White House to Explain Refinancing Options to Consumers; Hosts Google+ Hangout, Moderated by Zillow

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan to Answer Consumer Questions on July 12

SEATTLE, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The White House next week will host a Google+ Hangout to answer consumer questions about refinancing options, with the participation of Zillow, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z), the leading real estate information marketplace.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan will join Zillow® CEO Spencer Rascoff, who will moderate the discussion, and several homeowners on Thursday, July 12 at 3:15 p.m. EDT to discuss current and proposed refinancing options, and how those options can help responsible homeowners take advantage of today's low interest rates. The Hangout will be streamed live at http://whitehouse.gov/live

In addition to answering questions from the participating homeowners, Zillow and the Obama administration are soliciting questions about refinancing from the general public. Consumers can ask questions via a special tab on Zillow's Facebook® page or through Twitter®, using hashtag #WHHangout.

Consumers can ask questions about refinancing options, such as the Home Affordable Refinancing Program, and President Obama's proposed streamlined refinance for responsible homeowners.

"Zillow is thrilled to moderate this Google+ Hangout and connect homeowners directly with the White House," Rascoff said. "Refinancing is top of mind for many homeowners, including the 31 percent with mortgages who are in negative equity. But it can be a complicated process, and we're pleased to have Secretary Donovan answering their questions."