The failure of BOA and the other mega banks to come clean on this is what lies at the heart of our economic morass. It CAN be cleaned up and with some degree of fairness to ALL stakeholders — but not by bullying.
The only way this is going to get cleaned up is loan by loan settlements in which we do the best we can to provide the right incentives for all stakeholders to agree or be forced to comply with an equitable solution. Anything one-sided will not work.
Principal correction (that is what it is, not “reduction”) is the only impediment to getting this process rolling. Investors can strive for full par value with put-backs but we all know that the cases will be settled for less. Homeowners can strive for full ownership of their homes and that is exactly what will happen if the banks continue to insist on digging their heals in issues for which they have no legal support. Homeowners will leap at the chance to straighten this out WITH mortgages and enforceable notes and encumbrances, but only if the incentive is there for them to do so.
Call your representative and demand action against these illegal practices!