Topic: Making Homes Affordable

A report from the PBS NewsHour details predatory foreclosure practices by Bank of America, where homeowners were allegedly misled about loan modifications. The bank reportedly charged fees for advertising the auction of homes while they were still "under review." The hosts note that Bank of America is a major underwriter for PBS, suggesting the story may have been softened.

The Obama administration launched makinghomeaffordable.gov to assist homeowners with mortgage refinancing, though eligibility is largely restricted to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. The hosts note that the word "HOPE" appears to be trademarked in the site's branding.