Racial disparity in mortgage lending - 2004-03-10
African-American homeowners in the Akron area were 3.3 times as likely as whites to obtain a subprime loan when they refinanced their homes in 2002, according to a study done by a national advocacy group for low- and moderate-income families.

The study was based on mortgage data reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Conyers said.
Read the full story at Akron Beacon Journal

Mortgage Interest Rates Drop Again to 45-Year Lows, Surprising Forecasters - 2004-03-10
During the past week, mortgage interest rates have dropped to near 45-year lows, levels that match their lowest point in 2003, offering a great opportunity to individuals who are buying their first home or refinancing an existing residence.

Most 2004 projections forecast that mortgage interest rates would rise gently during this year, so this recent decline comes as somewhat of a surprise - and it may turn out to be a great benefit to the home-financing public.
Read the full story at Business Wire