Resources by topic: Mortgages and Homeownership

Links to a number of helpful homeownership and mortgage resources.

Mortgages and Buying a Home

• First Time Home Buyer Seminars
  The Washington State Housing Finance Commission sponsors free homebuyer and home education seminars across Washington.
• DFI’s Guide to Home Loans
  Discusses the home buying process and documents you will encounter.
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
  Publication from the Federal Reserve Board about Private Mortgage Insurance.

Home Improvement

• Choosing a Reliable Contractor
  Information about finding a competent and reliable contractor.
• Avoiding Loan Scams After a Disaster
  Tips and information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Home Equity Lines of Credit

• Home Equity Credit Lines
  Information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about home equity credit lines.
• Home Equity Credit Lines: Facts for Consumers
  Facts from the Federal Trade Commission about home equity lines of credit.
• What You Should Know about Equity Lines of Credit
  Information from the Federal Reserve.
• Home Equity Scams: Beware
  A warning from the Federal Trade Commission.

Foreclosure

• Homeownership.WA.Gov - Foreclosure Assistance in Washington
  Visit www.homeownership.wa.gov to learn about foreclosure assistance programs in Washington.
• Washington Foreclosure Mediation Program
  The Foreclosure Fairness Program provides homeowner foreclosure assistance. It is designed to help homeowners and their lenders reach a resolution. The Washington State Department of Commerce runs the program.

Refinancing

• A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Refinancing
  A guide to refinancing from the Federal Reserve.
• Refinancing Calculator
  Will you save money by refinancing your mortgage? This calculator from bankrate.com helps you determine.

Reverse Mortgages

• FAQs about Reverse Mortgages
  Answers to frequently asked questions about reverse mortgages.
• Reverse Mortgages: Facts for Consumers
  Facts about reverse mortgages from the Federal Trade Commission.
• Reverse Mortgage Fact Sheet
  Information from DFI about reverse mortgages.

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.