What is Foreclosure in Seattle, Washington?

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Foreclosure in Seattle, Washington is a legal proceeding which allows a mortgage lender to take ownership of the home that was used to secure the mortgage, in the event that the creditor defaults. Foreclosure normally involves a forced sale of the house at auction. Banks normally want to rid themselves of ownership of the home as soon as possible, collect as much money as they can, and then move on.

In all states in the U.S., including Washington, foreclosure by judicial sale is allowed. Under this system, the sale is overseen by a court of law, to ensure that the bank makes a reasonable effort to get a decent price at the auction, and that any proceeds above the balance of the mortgage go back to the borrower. In many states, original mortgages (as opposed to refinanced loans) are "non-recourse" loans, meaning that the most the lender can collect is whatever the foreclosed property sells for. The bank cannot go after the borrower for the balance, if the sale nets less than the amount due. You should consult a Lawyer in Seattle, Washington to learn the details of the law here. You should also know that this rarely applies to loans which have been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Washington?

Most importantly, you must not ignore the problem. Doing so will not make it go away, and will probably make it worse. You should stay in close contact with your bank, and be straightforward with them. It is essential to remember that banks don't really want to own homes in Seattle. In issuing a mortgage, they expect to make a profit through interest on the loan, and they'd prefer to continue collecting from you. Therefore, they're likely to make reasonable accommodations to your financial situation if it will enable you to keep paying them in the long run.

If you believe that foreclosure is imminent, there are some other options. For example, you might be able to engage in a "short sale," which sometimes allows you to sell your house for whatever amount you can get, give the proceeds to the lender, and walk away free of your mortgage debt, even if the sale netted less than the balance of the mortgage. You might also try a "short refinance" which allows a piece of the debt to be forgiven, and the rest refinanced. This allows the bank to wash its hands of the matter, while taking a relatively small loss, and allows the homeowner to keep their home.

How Can A Seattle, Washington Attorney Help?

If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, a good Seattle, Washington real estate Attorney can help. At the very least, they will be able to inform you of your legal options.

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Life in Seattle

Known for its high level of annual rainfall, Washington state's largest city has much more to offer that just water. Seattle, Washington houses a population of close to 620,000 and it the 15th largest city in the United States. Located between Pudget Sound and Lake Washington, the city is a major gateway for travelers going to Asia and Alaska.

Seattle, which is the northernmost city with a big population in the United States is located just a couple hours away from the Canadian border. Seattle gets its name from its Indian heritage. Seattle was named after a famous Indian chief from the tribes that inhabited the area for over 4,000 years.

Seattle, which has been the site of the popular reality television show, The Real World has a growing arts and music scene. Originally the home of grunge music made popular by Nirvana, the city of Seattle now has many different music scenes and venues ranging in size to showcase them all. Seattle also has a big sports culture, with the many professional teams including: Seattle Sea Hawks, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sound, and Seattle Thunderbirds. The city's cool climate makes it ideal for outdoor activities all year round, and the city has many parks and trails to support the physical activities of its residents and visitors.

Education is also important in Seattle with top universities including University of Washington and Seattle University. Seattle has the highest percentage of college and university graduates than any other city in the U.S. The appreciation for higher education is seen in the many professionals that call the seaside city home. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, tech gurus all thrive in Seattle. The academic culture has produced top lawyers to help the growing city with any legal issue he or she encounters.

Seattle also has a growing tech culture...good thing it is also the home of Starbucks to help give a caffeine fuel to all the innovation!