http://www.commerce.wa.gov/Documents/FFA-Brochure-2013-English.pdf

To get started with foreclosure mediation, homeowners must to be referred to Department of Commerce by an attorney or housing counselor.

FREE housing counseling is available to

help homeowners understand their options

and determine the best course of action.

Contact a free housing counselor at

1-877-894-HOME (4663).

Low to moderate-income homeowners with foreclosure-related legal issues

can also contact the statewide civil legal aid program at 1-800-606-4819

or visit nwjustice.org/get-legal-help.

Northwest Mediation Center adheres to the following policies set by the Washington State Department of Commerce and administered by Resolution Washington Mediation.

Service fees are $200 per party for scheduling, document review, conducting a mediation session, and issuing a certificate to Commerce. Mediation fees are non-refundable once a mediation session is scheduled, or preparation has started. Mediations lasting more than three (3) hours will be charged at $130 for an additional hour. If a second session is requested a $200 fee per party will be due prior to scheduling the second session.

Reschedule fees: When it is necessary to reschedule a foreclosure mediation, an agreement to extend the date for mediation must be agreed upon by both parties.
If the beneficiary or borrower reschedules the mediation session within 30 days of the set mediation, there is a $100 reschedule fee to be shared equally between the two parties. However, within 3 business days of the scheduled mediation date, cancellations will not be accepted unless there are unforeseen emergent circumstances. If parties choose not to attend the session, the DRC will retain the $400 fee paid already for the session AND there will be an additional $400 fee to schedule a new session; this fee will be shared equally between the two parties.

Rescheduling Decision: The mediator has discretion in the scheduling decision and requires the consent of both parties to extend beyond the 70 day timeline set in statute. Mediators may choose to hold the mediation as scheduled and this decision is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
o length of time the case has been opened,
o change of circumstances, number of reschedules,
o communication difficulties, or
o if there is a need for clarification between the parties.

Second Session Fees: At the end of the first mediation session, parties may request the case to be held open for a second session. At that time, the mediator must include the date for the parties to communicate a second session is necessary. Second Session Fees are due 30 days prior to the scheduled mediation date.

Cancellation fee: All foreclosure mediation fees are non- refundable.