OFFICIAL-UPDATE 2-U.S. 2004 new mortgage supply - 2004-03-15
U.S. mortgage lenders are expected to process ke $2.5 trillion in new loans in 2004, 25 percent more than forecasted earlier, due to persistently low interest rates, a U.S. mortgage industry group said on Monday.

Despite the strong pace of the economic recovery, interest rates have remained low for a variety of reasons. Some borrowers are responding to these rates by purchasing homes and others are making up for missed opportunities to refinance.
Read the full story at Reuters

Bush Touting Home Ownership in Pa. - 2004-03-15
Hoping to get Pennsylvania into his win column in this year's election, President Bush traveled to the state for the 26th time on Monday, stopping at an affordable housing development to promote home ownership - a bright spot in the economy.

In December 2003, Bush signed the American Dream Down Payment Act. The act is designed to help families that can afford monthly mortgage payments but not the down payment or closing costs associated with buying a house.
Read the full story at Guardian Unlimited