HOMEOWNERS

What is forbearance vs foreclosure?

Forbearance: When your mortgage servicer or lender agrees to let you pause or reduce payments for a certain period of time. (This is something you should do in advance of missing a payment)

Foreclosure: When the lender takes back the property after the homeowner fails to make required payments on a mortgage.


Who to contact For assistance with navigation of mortgage resources

Washington Department of Financial Institutions 1-877-746-4334: A Financial and Legal Advisor can help link you to resources related to COVID-19 mortgage issues. For those looking into if they need to request forbearance.

Things an advisor through DFI may help you with: 

  • Figure out who you are making payments to

  • Help figure out who to contact for your loan servicer

  • Help figure out what kind of loan you have

  • Go from there in helping folks figure out what information will be needed in the process of requesting forbearance.

Washington Homeownership Resource Center 877-894-4663: They can refer homeowners to a housing counselor who can help navigate how to get forbearance or foreclosure assistance. They are available by phone Monday-Friday 8am-5pm


How to access mortgage assistance

Need help catching up on Rent, Mortgage or Utility Payments? Has the pandemic affected your finances?: If you are a homeowner behind in house payments; or a renter behind in rent; or you need help paying utilities (electric/ water/ sewer/ garbage) contact Okanogan Community Action Coalition 509 422 4041 or email nikkig@occac.com They have funding to help prevent loss of homes, rentals or shut offs due to past due payments.

Department of Financial Institutions COVID-19 Mortgage Assistance for Washington Residents: Webpage with up to date resources for how to access mortgage assistance for homeowners impacted by COVID-19.

Washington LawHelp Guide for COVID-19 If you have a mortgage on your home: Webpage with steps you can take to request forbearance with or without a federally backed mortgage.

Freddie Mac's COVID-19 Response: Up to date bulletins and resources related to COVID-19 for Freddie Mac borrowers

Fannie Mae's COVID-19 Response: Up to date bulletins and resources related to COVID-19 for Fannie Mae borrowers

Rural Development COVID-19 Response: USDA has implemented a number of resources for those served through their programs in response to COVID-19. USDA’s Customer Service Center at 800-414-1226 (7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday-Friday)


COVID-19 Federal and State protectiONS FOR homeowners

COVID-19 Resources for Homeowners: Details on how to request forbearance as a homeowner, including COVID-19 forbearance eligibility guidelines and deadlines.