What Does a Notice of Default Mean in Washington State?
The short answer
A Notice of Default is the formal notice that the home loan is behind and that foreclosure can follow. It is not the sale itself, and there is still time. The next step would be a Notice of Trustee's Sale, at least 90 days before any sale. Call a free housing counselor at 1-877-894-HOME (4663) now.
What the notice says
It states that the loan is in default and the amount needed to catch up. On an owner-occupied home, the lender must first have tried to reach the homeowner by letter and at least three phone calls, and offered to meet.
What comes next
If the default is not resolved, the trustee can record a Notice of Trustee's Sale, which must be given at least 90 days before the sale date (120 days for most owner-occupied homes). The homeowner can catch up and stop the sale until the eleventh day before it.
The first three things to do
Call the free housing counselor hotline, 1-877-894-HOME (4663). A counselor can refer the homeowner to foreclosure mediation, which must be requested no later than 90 days before the sale date.
Keep the notice and every later letter, with the envelopes, and note the dates.
Don't respond to strangers who start calling or writing with offers to save the house. Notices are public, and scammers watch for them.
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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.