State to offer more home-loan assistance - 2004-03-27
Modifications in a state home loan assistance program qualify more low- and middle-income Jackson County residents for below-market rate loans to purchase a house.

In addition, the program’s mortgage rates are currently 4.5 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage — among the best available. Program loans that offer cash to cover a portion of closing costs (3 percent of the mortgage amount) are currently at 5 percent.
Read the full story at The Mail Tribune

Latest data shows consumer incomes outpacing spending - 2004-03-27
Consumers, a key force influencing the economic recovery, were more subdued in February, increasing their spending by only 0.2 percent.

And, they say that tax refunds arriving in mailboxes during the spring and extra cash coming from home-mortgage refinancings may give consumers an incentive to spend more, juicing up economic growth.
Read the full story at Observer-Reporter