Waterloo, Iowa, Area Expects Another Year of Robust Residential Sales - 2004-01-10
A combination of low interest rates and a healthy local economy energized yet another strong year of residential sales, according to two real estate professionals.

With long-term mortgage rates under 6 percent, many took advantage of the opportunity to purchase a new home. Gale Bonsall, owner of Trapp Realtors-GMAC Real Estate, said the market was fueled by multiple types of buyers, which is typical of a hot market.
Read the full story at Miami Herald

Housing starts in 2003 at highest level since 1988, declares housing agency - 2004-01-10
Annual housing starts last year were at the highest level since 1988 due to low mortgage rates, growing employment and increasing incomes, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says.

"Total housing starts for 2003 are an estimated 217,800, representing 6.2 per cent growth over 2002," Bob Dugan, chief economist at the CMHC market analysis centre said Friday in a statement.
Read the full story at Canadian Press