New-Home Sales Update (US): August new home sales rose 6.4% month-over-month to an 8-month high, but they’re still down 2% year-over-year as mortgage rates and affordability keep buyers cautious. Mortgage Pressure (US): Rates climbed again, pushing the average 30-year loan above 7%, and analysts note demand is weakening even when monthly sales tick up. Buyer Trade-Offs (Australia/NZ): A new survey finds many buyers are adjusting—cutting lifestyle spending, accepting smaller homes, and taking smaller mortgages—while upfront costs still leave nearly one in three unsure they can cover purchase expenses. Local Market Watch (Alaska): Kenai Peninsula rents rose 11.1% for two-bedroom units despite more multifamily construction, showing supply gains haven’t yet cooled prices. Construction Innovation (California): Los Angeles County approved its first printed home, built for wildfire resilience with a sound-based fire-suppression system. Deals & Fraud Alerts: CBRE helped close a $17.3M Stop & Shop sale in Simsbury, while South Africa police warned of a R200,000 property auction scam and ticket buyers were urged to use official channels. Rent Policy (Switzerland): Switzerland’s government rejected a rent-control initiative but proposed clearer rules to curb exploitative rent hikes.