As high interest rates tamp down homebuying demand, more homebuilders are offering free appliances or upgraded hardware to sweeten the deal. Throwing in a free dishwasher is one thing, but how are they able to offer lower mortgage interest rates? In this episode, we check on the homebuilding sector. Plus: Hotel housekeepers say AI-driven app makes work more difficult, scientists design sunshades built for space, and a “talking book” nonprofit brings news and books to blind people. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a> to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a> — and consider <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a> in our future. Read the stories from today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/06/19/homebuilders-offer-more-incentives-amid-high-interest-rates" class="default">Builders offer incentives to attract homebuyers as high interest rates persist</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/06/19/nebraska-nonprofit-brings-local-news-and-opportunities-to-blind-and-lowvision-listeners" class="default">Nebraska nonprofit brings local news and opportunities to blind and low-vision listeners</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/05/14/hotel-housekeepers-say-aidriven-app-makes-job-tougher" class="default">More stress, fewer breaks: Hotel housekeepers reveal what it’s like working for an app</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/episode/2026/06/10/a-climate-change-solution-from-science-fiction" class="default">A climate change solution from science fiction</a></li></ul>

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