Mortgage Rates & Affordability: The average 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.81% (week ending July 31), pushing demand down and widening the gap between cash buyers and mortgage-reliant buyers. Policy & Lending: A New Jersey GOP bill would let Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy “portable” mortgages to reduce the lock-in effect when homeowners want to move. Market Snapshot (U.S.): Colorado Springs reports a mostly stable July, but condo financing rules are a potential headwind heading into fall. Market Snapshot (Canada): BST Canada bought three Toronto purpose-built rental buildings for $143.8M, adding nearly 500 units as rental demand stays supported by transit and jobs. Luxury & Deals: A Terrell Hills, Texas home closed for $2.195M, while Malibu’s Tideline is offering an unusual purchase option that accepts approved private-company equity. Homebuying Tech: TurboHome launched an AI platform to manage discovery through offer and disclosure review in one place, with agent support. Homeownership Reality Check: A new report says inherited property hit a record share of transfers in 2025, highlighting the hidden costs heirs face (taxes, maintenance, insurance, and mortgage issues). Home Maintenance: Gutter guards can reduce clogging, but they’re not truly maintenance-free and still need periodic cleaning.