Knowing Mortgage Insurance Can Empower Homeowners, Save Money - 2004-01-04
Homebuyers in today's housing market can purchase a house for little or no money down, but they will pay an additional fee each month in private mortgage insurance.

Under most circumstances, paying for the insurance isn't an option if the buyer's down payment was less than 20 percent.

But understanding how the insurance works may empower homeowners to cancel the insurance, ultimately saving money on their monthly payment.
Read the full story at Miami Herald

Outlook for Homebuilding Industry Bright, Possible Problems Ahead - 2004-01-04
Just about everybody implicated in the housing industry -- home builders, real estate agents, mortgage bankers, etc. -- had reason to celebrate last year. With mortgage rates at 40-year lows, how could they not go wrong?

The outlook for this year is promising, too, says Michael Noonan of Roseville-based Rottlund Homes, one of the area's larger homebuilders. Sure, rates are expected to rise a bit, but not dramatically, he said.
Read the full story at Miami Herald