resources | Predatory Lending | Reverse Mortgages
FAQs | More Information | Contact Us
As part of Solid Ground's
Housing Counseling program, our Mortgage Counselors work with homeowners to avoid foreclosure in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties. Counselors offer information on the foreclosure process, and can provide one-to-one assistance to secure community resources, develop a household budget, and negotiate with lenders for repayment strategies. Anyone in Washington State can call for information and referrals related to mortgages by calling the Mortgage Services hotline (see below).
For Mortgage Information or to Start the Intake Process:
- Complete our Online Intake Form: Please fill out the form as thoroughly as possible, and a housing counselor will follow up with you within 5 to 7 business days. (If you have difficulties completing or submitting this form, please call us at the mortgage hotline number listed below.)
- FAQs: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Mortgage Default, Reverse Mortgage and Predatory Lending Counseling at Solid Ground. These FAQs may help you decide whether or not to start our intake process for mortgage counseling.
- Preguntas Frecuentes (Spanish FAQs): Preguntas y respuestas en consejería de pagos hiptecarios atrasados.
- Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free at 1.866.297.4300. Hotline hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7am to 4pm. Please leave us a message, and a Mortgage Counselor will return your call as soon as possible.
Self Help Mortgage Resources
Loan Modification Application Process: This document gives you a step-by-step process to apply for a loan modification with your lender/servicer.
English: Loan Modification Application Process
Español: Proceso Solicitud Modificación Hipotecaria
Monthly Spending Plan: A budget form for homeowners to map out monthly income and expenses.
English: Monthly Spending Plan
Español: Plan de Pago Mensual
Sample Hardship Letter: A letter you can borrow text from to explain missed mortgage payments and request a repayment plan from your mortgage lender.
English: Sample Hardship Letter
Español: Ejemplo de una Carta de Dificultad
Request a Mortgage Information Packet: Solid Ground Mortgage Counselors created an emailable mortgage information packet that helps homeowners begin the process of working with their lender to avoid foreclosure. It also offers referrals if you are not able to keep your home.
To request a Mortgage Information Packet, email us at housingcounseling@solid-ground.org, and please include your complete mailing address for tracking purposes. Please also let us know if you would like us to mail you a hard copy of the mortgage information packet. (If you have additional questions once you receive a packet, please call us at the mortgage hotline number above.)
Other Mortgage Resources
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Federal Government information on mortgages/ foreclosures:
Making Home Affordable Program: This website helps homeowners determine their eligibility for either refinancing or modifying a loan through this program. It offers helpful information, including the steps to take to work with lenders to refinance or modify a loan.
Financial Stability website
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Abusive lending practices take advantage of borrowers by charging higher fees and hidden costs. Every borrower is at risk, however predatory lenders target communities of color, the elderly and those with less-than-perfect credit. As members of the Coalition for Responsible Lending, our Mortgage Counselors can give you the information and referrals you need to educate and protect yourself from predatory lenders. Anyone in Washington State can call for information and referrals related to predatory loans by calling the Mortgage Services hotline (see below) to speak to a mortgage counselor.
Predatory Lending Client Line: 206.694.6864
A reverse equity mortgage can be a great option for seniors who are "house rich/cash poor" by giving them money for their home while they continue to live in it. We provide counseling to seniors who want to know more about this option for a $125 fee (which can be paid up front or taken out of the loan processing thru the lender). Anyone in Washington State can call for information and referrals related to reverse equity mortgages by calling the Mortgage
Services hotline (see below) to speak to a mortgage counselor.
Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free at 1.866.297.4300. Hotline hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7am to 4pm. Please leave us a message, and a Mortgage Counselor will return your call as soon as possible.
(Note: Even when the hotline is closed, seniors interested in receiving counseling can leave a message to schedule an appointment during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.)
- AARP website: For more information about reverse equity mortgages.
Free Legal Advice/Services
Information on Buying a Home
- We partner with local agencies that help low- and moderate-income households achieve their dream of homeownership, and some of these partners can provide substantial down payment assistance. Our counselors can provide a quick screening for appropriate programs, and refer callers to the right agency for their needs, but you may also call the Community Home Ownership Center at 206.587.5641.
- Watch one of our counselors talk with Q13 news about the impact adjustable rate and subprime mortgages are having on some homeowners, and how we can help!
Phones: Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766
Predatory Lending Client Hotline: 206.694.6864
TTY: 7.1.1
Email: housingcounseling@solid-ground.org
FAX: 206.694.6795
Address: Housing Counseling
Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708