Plan to end mortgage crisis

It’s a plan to end the mortgage crisis that has been dragging down the economy since this summer. It could be a much needed life preserver to more than two million homeowners, facing a growing tide of foreclosures.

The government’s rescue plan would freeze interest rates on subprime loans, before they reset — to keep mortgage payments affordable — and more people in their homes.
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Treasury secretary Henry Paulson says the government is not bailing out anyone; there are no plans to spend any federal money. But he does want congress to take other steps — including modernizing the federal housing administration, to free up more low-interest loans for first time home buyers.

The country’s biggest lenders — Citibank, Countrywide and Wells Fargo — would take part. The plan would cut the number of foreclosures they face, but would also cut profits.

Paulson says any homeowner at risk of defaulting, should immediately speak with their lender. Half of borrowers who go to foreclosure don’t — and that’s a huge mistake, because banks often are willing to work with borrowers.