How the plan would work

President Bush announced a plan for a five-year freeze on mortgage rates for borrowers facing the threat of default on subprime mortgages. Who qualifies: People with subprime mortgages who live in the residence covered by the mortgage. What time frame: The loans had to be taken out between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31, 2007, and have interest rates that will reset between Jan. 1, 2008, and July 31, 2010. What happens: The subprime mortgages, many with rates of 7 percent to 8 percent, are scheduled to reset at higher rates of up to 11 percent. That increase could add $350 to the typical monthly payment of $1,200. Under the freeze, the rates will remain at the lower introductory rate for five years. Economic impact: The administration hopes the plan will buy time for homeowners about to be forced out of their homes. ASSOCIATED PRESS