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Deborah and Jason Brawn bought an akiya in rural Japan. NekoAshi Japan. Deborah and Jason Brawn bought an abandoned house in rural Japan for about $23,000 in 2023. The Australian couple plan to restore the property in the coming years as they transition into retirement. They say that integrating into the local community is a crucial part of being a homeowner in Japan.

Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.60% for the week ending Dec. 12 — down from 6.69% last week.

TikTok first launched its online retail shop in 2023. Michael M. Santiago/Getty ImagesTikTok Shop is now a more popular online retailer than Shein and Sephora among Americans. TikTok Shop first launched in September 2023. A new consumer trends report found that 45% of surveyed Americans have bought something on TikTok.

The TBBJ editor's weekly news rundown includes a curated round-up of Tampa Bay area business news.

Dallas-based Jacobs Solutions Inc., the largest engineering firm in North Texas, has secured another nine-figure contract with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Mango founder Isak Andic died unexpectedly in an accident in Barcelona. Lorena Sopena/Europa Press via Getty ImagesIsak Andic, the founder of the fashion brand Mango, has died in an accident, the company said. Andic fell into a ravine while hiking in caves near Barcelona, according to reports. Andic and his family have an estimated net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.