Wisconsin home sales climb - 2004-02-17
Low interest rates caused a 6 percent growth in existing-home sales statewide last year, the Wisconsin Realtors Association reported.

Buying a home is not a snap decision. People think it over for quite some time, then try to make the jump when mortgage rates move. Last year, we had a lot of jumpers," said Lawrence Mun, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors in Washington. "This year, we'll see a modest decline."
Read the full story at Chippewa Falls Online

Low mortgage rates helping proprietors of rentals - 2004-02-17
For Bob Levine, who owns more than 2,000 rental-unit properties, low mortgage interest rates have so far been a double-edged sword.

With interest rates near all-time lows, Levine has been able to refinance many of the mortgages on his apartment buildings to help offset cost increases in other areas of the business, such as insurance and fuel.
Read the full story at Star Tribune