Summary Box: As Obama mortgage-aid program struggles, foreclosures could grow

Summary Box: Relief plan fails many homeowners

MORTGAGE PLAN STRUGGLES: The Obama administration’s effort to help those at risk of losing their homes is in trouble, with 40 percent of the 1.3 million homeowners who signed up falling out. That could cause more foreclosures.

AS CONSTRUCTION SINKS: Home construction sank in June to the lowest point since October. Driving the decline was a more than 20 percent drop in condominium and apartment construction.

NOT ALL BAD NEWS: Construction of single-family homes, the largest part of the market, was flat. Applications for building permits, a sign of future activity, were up slightly.