Seattle Foreclosure Defense Lawyers
We Want to Help You Prevent Foreclosure on Your Home
If you’re behind on your mortgage and facing foreclosure in Seattle or a surrounding area, we can help. Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights, survey your legal choices, and determine a course of action. We work to help you live in your house, maintain ownership, and resolve the situation.
We may recommend filing bankruptcy to stop the foreclosure process. However, this is only one option of many different foreclosure defense strategies we may help you employ.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can discuss your case and help you identify your options. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have.
Learn more about our foreclosure defense methods in Washington state. Contact us online or give us a call at (206) 483-0505.
Mediation and Negotiation Options
If you’re behind on your mortgage payments but haven’t received a notice of foreclosure, you still have time. The Washington State Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2011 gives you the right to request mediation with your lender prior to a foreclosure. Mediation is an opportunity to sit down with your lender and discuss alternatives to foreclosure.
Your best opportunities for mediation come before you receive a Notice of Default. This usually happens when you are about three months behind on payments. However, we have seen clients who were behind in payments over a year before the lender issued a Notice of Default.
Once the Notice of Default is issued, however, the clock starts ticking. You can request mediation with the lender for a $200 fee until the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is issued. This usually happens about 30 days after the Notice of Default, so time is short.
We might also be able to negotiate a loan modification. Your lender may be particularly willing to modify your loan if they believe your only other option is to file bankruptcy. Our attorneys can help you navigate the mediation or negotiation process to achieve the best possible resolution.
The Henry & DeGraaff Difference
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Experienced, Creative & Sophisticated
With years of experience between our attorneys, our goal is to deliver a higher level of service, only taking cases where we can add value.
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Personalized Attention
We understand that no two cases are ever the same. We provide tailored solutions for every client and strategize in order to provide optimal results.
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Comprehensive Service
As a law firm that focuses on creative and collaborative solutions, we always seek opportunities that go even beyond the law to help provide the results you deserve.
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Groundbreaking Results
Our ability to tackle complex issues has allowed us to win appellate decisions and push the law in our clients' favor. We pursue compensation arrangements that reward success.
Litigation Options Under Consumer Protection Laws
In some cases, a mortgage lender will violate a homeowner’s rights under certain consumer protection laws.
They may, for example:
- Commit negligent misrepresentation by failing to disclose truthful information about their agency or the debt you owe
- Collect on mortgage debt that has surpassed the statute of limitations
- Breach the terms of your original contract or loan modification agreement by initiating foreclosure when you are not actually delinquent
At Henry & DeGraaff, we use legislation like the Washington State Consumer Protection Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to defend our clients against foreclosure and even file affirmative claims against mortgage lenders.
The Advocacy and Support You Need
No matter the unique factors of your situation, our attorneys will work with you personally to help you overcome this stressful challenge. Over the past decade, many mortgage borrowers have been victimized by predatory lenders. Unethical mortgage brokers and financial institutions have issued inappropriate loans to borrowers who could not afford them. They have even gouged borrowers with exorbitant fees and high interest rates.
If you are trapped in an escalating adjustable rate mortgage that your income cannot support, talk to our foreclosure attorneys in Seattle. We also help you avoid “foreclosure rescue” scams run by con artists who steal your money or even your home.
Ready to protect what matters most? Call (206) 483-0505 or contact us online today.
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It is my belief that we came out way ahead of the game but we owe the success to Jacob.
“Jacob very clearly explained the course of action we should take and held our hand through the very scary process of the bankruptcy nightmare.”
- Kim & Mike -
5 stars are not enough.
“She knows the ins and outs of all types of bankruptcy, listens to your personal situation, and lays out the options for you.”
- Joe -
Jacob successfully took over our Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
“His professional attitude and calm and efficient demeanor guided us through what could have been a much more agonizing process. He and his staff worked out a settlement which was actually better than my most optimistic expectation.”
- Jerry -
Jacob was always focused on our needs and desires concerning our real estate.
“He is not an income-driven attorney, but an attorney that gives great value and caring as his greatest assets. He works hard to get his clients the best result possible!”
- Previous Client -
If you need their services don't hesitate to give them a call.
“They offer a no-nonsense/no-hustle approach to financial counseling and bankruptcy. I witnessed a dear friend go through the process, and Henry & DeGraaff was great to them.”
- Reese H.
