First-Home Buyer Support: Australia’s expanded 5% Deposit Scheme is gaining traction in Gippsland, with PropTrack/realestate.com.au data showing hundreds of households using it since October and most avoiding negative equity despite price dips. Local Tax Relief Vote: Kenai, Alaska is sending a ballot measure to voters to exempt the first $75,000 of assessed value for owner-occupied primary homes, aiming to cut costs for first-time buyers. Buyer Leverage Returns: Rochester, Minnesota is seeing a surge in listings, with active inventory up sharply year over year—realtors say buyers have more options and homes are taking longer to sell. Market Cooling in NZ: QV reports New Zealand home values down over the quarter, with Auckland and Wellington posting their biggest quarterly declines in years as buyers negotiate harder. Homebuyer Risks: A Slidell, Louisiana report highlights ongoing mold concerns in a newer development, while Jacksonville, Florida weighs restoring affordable housing funding tied to down-payment help. Tech & Privacy for Buyers: Security researchers say LG smart TVs can scan home Wi‑Fi and capture audio even when “off,” raising fresh concerns for connected-home buyers.