Will BofA Settle Foreclosure? - Analyst Blog
August 04 2011 - 8:21AM
Zacks
Bank of America Corp. (BAC) might reduce the
loan burden on its troubled borrowers in the hope of protecting
itself from the imminent mortgage servicing litigation, The
Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. This defensivestep
follows the drastic $14.5 billion loss, which the company incurred
in second quarter 2011, due to mortgage related claim
settlement.
High foreclosure and lowmortgage levels are troubling many
American states. So deep is the housing mess that it may now well
lead the country to mortgage-servicing litigation. And then, BofA’s
safe-than-sorry strategy would actually prove its worth.
The Idea…
BofA is in talks with federal officials to lighten the load on
its distressed borrowers. Discussions so far suggest that BofA
would cut loan balances not only of its own mortgage borrowers, but
also of those it services for private investors.
However, the breather would come for borrowers with a principal
amount of $1 million or less, that too only in some regions.
Reason Behind the Idea
BofA’s eagerness to seek such protection can be traced back to a
June catastrophe. The bank had to pay $8.5 billion to a group of
investors who had suffered substantial losses for their investments
in mortgage-backed securities sold by the company prior to the
housing market failure.
The group of investors, including the likes of BlackRock
Inc. (BLK), MetLife Inc. (MET) and the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York alleged that Countrywide Financial
Corp., a company acquired by BofA in 2008, had sold securities that
were tied to bad-quality loans.
This hefty settlement amount -- the highest by a financial
services company to date -- damaged BofA’s financials and
reputation.
What about Others?
While BofA is pioneering this protective measure, there is a
fair chance of other lenders follwing suit. The likes of
Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) and JPMorgan
Chase & Co. (JPM) could soon take steps to avoid huge
money outflow related to mortgage settlements.
Also, large U.S mortgage servicers are already chalking out
plans to modify their foreclosure practices. They are in talks on
broader settlement terms with state attorney generals (AGs) and the
Department of Justice (DoJ).
Is End at Sight?
Whatever the settlement by BofA and other servicers, clearing
the foreclosure clutter is a long-term story. However, we are
optimistic that various counteractive measures, if implemented
correctly, would prevent yet another foreclosure crisis. But most
importantly, it would leave a lasting impact on lenders, forcing
them to be extra cautious during housing transactions.
BANK OF AMER CP (BAC): Free Stock Analysis Report
BLACKROCK INC (BLK): Free Stock Analysis Report
JPMORGAN CHASE (JPM): Free Stock Analysis Report
METLIFE INC (MET): Free Stock Analysis Report
WELLS FARGO-NEW (WFC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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