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Home Foreclosure Attorneys
Washington State has a foreclosure rate of one in every 10,615 houses, making it pretty common in Lynnwood. Whether you're facing foreclosure in Lake Stickney, Martha Lake, Spruce Park, or along Stonebridge, you're not alone. Fortunately, you don't have to lose your home just because you've fallen behind.
You have legal options, and our local Lynnwood attorneys know how to use them. Let's talk about how to stop the process, protect what's yours, and move forward. Call today for a free consultation with an experienced foreclosure attorney in Lynnwood. Our legal team is here to help you fight for your home.
What Do I Do If I Receive A Notice Of Foreclosure?Time matters when you receive a Notice of Default or Notice of Trustee's Sale in Lynnwood. Whether you live near Alderwood Mall, Lynnwood City Center, or anywhere in Snohomish County, a foreclosure notice means it's time to act. Here's what to do:
- Read The Notice of Sale: You may have just 90 days before your home is auctioned off (RCW 61.24.040).
- Request Mediation: Under the Washington State Foreclosure Fairness Act (RCW 61.24.163), homeowners can request mediation to work out alternatives before the sale date. You'll need to work through a housing counselor or attorney. We can handle this for you.
- Contact us: We'll help you decide if a loan modification, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or a short sale gives you the best shot at keeping your home or walking away cleanly.
Don't ignore the timeline. Once the trustee records the sale, there's no automatic right to reverse it. If you're in Lynnwood or surrounding areas like Martha Lake, Edmonds, or Bothell, we know the local foreclosure processes inside and out.
What Is Pre-Foreclosure?Pre-foreclosure, which starts when your lender notifies you of the default, is your window to action. During this time, you still legally own your home, meaning you can explore options like loan modification, repayment plans, or bankruptcy to stop the sale. In Washington State, this window can last a few months, depending on your loan and lender.
Are There Alternatives To Foreclosure In Washington State?Yes, and some of the most effective ones are right here in Snohomish County. Here's what we help clients in Lynnwood consider:
- Foreclosure Mediation: Washington's Foreclosure Fairness Act (RCW 61.24.165) allows you to formally request mediation with your lender to try to save your home. You must act fast, as this only works before the trustee's sale.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Filing for Chapter 13 puts an immediate stop to foreclosure (thanks to the automatic stay under 11 U.S. Code § 362) and gives you up to five years to catch up on missed mortgage payments.
- Loan Modification: Your lender may agree to change your loan terms, including interest rate, balance, or payment structure, to make it more affordable. We help package and submit strong modification requests.
- Short Sale: If keeping the home isn't realistic, a short sale lets you sell it for less than what's owed, with the lender's approval, so you can avoid foreclosure.
- Deed In Lieu: In exchange for being released from your mortgage, you will transfer the home deed back to the lender. It avoids the foreclosure auction and may protect your credit more.
- Repayment Plan: Some lenders allow you to pay back missed payments over time, especially if you can show a temporary hardship.
If you're in Lynnwood and facing foreclosure, let's sit down and talk through your options. We've helped people across North Lynnwood, Lake Stickney, and South Lynnwood find practical, legal solutions to stay in their homes or walk away with dignity. Give us a call. We're ready when you are.
Answers To Your Foreclosure FAQsQ: Can my lender collect money from me after foreclosure in Snohomish County?
A: It depends on the type of foreclosure. In a non-judicial foreclosure, which is the most common in Washington State, your lender cannot come after you for any leftover balance. Washington State law bars deficiency judgments after non-judicial sales (see RCW 61.24.100). However, if the lender files a judicial foreclosure, they can ask the court for a deficiency judgment, which means you might still owe the difference between what you owed and what the home sold for. If you're worried about this, we'll help you determine your risk and the best way to protect yourself, including looking at bankruptcy as a shield.
Q: What happens if I apply for a loan modification during foreclosure in Snohomish County?
A: If you apply for a loan modification, the courts pause the foreclosure process, but it depends on where you are in the timeline. Under both federal rules and Washington State law, your lender can't move forward with a foreclosure sale while your complete application is under review. This is called dual tracking protection (see 12 C.F.R. § 1024.41). However, if you apply too close to the sale date or submit an incomplete package, the lender might still proceed. That's why it's important to apply early and correctly. We can help make sure your application is strong and submitted in time to protect your home.
Q: What are my rights if I have a VA or FHA loan and I'm facing foreclosure in Lynnwood?
A: If you have a VA or FHA loan, you have extra protections. For FHA loans, your lender must follow HUD servicing guidelines, which include working with you on loss mitigation options like loan modifications or repayment plans before foreclosure starts. If you have a VA-backed loan, the lender has to offer VA loss mitigation programs, and in many cases, the VA can step in to help you avoid foreclosure. Also, you may be eligible for Washington's Foreclosure Fairness Program, which gives you the right to mediation before your home goes to auction.
You've got more options than you think when you face foreclosure, and our Lynnwood attorneys can help you use every one of them to fight for your home. Contact us now to get started with your free consultation.
