AP - The British government said Wednesday that it will withdraw unlimited guarantees for depositors in mortgage lender Northern Rock in May as another step to prepare for the company's return to private ownership.

Reuters - U.S. mortgage applications fell for a third straight week, with demand for home purchase loans sinking to the lowest level in 13 years as inclement weather weighed, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday.

AP - Health Care REIT Inc. and Forest City Enterprises Inc. said Tuesday they have formed a joint venture to buy a $668 million life sciences campus in University Park in Cambridge, Mass.

AP - Mortgage insurer Radian Group Inc. on Tuesday posted a narrower fourth-quarter loss as it reduced its exposure to risky investments and the value of derivatives it holds turned positive.

AP - Mortgage lending in Britain hit the lowest level in 8 1/2 years in January at 8 billion pounds ($12.4 billion), major banks reported Tuesday.

AP - Technology consulting company Ciber Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter profit declined amid the difficult economy and because of a higher income tax rate than a year earlier.

AP - The Obama administration is considering additional protections to ensure homeowners are treated fairly and consistently under its mortgage relief program.

AP - E-Trade Financial Corp., which took a black eye from losses on its subprime mortgage holdings, is getting back on track by focusing on its roots as an online brokerage, an analyst said Monday.

AP - The end of the foreclosure crisis is finally in sight. For the first time in almost three years, the number of homeowners falling behind on their loans is declining.

AP - Report: Fewer people falling behind on home loans