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) Reverse equity mortgage counseling for senior homeowners.
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:
Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free at 1.866.297.4300. Counselors are available at this number every
M, W and Th from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
- 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.)
Mortgage Information 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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Veterans' Mortgage Support
Are you a veteran or currently active in the military? Do you have concerns about meeting your mortgage payments? You may qualify for assistance through King County Veteran Housing Levy funds. If you served or are currently serving in any branch of the military, own a home in King County where you currently reside, and your mortgage payments do not take more than 75% of your gross monthly income, you may qualify for assistance with your mortgage.
Eligibility requirements: Your home must be in King County and be your primary residence (no rentals or second homes qualify). Your mortgage costs cannot be more than 75% of your before tax monthly income. Example: If your gross, before tax, monthly income is $3,000, your monthly mortgage payment including ALL housing costs (such as 1st and 2nd mortgages, homeowner dues, property taxes NOT covered by your mortgage payment, etc.) should not exceed $2,250 ($3,000 multiplied by .75 = $2,250).
To find out more, either fill out our Online Mortgage Intake form OR call our Mortgage Counseling Hotline at 206.694.6766 to speak to a counselor. Funds are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Predatory Lending Client Line: 206.694.6864
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
M, W and Th from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
- 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.
Tenant Services Hotline: 206.694.6767. Counselors are available at this number every M, W and Th from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
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 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
Tenant Services Hotline: 206.694.6767
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