Blount Home Finder

This design, Plan HMAFAPW00005 from Homeplans.com, gleans its charm from an unassuming demeanor and a simple, functional floor plan.

Mortgage rates fell to a new record low, 4.56 percent, for the fourth time in five weeks.

WASHINGTON — Mortgage rates were unchanged this week at the lowest point in decades, but it hasn’t been enough to jump-start the housing market.

The three stately columns lining this home’s front porch set a standard for elegance that is repeated throughout the floor plan of this design, Plan HMAFAPW00924 from Homeplans.com. The home has 2,370 square feet of living space.

NEW YORK — For those who can qualify, it’s one of the best times to get a mortgage.

This sprawling country rambler, Plan HMAFAPW00004 from Homeplans.com, is just waiting for the perfect lot to capitalize on its outdoor spaces and abundance of windows.

What’s old — centuries old, even — is suddenly new again in home design. Wood, that ancient staple of interior decorating, has been getting fresh attention in every room of the house.

The Mortgage Bankers Associations said Wednesday that overall applications increased nearly 7 percent from a week earlier.

While you might hope your lawn just draws approving — perhaps envious — looks from the people on your block, the Cincinnati Reds’ head groundskeeper has some advice on how to improve it without making lawn care a full-time job.

Its hard work and a winding road up the mountain to find gold in the foreclosure market.