US Weighs Refinancing Plan for Mortgages

As the housing market continues to slide, the U.S. government is considering a mortgage refinancing plan and other options to help struggling homeowners.

Many homeowners have been unable to refinance because they are underwater on their mortgages or their credit rating is tainted. Specifics of the plan are unclear, but it would allow some homeowners with government-backed mortgages to refinance at today’s lower rates, the New York Times reports. The hope is that the money saved will be spent elsewhere, helping to shore up the economy.

Another idea under consideration is a home rental program for houses owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Investors in government-backed mortgage bonds would likely be unhappy with the refinancing proposal, the story says. Many banks, however, favor the refinancing idea over the rental plan.