Can I Stop a Trustee's Sale in Washington State?
The short answer
Often, yes, if action starts early enough. A homeowner can stop the sale by catching up on the missed amount until the eleventh day before the sale, by reaching an agreement with the lender, or by selling the house and closing first. Mediation needs a referral no later than 90 days before the sale. Call 1-877-894-HOME (4663) today.
Catching up (reinstatement)
Paying the missed payments plus allowed costs stops the foreclosure and puts the loan back in good standing. Washington State law allows this until the eleventh day before the sale date. Ask the trustee for the exact amount in writing.
An agreement with the lender
A repayment plan, a pause in payments or a loan modification can end or hold off the foreclosure. A free housing counselor can ask for these and handle the paperwork. Foreclosure mediation, which only a counselor or attorney can request, must be referred no later than 90 days before the sale date (25 days after an amended notice of sale).
Selling the house first
The owner still owns the house until the trustee's sale, so it can be sold and closed before the sale date. The loan is paid off at closing and the rest of the money goes to the owner. If the house is worth less than what is owed, a short sale or a deed in lieu needs the lender's agreement.
Legal help
In some situations an attorney can ask a court to stop a sale, or other legal steps can pause it. Those are decisions to make with a lawyer. Low- and moderate-income homeowners can call Washington State's civil legal aid line at 1-800-606-4819.
What does not stop a sale
Ignoring the notices, paying someone who promises to stop the foreclosure for a fee, or signing the deed over to a stranger who says you can stay. Those are the patterns of foreclosure rescue scams.
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Professional Disclosure
Real Property Planning is an educational and connection hub. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, brokerage, or appraisal services. Professionals referenced on this site are independently licensed and operate through their own separate businesses. Real estate brokerage services are provided by David Stein, a licensed Washington broker, through eXp Realty. Appraisal services are provided by David Stein through Stein Appraisal. Read the full disclaimer.