Home truths hit first-timers

CAROL Reid knows all about the uncertain dream of home ownership. Through much of the past year the would-be first home buyer watched her dream appear to fade through a veil of tightening bank credit and rising prices.

Mortgage market under pressure as rising rates spook buyers

AUSTRALIA'S largest mortgage broker says buyers are rapidly deserting the housing market as interest rates creep up, after its sales last month plunged to a five-year low.