Competition Creates Sunday Banking Hours - 2003-09-29
For an increasing number of financial institutions across the country, bankers' hours now means Sunday.

A spate of bank branch building has led to tougher competition for customers, said Alaniz. He said branches have sprung up as bank profits have risen over the last three or four years, spurred by a mortgage refinancing boom.
Read the full story at Ledger-Enquirer

Slight increase in interest rates doesn't slow buyers - 2003-09-29
Mortgage interest rates have begun to move up from rock-bottom levels, but new home sales remain vigorous in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Rates dropped to about 5.3 percent for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage in June. The average rate now for the same loan is up to about 6.2 percent.

But the rates creeping higher might be driving buyers to new-home communities to snap up deals.
Read the full story at Business Journal of Tampa Bay