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Banks settle again, homeowners to get relief

Jan 7, 2013
In a costly day of legal settlements, 10 banks agree to pay $8.5 billion to four million homeowners for mishandling their foreclosures.

High salaries at Freddie, Fannie draw attention

Dec 10, 2012
A government watchdog released a report this morning that scrutinizes the pay of senior staffers at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The report is from the inspector general of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie and Freddie.

Justice Department sues Bank of America over mortgage fraud

Oct 24, 2012
The Justice Department says Countrywide Financial -- which B of A bought in 2008 -- cranked out bad home loans without proper checks to make sure they were legit, and then sold those mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Fannie and Freddie to allow principal reductions in California

Sep 14, 2012
This week, Fannie and Freddie quietly put out some "clarifying language" that could mean a lot to some beleaguered homeowners in California and in other states.

Mortgage giants face new carrot -- and stick

Aug 17, 2012
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac get some slack on repaying government bailout funds. But they’ll have to shrink their businesses faster than planned.

Treasury to change relationship with Fannie, Freddie

Aug 17, 2012
There's word this morning that the Treasury Department is going to revamp its financial relationship with the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

A positive sign: Profits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

Aug 8, 2012
Rising home prices contribute to profits for the bailed-out mortgage lenders. Higher home prices should help the real estate market and homebuyers, too.

For public good, not for profit.

House report links Countrywide, Congress

Jul 5, 2012
The home lender Countrywide gave preferential treatment to members of Congress, their staffs and employees of Fannie Mae in order to win influence in government, according to a long-awaited review by a House committee.

Wall Street firms may rent out Fannie foreclosures

Mar 19, 2012
Some of Wall Street's biggest firms want to bid on pools of foreclosed properties being sold by Fannie Mae to rent them out. What does that mean for investors and how might it affect homeowners?
A foreclosure/price reduced sign stands in front of a home for sale in Miami, Fla.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

How will the payroll tax cut be paid for?

Dec 23, 2011
The payroll tax cut is expected to be extended for another two months. How will lawmakers come up with the billions it's going to cost?