The Foreclosure Fairness Act, passed during the 2011 legislative session, created the Foreclosure Mediation Program to provide homeowner foreclosure assistance. State law now requires lenders to notify borrowers prior to foreclosure of the availability of foreclosure counseling and the potential for mediation. Foreclosure counseling will help homeowners understand all of their options and determine the best course of action.

Foreclosure mediation will begin July 22, 2011. Homeowners who wish to participate in mediation must be referred by a housing counselor or an attorney. To participate in this program homeowners should seek housing counseling or an attorney promptly. To find a counselor now, please call Washington State's foreclosure prevention hotline: 1-877-894-HOME (1-877-894-4663).