KC-area housing permits drop in December, up for 2003 - 2004-01-17
Kansas City-area municipalities granted 10 percent less permits in December than in the same time a year earlier, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City said Friday.

Tim Underwood, the association's executive vice president, said in a statement that he expects mortgage rates to remain near historic lows. He said the local housing market's strength will require builders to serve all price levels.
Read the full story at Business Journal of Kansas City

Gorman & Gorman sees loan volume jump in 2003 - 2004-01-17
St. Louis-based Gorman & Gorman Home Loans processed a total volume of $480 million in new home loans and home equity loans in 2003, the company said, establishing a new company record.

The trend appears to be continuing. "Since January 1, Gorman & Gorman has experienced a steady increase in applications for home loans of all types," Gorman said. "The big surprise in the mortgage industry for 2004 in both St. Louis and nationwide is that interest rates have fallen again, generating a surge in applications for new loans before rates go back up."
Read the full story at St Louis Business Journal