Home > Homeownership Programs > Foreclosure Prevention

The benefits of keeping people in their homes stretches far beyond the individual homeowner. It is estimated that a home foreclosure costs the homeowner, lender, federal government, municipal government and neighborhoods combined up to $73,000. Vacant homes can decrease nearby property values, invite crime and simply be a visual blight as daily upkeep is neglected.

Seattle is not experiencing a dramatic increase in foreclosures like other areas of the country. Still, to prepare for the possibility of increasing foreclosures, Mayor Nickels announced the Foreclosure Prevention Pilot Program in early 2008. The initial investment will assist at least 40 low-income homeowners with funds revolving over time to assist more homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

The program is administered by the non-profit organizations Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Solid Ground. Counselors can help struggling homeowners by coordinating:

-   Financial and mortgage counseling
-   Assistance negotiating repayment plans with lenders
-   Stabilization loans of up to $5,000

The program will give homeowners two options:
-   Avoid default and work out a repayment plan to stay in their homes
-   Gain enough time to sell their homes on their own terms

Find out if you qualify.
To qualify for the program, household income must be below 80 percent of the area median income (see current eligibility limits). Homeowners must also prove the capacity to afford the mortgage for the long-term.

Homeowners in need of assistance should contact Solid Ground or the Urban League directly to see if they qualify:
   
• Urban League
   (800) 368-1455
   
• Solid Ground
   Mortgage Hotline:
   (206) 694-6766
   Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   All screenings and appointments must go through the hotline.
   Counselors are not able to take walk-in appointments.

Questions for the Office of Housing?

If you have questions about the City of Seattle homeownership programs, contact our Homebuyer Assistance program manager: Mark Ellerbrook (206) 684-3340.