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Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .
In 2023, our Clark Public Utilities commissioners voted to contribute $200,000 to Energy Northwest to pursue small modular nuclear reactors at Hanford. Questions and concerns were raised by commissioners and ratepayers. Commissioners went ahead with the contribution anyway. Enter Amazon (“ Amazon offers $334M for nuclear reactors to be built at Hanford ,” The Columbian, Dec. 1) as an investor whose financial contribution gives the company a major role in determining who gets the energy output from proposed reactors. Yahoo Finance notes that “Amazon’s investment will give it ‘first access’ to any power produced at the site. ... Amazon could even use all the power produced at the site.” Clark Public Utilities’ financial investment is tiny compared to Amazon’s, which was needed to keep the project alive. This arrangement appears to rule out any defined benefit for Clark Public Utilities ratepayers, whose rates went up this year and who, based on the track record of the nuclear industry, will not realistically see affordable rates from nuclear power anytime soon. The promise of this nascent technology appears more hype than reality. The business case for any further investment in small modular nuclear reactors to meet energy needs in the foreseeable future is clearly not there.Benefits of Professional Pressure Washing With American Softwash 12-27-2024 09:54 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Des Moines, Idaho - What actions should be taken when surfaces accumulate dirt and debris? Not everyone's answer is the same, but for many residential and commercial property owners in Des Moines, professional pressure washing [ https://www.asoftwash.com/pressure-washing-company-in-des-moines-iowa/ ] is the preferred option. There are many benefits to professional pressure washing, and American Softwash, [ https://www.asoftwash.com/ ] a company that provides this service, has provided explanations of its main benefits below. Continue reading to learn why professional pressure washing might be the best choice for you. Improve Property Visual Appeal Perhaps the biggest benefit of professional pressure washing is its ability to visually transform any exterior surface. When surfaces are located outside, they have no choice but to accumulate debris over time. Dirt may be tracked upon it, or moss spores might sprout and form thick green blankets of filth. In either case, the resulting mess obscures the actual appearance of the surface and causes it to look much worse. Pressure washing removes this unwanted filth and restores beauty to residential and commercial properties. How does pressure washing work? First, water is pressurized using a powerful pump. Then, the water is sprayed onto dirty surfaces using a hose. This will break up and clear away the debris, lending a refreshed look to the surfaces. The surfaces that can be pressure washed include but are not limited to driveways, sidewalks, porches, patios, outside walls, roofs, and parking lots. Save Time and Energy Many property owners choose full-service pressure washing because they would prefer to avoid the process of do-it-yourself pressure washing whenever possible. This is understandable because pressure washing can be difficult for an everyday person. It requires the use of sophisticated equipment, such as pumps and hoses. Additionally, it requires the use of personal time and energy, which can be in short supply when juggling other responsibilities such as work, home life, and errands. American Softwash, a professional business, provides full-service pressure washing so local clients can avoid the DIY pressure washing process. In fact, customers who choose this company do not even have to stay at the property during the cleaning. After approving an upfront quote at the beginning of the appointment, clients are free to stay inside their homes or even run errands if they wish. Extended Surface Lifespans One final pressure washing benefit worth highlighting is its ability to extend the lifespans of surfaces. How is this possible? It all boils down to the effects that dirt and debris have on the surfaces they accumulate on. Any foreign substance can erode exterior surfaces over time, causing small amounts of damage. This dilemma is only magnified by organic debris such as moss. These growths root into surfaces and accelerate moisture damage. By removing all unwanted surface debris from surfaces, the risk of erosion and damage is minimized, and in turn, their longevity is preserved. About American Softwash American Softwash is a Des Moines, Idaho [ https://maps.app.goo.gl/RdWZFoDdCmkpdz6Q6 ] business that specializes in pressure washing and exterior cleaning services. The company is proud to take on projects of all sizes, as well as for residential and commercial clients. This ensures that the maximum number of people can receive the surface cleaning assistance they need. Moreover, they will receive that help for reasonable prices with no hidden fees attached. For more information about American Softwash, visit their website [ https://www.asoftwash.com/ ] or call (515) 329-5157. Media Contact Company Name: American Softwash Contact Person: Connor Buchanan Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=benefits-of-professional-pressure-washing-with-american-softwash ] City: Des Moines State: Idaho Country: United States Website: https://www.asoftwash.com/ This release was published on openPR.
Trudeau's first reaction to Trump's tariffs was one of firm resolve and determination. In a press conference, he condemned the U.S.'s protectionist measures and emphasized that Canada would not back down in the face of unfair trade practices. Trudeau made it clear that Canada would retaliate with equivalent measures, imposing tariffs on U.S. products in a tit-for-tat response.The villagers were quick to offer their assistance to the lost individuals, providing them with shelter, food, and warm hospitality. As news of the unusual pair spread, many were quick to speculate about the circumstances surrounding their presence in the village. Rumors began to circulate, with some suggesting that the man had held the woman captive, while others theorized that they were fugitives on the run.
STEM program featured at Hudson schools eventThe CEO of the German Railway Freight Company, Klaus Schmidt, stated that the decision to lay off employees was not taken lightly, but was necessary in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the company. He emphasized that the company remains committed to providing high-quality service to its customers and maintaining a strong presence in the market.
In light of this recent incident, it is essential for everyone to be cautious and verify the accuracy of information before believing and sharing it with others. By relying on official sources and confirming the validity of information before spreading it, we can help combat the spread of rumors and misinformation in our society.
Pete Hegseth's mother says The New York Times made 'threats' by asking her to comment on a storyAs young people continue to engage with Qiong Yao's timeless stories, they discover layers of meaning and emotion that transcend the surface level of romantic melodrama. They explore themes of identity, family dynamics, and personal growth, finding resonance and relevance in the struggles and triumphs of the characters. Through this journey of interpretation and appreciation, young viewers not only gain a deeper understanding of Qiong Yao's legacy but also evolve their own perspectives on love, relationships, and the power of self-determination.
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