Housing starts miss expectations
Initial construction of U.S. homes rose far less than predicted in September, according to a government report released Tuesday.

Initial construction of U.S. homes rose far less than predicted in September, according to a government report released Tuesday.
Just as federal officials seek to wind down many bailout programs, the Obama administration announced Monday yet another initiative to prop up the housing market.
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Half a million people are now in trial modifications under the Obama administration’s mortgage rescue plan, but getting them permanent help is proving to be difficult.
Despite concerted government-led and lender-supported efforts to prevent foreclosures, the number of filings hit a record high in the third quarter, according to a report issued Thursday.
The possibility of securing a mortgage rate below 5% has greatly improved in recent weeks, in a positive sign for would-be home buyers.