Free Foreclosure Prevention Event

Are you struggling to pay your mortgage because of a subprime loan, a job loss or a one-time financial crisis such as an illness or divorce?  If so, find the help you need at a free foreclosure prevention event.

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Cascade High School, 801 E. Casino Rd., Everett.  U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee will open the event at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by the Snohomish County Asset Building Coalition, workshops on Aug. 20 will offer struggling homeowners information on modifying their loans and monthly mortgage payments, mediation laws and rebuilding their financial life if they do foreclose.  Counselors from Parkview Services, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions, American Financial Solutions and Apprisen will be on hand to speak to participants. Workshops on the foreclosure process, avoiding foreclosure scams, repairing credit scores and budgeting are also offered.

With foreclosures double what they were two years ago, the need for such an event is obvious, if a sad sign of our times, noted Deborah Squires, spokeswoman for United Way of Snohomish County.

“Often, homeowners don’t know where to start or they wait too long to seek help when they have trouble making their mortgage payments,” said Adrienne Quinn, Director of the City of Everett’s Office of Housing.  “We’ve learned that simply connecting homeowners with either their lender or a mortgage counselor can often result in a solution that keeps people in their homes for the long term.”

What to bring:

•        A detailed list of all household expenses and all household income

•        Documentation for any other income (i.e. rental income or unemployment)

•        Any recent correspondence related to your home

•        Your most current mortgage statement

The event is sponsored by United Way of Snohomish County, Snohomish County Asset Building Coalition, and the Washington State Department of Financial Services.  The Northwest Justice Project will provide onsite resources. 

For more information or to speak with a housing counselor prior to the event, please visit www.homeownership.wa.gov or call 1.877.894.HOME.