Sources on both sides of the 50-state attorney's general investigation into so-called "robo-signing" foreclosure practices tell me they are nearing a settlement. As Bank of America , JP Morgan Chase and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller square off today before the Senate Banking Committee, the framework of a deal is taking shape.
While sources say there is no universal solution to shoddy foreclosure practices at some of the nation's largest mortgage banks/servicers, two of the largest—BofA and JPMorgan—as well as other major lenders may be agreeing to the same solution.
First, banks would pay into a fund used to compensate borrowers who have claims after their home has been sold in foreclosure. The borrowers would have to prove they were wronged in the process, and the attorney's general would allocate the funds. In other words, the AGs would be the administrators. The amount of said fund is still undetermined, and likely still in negotiation. Each bank could settle on its own amount, or there could be a joint agreement.