Mortgage Rates Return to 6.66%, Keeping Homebuying Costs Elevated
Freddie Mac’s August 27 averages keep mortgage rates near the 2026 high, affecting buyer purchasing power, monthly costs and refinance decisions.
Homeowners
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Seattle’s new Do Not Solicit registry targets unwanted home-buying pitches
Seattle has approved a registry to curb covered unsolicited home-sale pitches, but the program will not take effect until June 1, 2027.
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Rhode Island opens statewide competition for ready-to-use ADU designs
Rhode Island is seeking attached and detached ADU concepts for a free public catalog, but homeowners will still need site-specific design work, local review and permits before building.
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Wyoming voters will decide a 50% property-tax exemption for primary residences
The measure would exempt half of an eligible home’s assessed value. Voters will decide it Nov. 3, while official materials estimate the earliest applicable tax year would be 2027.
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Fayetteville expands water and sewer connection aid for homeowners
Fayetteville updated its water and sewer connection assistance program, widening access for some owner-occupied homes in annexed and utility-extension areas.
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Ellensburg schedules Aug. 18 panel on accessory dwelling units
A public homeowner panel on accessory dwelling units is scheduled for Aug. 18 at the Hal Holmes Community Center in Ellensburg.
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Jefferson County’s $9.7 Million Wildfire Grant Puts Conifer Evacuation Routes and Home Hardening in Focus
A five-year, $9,668,390 federal grant will expand Jefferson County wildfire-mitigation work, including evacuation-corridor vegetation treatment, homeowner incentives and SLASH support. Conifer could benefit, but no local allocation has been published, and a proposed Settlers Drive debris yard still requires approval.
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New Housing Data Due August 18: What Renters and Buyers Should Watch
The Census Bureau will release July housing data August 18. June’s numbers and weaker builder confidence offer clues—but not a forecast.
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South Dakota property-tax changes are in effect, but household relief will vary
South Dakota’s property-tax package took effect July 1, 2026, but the amount and timing of relief depend on the law involved, county action, property classification and the taxing jurisdictions on each bill.
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Jackson County settlement could return credits to Grain Valley homeowners
A proposed Jackson County settlement could give eligible Grain Valley property owners credits against future tax bills, but court review and eligibility rules remain.
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Austell lists 8.250 mills, but property values may raise 2026 bills
Austell lists an 8.250-mill city rate for 2026, but property values, exemptions and separate tax authorities will shape each homeowner’s bill.
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Orlando homeowners can seek permit exemptions for some projects under $7,500
Orlando homeowners may qualify for a limited exemption on projects under $7,500, but must verify flood status, submit documents and await city review.
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Smyrna property-tax proposal advertises a 1.77% increase
Smyrna’s proposed 8.990-mill rate matches its longstanding rate but exceeds the rollback rate, which could raise the city portion of some property-tax bills.
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Oak Wilt Confirmed in West Arlington: What Homeowners Should Do Next
Arlington has confirmed oak wilt in one west Arlington post oak. Here’s what nearby homeowners should know about spread, symptoms, pruning and firewood.
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Buffalo council cuts proposed tax levy hike to 19% in final budget
Buffalo NY – The Common Council approved a 2026-27 budget with a 19% property tax levy increase, down from the mayor’s 25% proposal, before July 1.
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South Bend opens curb and sidewalk reimbursement applications for 2026
South Bend is accepting 2026 curb, sidewalk and ADA ramp reimbursement applications, but owners must get city preapproval before any work starts.
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Torrington homeowners should check Goshen County’s 2026 property-tax relief deadlines now
Torrington WY – Goshen County’s 2026 property-tax relief window is open, and homeowners should review their notice of value before deadlines close.
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Philadelphia’s flood insurance discount is now in effect: who qualifies and what to check on your policy
Philadelphia PA – Eligible National Flood Insurance Program policies written or renewed on or after April 1 now get a 15% discount. Here is who should check.