Gov't bars Fannie-Freddie from reducing principal - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Gov't bars Fannie-Freddie from reducing principal

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WASHINGTON -

A federal regulator is standing by its decision to bar Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from reducing principal for borrowers at risk of foreclosure. That's despite pressure from the Obama administration.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced the decision after months of considering the option.

Acting director Edward DeMarco has long opposed allowing Fannie and Freddie to offer principal reduction.

DeMarco said an analysis by the FHFA found the potential benefit was too small compared with the costs and risks. The risks include as many as 19,000 borrowers strategically defaulting on their loans, according to the analysis.

It found that up to 248,000 homeowners would be eligible for principal reductions from Fannie and Freddie. An estimated 11 million Americans owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.

The Obama administration immediately voiced its disappointment with the decision, with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner saying it was not the best decision for the country.

(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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