President Barack Obama, flanked by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, makes remarks on housing refinancing – but not piracy – on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the White House. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Washington (AP) - President Barack Obama has declined to answer questions about the hostage situation off the coast of Somalia.
 
The president was asked about the incident as he met with U.S. homeowners about refinancing mortgages. At the close of a Roosevelt Room event, the president was asked by a reporter if he were concerned about the piracy incident.
 
Obama responded: "Guys, we're talking about housing right now."
 
Reporters were then ushered out of the room as they usually are after such events.
 
Obama has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
 
Obama on Thursday did urge Americans to refinance their homes -- and take advantage of record low rates on fixed mortgages.
 
Speaking at the White House, Obama emphasized that that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have dropped to 4.78 percent. That is the lowest rate on record.
 
Said the president: "People can really take advantage of this."
 
Obama touted an increase in refinancing nationwide as a sign that federal programs to help homeowners are working.
 
But he warned people to watch out for scam artists. He said if people offering to help people stay in their homes ask for money upfront then "it's probably a scam."