31.   So far, low mortgage rates have prompted more Americans to apply for new mortgages.

32.   Similarly, if the flat tax ended the deduction for mortgage interest, it should do so only on new mortgages.

33.   Spending on home renovations dropped, and new mortgage borrowing also fell.

34.   Suntrust also agreed to implement new federal mortgage escrow rules within one year, rather than the three years required by the government.

35.   That means the bank has more flexibility to attract new mortgage customers without affecting its overall interest rates.

36.   Tens of thousands of U.S. homeowners are doing the same thing each week, taking out new mortgages and refinancing old ones.

37.   The low rates are giving homeowners the chance to save thousands of dollars on new mortgages or by refinancing.

38.   The prospects for the bonds may improve as issuance of new mortgage securities tapers off during the slower fall housing season, he said.

39.   The thrift also hopes to grow in providing new mortgages.

40.   The value of a property as established by an appraiser determines how much loan officers and underwriters will lend an applicant for a new mortgage or for a refinancing.