King County Foreclosure Resources
Complete guide to the foreclosure process in King County, Washington. Courthouse addresses, filing procedures, timelines, mediation options, and local legal aid — everything you need to defend your home.
Response within 24 hours
Foreclosure Type
Non-Judicial
Avg. Timeline
120–180 days
Mediation
Available
Population
2.3 million
King County Foreclosure Timeline
Washington is primarily a non-judicial foreclosure state. The process moves outside the court system through a trustee — and it moves fast. Understanding each phase is critical.
Washington's Deed of Trust Act requires the trustee to mail a notice of default at least 30 days before recording the notice of sale. Owner-occupants can request mediation through the Foreclosure Fairness Act within 30 days of this notice via a HUD-certified housing counselor.
The trustee records and mails the notice of sale, which includes a beneficiary declaration verifying the lender's authority. If you request FFA mediation through a HUD-certified counselor, the lender must participate in good faith. You may also cure the default up to 11 days before the sale.
Washington trustee sales are held on the fourth Friday of the month (the sale date is set by statute). After a non-judicial sale of residential property, the Deed of Trust Act prohibits a deficiency judgment.
Courthouse & County Offices
King County Courthouse
516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-9300
Mon–Fri 8:30AM–4:30PM
King County Superior Court
516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-9300
Mon–Fri 8:30AM–4:30PM
Clerk of Court
King County Clerk's Office (Superior Court)
Processes court filings and records for King County, including any foreclosure-related litigation.
Sheriff / Sale Info
King County Sheriff's Office — Civil Unit
401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-1114
Washington's trustee sale is conducted by the trustee, not the Sheriff. After the sale, possession matters are resolved through the underlying deed and court process.
Foreclosure Mediation in King County
Washington's Foreclosure Fairness Act provides mandatory mediation for certain owner-occupied residential properties. You request it through a HUD-certified housing counselor within 30 days of the notice of default, and the lender must participate in good faith — a powerful tool for King County homeowners. The FFA also includes a beneficiary declaration requirement and a dual-tracking-free loss-mitigation process.
Filing Requirements
- •Notice of default mailed at least 30 days before the notice of sale
- •Notice of sale recorded, mailed, and published
- •Beneficiary declaration verifying the lender's authority
- •FFA mediation request through a HUD-certified counselor within 30 days of the notice of default
- •Borrower may cure the default up to 11 days before the sale
- •No deficiency on residential property after a non-judicial sale
Key Statutes
Washington Revised Code § 61.24.030
Wash. Rev. Code § 61.24.030
Governs the pre-foreclosure notice requirements under the Deed of Trust Act.
Washington Revised Code § 61.24.100
Wash. Rev. Code § 61.24.100
Prohibits a deficiency judgment on residential property after a non-judicial trustee sale.
Washington Revised Code §§ 61.24.005-61.24.190
Wash. Rev. Code §§ 61.24.005-61.24.190
The Washington Deed of Trust Act and Foreclosure Fairness Act framework.
Right of Redemption
Washington provides no statutory right of redemption after a non-judicial trustee sale. Your strongest protections are the Foreclosure Fairness Act mediation (request within 30 days of the notice of default) and the ability to cure the default up to 11 days before the sale.
Deficiency Judgments
Washington absolutely prohibits a deficiency judgment on residential property after a non-judicial trustee sale under the Deed of Trust Act. This is one of the strongest anti-deficiency protections for homeowners in the nation — the lender cannot sue for the balance.
Legal Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request Foreclosure Fairness Act mediation?+
Contact a HUD-certified housing counselor within 30 days of receiving the notice of default. The counselor will refer you to mediation, after which the lender must participate in good faith. This can delay or stop the sale and is your most powerful tool.
How long do I have before a King County trustee sale?+
After the notice of default, the trustee records the notice of sale and the sale is held on the fourth Friday of the month. In practice the timeline spans roughly 120 to 180 days, with key early deadlines to act.
Where is the Seattle trustee sale held?+
Washington trustee sales are conducted by the trustee at the time and place stated in the notice, commonly on the steps of the King County Courthouse on 3rd Ave.
Am I protected from a deficiency in Washington?+
Yes. The Deed of Trust Act prohibits a deficiency judgment on residential property after a non-judicial sale. This is absolute for owner-occupied residential deeds of trust.
Where can I get free help in King County?+
Northwest Justice Project and Solid Ground provide free help to qualifying residents. Start with a HUD-certified housing counselor immediately.
More Resources for King County Homeowners
Washington Foreclosure Laws
Complete state-level guide to foreclosure laws, timelines, and homeowner protections.
Foreclosure Defense
Comprehensive defense strategies to stop or delay foreclosure in any U.S. county.
Free Case Review
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