Banks HSBC, RBS in talks to acquire GreenPoint - 2004-02-08
British banks HSBC Holdings Plc and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc have each initiated talks to acquire New York's Greenpoint Financial Corp, the Business newspaper reported.

Greenpoint, which has a market value of about $6 billion, has about 90 branches and a mortgage business. The lender has hired investment banks Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Inc and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc to advise on sale options after profit fell for two straight quarters.
Read the full story at Reuters via Forbes

Habitat condo gives new vitality to family - 2004-02-08
Kim Kennedy is happy in displaying the homey touches in her condominium: hand-sewn leopard print curtains, tiny African sculptures, and a life-size stuffed leopard whose namesake is the street where she became a first-time homeowner.

Until two years ago, Kennedy would not have dreamed she could own such a place. Her no-interest mortgage and monthly association fees are less than what she once spent for rent.
Read the full story at News-Times