Banks struck a deal with 49 states to pay $ 26 billion for improper foreclosures . Dean Baker : This will help some people , but it ' n't really help the housing market . Baker : If there 's no evidence of deliberate fraud , banks will be given immunity from responsibility for sloppy paperwork . Settlement will cover a range of sins committed by banks , other mortgage companies . He says banks are let off the hook ; they may not even have to pay the full $ 26 billion .
Banks struck a deal with 49 states to pay $ 26 billion for improper foreclosures . Dean Baker : This will help some people , but it ' n't really help the housing market . Baker : Settlement will cover a range of sins committed by banks , other mortgage companies . He says banks are let off the hook ; they may not even have to pay the full $ 26 billion .