HUD Can Help B&C Borrowers, Official Says

While rejecting the idea of a government bailout for delinquent subprime borrowers, a top government housing official said Wednesday that the Federal Housing Administration can come to the aid of "tens of thousands" of consumers through the refinancing process.Roy Bernardi, deputy secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said, "If a refi is doable, FHA would look at it and work with servicers." Mr. Bernardi noted that the agency could do more to help subprime borrowers if FHA reforms are passed by Congress, including a proposal that would allow the agency to charge risk-based premiums. "We must reach out to help the borrower," he said, speaking before a policy meeting sponsored by the Mortgage Bankers Association. "But we can't simply throw money at the problem."