Homeownership and Mortgage Resources

Links to a number of helpful homeownership and mortgage resources.

Foreclosure

• Homeownership.wa.gov
  Free homeownership and foreclosure counseling available from the State of Washington.
• Foreclosure Information & Assistance
  Information from DFI on what to do if you are facing foreclosure
• Foreclosure Rescue Scams
  Precautions you can take to avoid becoming a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam.

Mortgages & Buying A Home

• Attend A Free First Time Home Buyer Seminar
  The Washington State Housing Finance Commission sponsors free homebuyer and home education seminars across Washington.
• DFI’s Guide to Home Loans
  Step by step walkthrough of the home buying process.
• Federal Reserve Mortgage Comparison Calculator
  This mortgage calculator is designed to help you compare the monthly payments and the amount of equity you will build in your home for several kinds of fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages.
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
  Publication from the Federal Reserve Board about Private Mortgage Insurance.

After You Buy A Home

• Home Sweet Home Improvement
  Information about finding a competent and reliable contractor.
• Home Equity Credit Lines
  Information from the FTC about home equity credit lines.
• Mortgage Servicing: Making Sure Your Payments Count
  Information from the FTC about what a mortgage servicer does and what your rights are.

Organizations That Provide Homeownership Information

• Washington State Housing Finance Commission
  The Washington State Housing Finance Commission sponsors free homebuyer and home education seminars across Washington.
• Department of Financial Institutions - Consumer Services Division
  The Division of Consumer Services licenses and regulates business activities of consumer loan companies, mortgage brokers, escrow agents in Washington. The division reviews the books and records of these businesses checking for compliance with applicable state and federal laws, handles consumer complaints against them, and may require that refunds be made or that other appropriate actions be taken.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  Information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development about mortgages, foreclosure, renting, and more.