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Treasury to Squeeze Mortgage Lenders

Will expand program to help keep people in their homes

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 29, 2009 11:00 AM CST

(AP) – The Obama administration, battling a foreclosure crisis that shows no signs of relenting, will step up pressure on mortgage companies to do more to help people remain in their homes, officials said yesterday. The administration will announce its expanded program tomorrow, a Treasury spokeswoman said, and will take "additional steps to enhance servicer transparency and accountability."

She said the goal was to increase the rate that troubled home loans were converted into new loans with lower monthly payments. The new effort would highlight mortgage companies that are lagging in loan modifications. Under the $75 billion Treasury program, companies that lower payments for troubled borrowers collect $1,000 initially from the government, followed by $1,000 annually for up to three years. The program has come under heavy criticism for failing stem a tidal wave of foreclosures.

In this May 9, 2008 file photo, a foreclosure sign stands outside an existing home on the market in Denver.
In this May 9, 2008 file photo, a foreclosure sign stands outside an existing home on the market in Denver.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Toon
Nov 30, 2009 6:23 AM CST
Housing is not going to improve until wages start going up, but until then putting road blocks in the way of greed lenders and especially greed mortgage servicing companies is a good idea. I don't know if every one realizes this but the bank hires a company to manage the mortgages for them. Those managing companies make more driving people into bankruptcy than they do in working with borrowers. Borrowers are getting screwed out of homes and banks out of the principal but loan servicers rake in lots between the first late payment and the bankruptcy.
grassisntgreener
Nov 30, 2009 5:35 AM CST
A friend tried to purchase a home that her estranged boyfriend had let go into foreclosure when he left.She attempted to purchase it ,offered approx 200,000.,and was denied,she would have began paying immediately,they said she had to be out 3 months,then if available ,she can make an offer.it sold for 127,00.00 about 3 months later to someone else,as of course she had to buy something right away,or be w/o a home! how's that for ridiculous!
tomodachi
Nov 29, 2009 11:23 AM CST
Money in US circulation is necessary for economic recovery. It's unfortunate but if the government stops spending... we're all going down the tubes. But just as important: the money spent MUST produce multiple US benefits: US jobs... US infrastructure improvements... US education improvements... US national security improvements... All from US money flowing effectively from US debt creation.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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