Seattle, WA - October 06, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — On Monday Attorney General Rob McKenna will announce Washington’s share of a multi-state, multi-billion dollar settlement with Countrywide Financial Corporation over allegations of deceptive lending practices.Bank of America, which recently acquired Countrywide, agreed to the settlement after months of negotiations. The agreement was brokered by McKenna and attorneys general representing several other states. more »

Vancouver, WA - September 23, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Clark County Public Health is offering deferred, 0% interest loans to homeowners with failing septic systems in need of repair or replacement. To qualify, households must meet income guidelines established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and be located outside the city of Vancouver. more »

WASHINGTON - September 23, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today awarded $50.5 million to three public housing authorities in Washington State to revitalize the public housing in Bremerton, King County and Seattle. HUD’s grants will produce or rehabilitate 765 units of public and affordable housing and another 611 units of market-rate housing in the State. more »

SEATTLE, WA - September 16, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Greg Nickels today sent legislation to the City Council to increase the supply of affordable, workforce housing in Seattle. The legislation is modeled after successful programs downtown and requires developers to provide for new affordable housing units, in exchange for permission to build larger buildings. more »

TACOMA, WA - September 15, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Chris Gregoire today applauded community organizations that provide families an affordable home. The governor spoke at the 15th annual affordable housing conference in Tacoma, a two-day event hosted by Washington’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. more »

OLYMPIA, WA - September 05, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Rising mortgage payments have paved the way for scammers who peruse foreclosure listings. Grasping at any offer for help, their victims have paid for false promises, been cheated out of equity and, in severe cases, were tricked into transferring ownership of their homes. more »

Lynnwood, WA - September 4, 2008- (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the winners of the 2008 Economic Development and Workforce Best Practices awards. Five projects were recognized as models of success in workforce and economic development at the Governor’s Economic and Workforce Development Conference. more »

DFI alleged firms engaged in deceptive radio and direct mail advertising campaigns

OLYMPIA, WA - August 19, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) entered into Consent Orders today with two firms previously charged with false advertising. more »

DFI Alleges Paramount Equity Mortgage Made Deceptive Fee Disclosures, Collected Unearned Points and Fees, and Engaged In False Advertising

OLYMPIA, WA - August 17, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — “An examination conducted by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) reveals that Paramount Equity Mortgage, Inc. (Paramount), a licensed mortgage broker headquartered in California, has engaged in a number of deceptive lending practices. As a result of the findings, DFI has given notice that it intends to revoke Paramount’s license to do business in Washington, fine the firm $500,000 and require restitution for Washington borrowers. more »

Vancouver, WA (RealEstateRama) July 15, 2008 – With the Mt. Adams wildfire so close, Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway is reminding homeowners to create defensible spaces before homes or neighborhoods are actually threatened. more »