Mortgages | Tenants | More Info | Contact Us
Solid Ground's Housing Counseling services include:
1) Information and assistance on rights and responsibilities under local and State eviction and foreclosure statutes.
2) Assistance negotiating with landlords and lenders for households experiencing a housing crisis.
3) Modest financial assistance to prevent housing loss for eligible households.
4) Financial skills counseling and workshops, including Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) recruitment and case management.
5) Reverse equity mortgage counseling for senior homeowners.
Temporary Closure Notice: Due to agency closure and staff vacations for the December holidays, mortgage counselors will not be available between December 18th and January 4th. If you call the hotline or submit an intake form during this time, we will not be able to respond or review your intake until January 5, 2009.
Solid Ground's 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:
- Speak to a counselor directly. Call our Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline at 206.694.6766 or toll-free 1.866.297.4300. Counselors are available at this number every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. (Please note that due to the holidays, we will not be available December 18, 2008 through January 4, 2009.)
- 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 above.)
- Request a Mortgage Intervention Packet. We created an emailable mortgage intervention packet that helps homeowners begin the process of working with their lender to avoid foreclosure. It also offers information and referrals if you are not able to keep your home. To request a 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 intervention packet. (If you have additional questions once you receive a packet, please call us at the mortgage hotline number above.)
- Download our informational brochures:
1) Solid Ground’s Mortgage Services
2) How to Avoid Mortgage Default
Predatory Lending Prevention
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.
- Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free 1.866.297.4300. Counselors are available at this number every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. (Please note that due to the holidays, we will not be available December 18, 2008 through January 4, 2009.)
- More information about predatory lending
Reverse Equity Mortgage Counseling
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 free counseling to seniors who want to know more about this option. 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 1.866.297.4300. Counselors are available at this number every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. (Please note that due to the holidays, we will not be available December 18, 2008 through January 4, 2009.)
- AARP website: For more information about reverse equity mortgages.
Solid Ground's Tenant Counseling services operates a statewide hotline for tenants seeking information on the Residential Landlord/Tenant Act, and we provide resources on renters' rights for repairs, deposits and evictions. Tenant Counselors can help with housing search resources and what to do in case of discrimination or harassment, and we provide information on issues such as proper notices for rent increases, rule changes, termination of tenancy and landlord entry. Legal referrals and other community resources are coupled with action plans appropriate to each tenant's needs. Anyone in Washington State can call for information and referrals related to tenancy by calling the Tenant Services hotline (see below) to speak to a tenant counselor.
Sample Tenant Letters & Laws
The following are sample letters (and the laws related to them) that tenants can draw from to address the following common Tenant/Landlord concerns:
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!
Free Checking Accounts
Bank on Seattle/King County: Today, everybody can get a checking account and stop paying fees to cash checks. Even if you've had problems with an account in the past, have never had an account before, or don't have a Social Security number, you can open a bank or credit union account in Seattle and King County. Deposit your money for free and pay bills at no additional cost.
Phones: Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766
Landlord/Tenant Client Hotline: 206.694.6767
Email: housingcounseling@solid-ground.org
FAX: 206.694.6795
Address: Housing Counseling
Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708