The Treasury Department is investigating allegations against Freddie Mac that accuse the government-sponsored enterprise of “betting against home owners’ ability to refinance their loans” while also putting in roadblocks to make it more difficult refinance at today’s lower rates, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday (via REALTORMag): http://bit.ly/wVMInk

Federal and state officials negotiating with major banks on a settlement over allegedly improper foreclosures have given state attorneys general until Feb. 3 to opt in to a potential deal. The number of states participating could affect the value of the deal or whether an accord is even reached (via REALTORMag): http://bit.ly/zuIGHJ

Tracy Morgan ’s mother is about to lose her house — and she says her multimillionaire son won’t help her (via nydailynews.com): http://nydn.us/zzIL5M

Two attorneys announced Monday they’re suing six companies they claim have been processing Nevada home foreclosures without authorization (via LoanSafe.org): http://bit.ly/xXAEwC

A Sign Law Spurs Investment in Philadelphia (via NYTimes.com): http://nyti.ms/yHSHyI

Obama Refi Plan Would Help Non-GSE-Backed Borrowers (via REALTORMag): http://bit.ly/wyZCUT

The regulator for mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac said on Wednesday investors could now sign up to pre-qualify to bid on foreclosed properties held by the government-controlled firms (via Reuters.com): http://reut.rs/ypkyLW