WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

61.34.050 - Distressed home consulting transaction -- Requirements -- Notice.

Distressed home consulting transaction — Requirements — Notice.

(1) A distressed home consulting transaction must:

     (a) Be in writing in at least twelve-point font;

     (b) Be in the same language as principally used by the distressed home consultant to describe his or her services to the distressed homeowner. If the agreement is written in a language other than English, the distressed home consultant shall cause the agreement to be translated into English and shall deliver copies of both the original and English language versions to the distressed homeowner at the time of execution and shall keep copies of both versions on file in accordance with subsection (2) of this section. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies between the English language and the original language versions of the written agreement must be strictly construed in favor of the distressed homeowner;

     (c) Fully disclose the exact nature of the distressed home consulting services to be provided, including any distressed home conveyance that may be involved and the total amount and terms of any compensation to be received by the distressed home consultant or anyone working in association with the distressed home consultant;

     (d) Be dated and signed by the distressed homeowner and the distressed home consultant;

     (e) Contain the complete legal name, address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, and internet address if any, of the distressed home consultant, and if the distressed home consultant is serving as an agent for any other person, the complete legal name, address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, and internet address if any, of the principal; and

     (f) Contain the following notice, which must be initialed by the distressed homeowner, in bold face type and in at least fourteen-point font:

"NOTICE REQUIRED BY WASHINGTON LAW

     THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL CONTRACT AND COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HOME.

     . . . Name of distressed home consultant . . . or anyone working for him or her CANNOT guarantee you that he or she will be able to refinance your home or arrange for you to keep your home. Continue making mortgage payments until refinancing, if applicable, is approved. You should consult with an attorney before signing this contract.

     If you sign a promissory note, lien, mortgage, deed of trust, or deed, you could lose your home and be unable to get it back."

     (2) At the time of execution, the distressed home consultant shall provide the distressed homeowner with a copy of the written agreement, and the distressed home consultant shall keep a separate copy of the written agreement on file for at least five years following the completion or other termination of the agreement.

     (3) This section does not relieve any duty or obligation imposed upon a distressed home consultant by any other law including, but not limited to, the duties of a credit service organization under chapter 19.134 RCW or a person required to be licensed under chapter 19.146 RCW.