LAS VEGAS (AP) - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun
Donovan, calling Nevada "ground zero" in the world of foreclosures, has announced an expansion plan to curb the housing market crisis.

Donovan visited Las Vegas on Wednesday with a backdrop of two
homes - one well-kept with green grass and the other vacant with a
brown lawn.

The expansion plan will allow homeowners who are 125 percent
underwater on their mortgages to refinance. The previous limit was
105 percent, established when the plan was detailed in February.

The new limit means an eligible homeowner with a $375,000 mortgage would be able to refinance if the house is worth at least $300,000.

The refinancing program is for homeowners with loans guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.