Housing Affordability: A new Redfin report says Americans still need about $109,796 in annual income to comfortably buy a typical U.S. home, with the gap to median household earnings still around $22,200 despite slight improvement. Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.69%, edging up week over week as buyers weigh affordability and inventory shifts. Local Homeownership Pathways: Chicago’s Rebuild program is helping first-time buyers take over renovated vacant homes, including a newly completed Englewood property that was gutted to the shell. Market Cooling Signals: Equifax Australia says mortgage credit demand has fallen sharply, with first-home buyers and people seeking additional loans pulling back as rates reduce borrowing capacity. EV Incentives: California is rolling out its $3,500 MyFirstEV instant rebate for first-time buyers/lessees (and $1,750 for used EVs), starting with select automakers. Homebuying Costs & Planning: Dave Ramsey argues renting isn’t a waste if you’re not ready to buy, especially when debt is in the way. Policy Watch: The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending it to the House—an issue that could ripple into tariffs and broader costs.