Resources

Welcome to the Resource Center of IBEW 76 Federal Credit Union. We are committed to not just being a trusted financial institution, but also a source of valuable information to empower our members on their financial journey. This space is dedicated to providing resources on crucial topics such as understanding credit reports, mitigating identity theft risks, and navigating through the potential hurdles of foreclosure. We believe that informed decisions are the best defense against financial challenges. Learn how to access your free annual credit report, what steps to take if your identity has been compromised, and explore various options to avoid foreclosure. By demystifying these topics, we aim to equip you with the necessary tools to confidently manage your finances.

Credit Reports

A credit report is your history of paying debts and other bills. It includes your identifying information, public record info (defaults and/or legal judgments against you), listing of loans and credit cards (plus timeliness of payments) and also inquiries (listing of creditors that have requested your credit report).

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) enables you to obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). For detailed information, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov or at 1-877-382-4357.

Credit Bureaus

Equifax:
www.equifax.com | 1-800-685-1111
Experian:
www.experian.com | 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion:
www.transunion.com | 1-800-999-4213

Free Credit Reports

To obtain a free credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228

Foreclosure

Are you unable to afford your mortgage payments, but want to avoid foreclosure? There are many options that may be available to you.

• You may be able to refinance your loan, extending the repayment period and/or reducing the interest, thereby lowering the payments.
• IBEW 76 FCU may be able to modify your loan, to make your payments more affordable
• You may be able to surrender the deed to your house voluntarily, to avoid the foreclosure process.
• IBEW 76 FCU may be able to provide you with special forbearance, in light of your current circumstances you may be able to sell your home and repay your mortgage in its entirety. If your home’s value is less than your outstanding loan balance, IBEW 76 FCU may be willing to accept less money than you owe as full payment (a short sale).

To explore any (or all) of these options, contact IBEW 76 FCU, (253) 475-6661 or 800-464-0076.

In order for us to evaluate your eligibility for these options we must review some documents. Please prepare the following documents for our conversation:

• Recent pay stubs (or other proof of income, such as SSI payments or retirement income)
• Recent statements from all bank or credit union accounts
• Tax return and all supporting documentation
• Property tax statement
• Hardship letter explaining why you are unable to make your payments
• List of monthly expenses
• You may be required to provide additional documentation of your expenses

Washington’s Department of Financial Institutions will help you find a certified housing counseling agency. You can reach them at 877-894-4663 (that’s 877-894-HOME).

The office of Housing and Urban Development will also help you find a certified housing counseling agency. That office can be reached at 800-569-4287.