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Luxury cars have long symbolized status, sophistication and accomplished engineering. Although the average transaction price for a new vehicle in the United States is approximately $48,000 as of September, said you do not need a six-figure to get a luxury car. Most car manufacturers have produced luxury cars that cost less than $50,000, offering design, safety, and performance features that rival those of cars twice their price. . $42,000 to $52,520 The offers a smooth driving experience and a luxurious interior design, setting it apart from many cars of its class. With agile handling and sporting performance, this stands out among the best due to its attention to detail, primarily in its interior decoration. The G70 features quilted leather seats, available in red or tan, and extends to real aluminum and open-pore wood trims that exceed the car’s price tag expectations. The driver-centric cockpit puts every control at arm’s length to focus on comfort and accessibility. The beauty of this G70 is that it has an adaptive suspension system that smooths out bumps in Comfort Mode, or you can look for a sportier feel while driving in sport mode. This vehicle has a valet mode, a that locks access to personal data and system controls. Genesis’s outstanding warranty also ups the bar against which few other luxury brands can match. $42,040 to $52,330 The distinguishes itself from other cars with its quiet and serene driving experience. It has acoustical glass and extensive soundproofing materials inside the cabin, making it one of the quietest sedans in its class. The interior of the ES is super luxurious, as well. The seats are ergonomically designed and available with semi-aniline leather upholstery. Thanks to its remote touch interface, the 12.3-inch display is easy to use and highly responsive. One interior feature that stands out is the Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo, which turns the cabin into a concert hall with its crystal-clear audibility. Besides that, the Lexus ES also stands out in terms of safety features, including the standard Lexus Safety System Plus 2.5, pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition. The hybrid model’s excellent fuel economy — up to 44 MPG combined — is its biggest differentiator and alone would make this a fantastic option for environmental-conscious luxury buyers. $45,400 to $57,750 The is designed for sporting purposes, offering an unforgettable driving experience. It is long and low, with razor-sharp aesthetics that give the TLX an athletic feel. This sedan also has a super-handling, all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) system that improves cornering accuracy and overall stability, providing excellent performance and agility for a smoother driving experience. The Type S is a more powerful TLX with a turbo V6 with 355 horsepower. It also has an adaptive damper system that automatically adjusts the suspension depending on the driving conditions. Unlike many sedans in this price range, the TLX Type S also features performance-oriented Brembo brakes that allow faster braking. The interior of the TLX combines high-end materials with excellent technology. The driver-focused format utilizes a 10.2-inch display, True Touchpad Interface and available ambient lighting. $26,990 to $34,490 The redefines what is expected of the mid-size sedan market because of its daringly bold design and high-end features combined with its affordable price tag. Its exterior includes a bold “Tiger Nose” grille and dynamic LED headlight accents. With a fastback-inspired roofline, the K5 has a sporty, almost coupe-like silhouette that attracts attention. The interior of the K5 features ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless charging. This GT-trimmed model combines a 290-hp engine with sport-tuned suspension, yielding performance comparable to . The K5 has advanced safety features, such as driving assist and forward collision avoidance, which is impressively complete for its class. The K5 carries a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that outclasses most . $26,650 to $36,400 The technological and innovative structuring of the is near unbeatable at its price point. It features a remote smart parking assist, which enables the car to take control while parking in congested areas and allows you to operate everything from outside with your key fob. The interior of the Sonata surprises with its clean, thoroughly modern design and high-end materials. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a customizable display is available. The Sonata Hybrid has a first-in-class solar roof panel, providing an extended driving range from that roof. Combined with all these eco-friendly features, the hybrid model has 52 mpg in fuel efficiency. Hyundai cares about safety thanks to features like blind-spot view monitors and a surround-view camera system. Seeing how well the Sonata balances advanced technologies with everyday practicality is impressive for a car of this class. $43,010 to $50,175 The stands out among competitors by offering fastback styling and premium European design. The exterior of the Arteon is sleek, with features like frameless windows and an excitingly sculptured grille. The design of the Arteon is not just for aesthetics alone. It has an aerodynamic shape that enhances fuel efficiency and helps reduce internal wind noise. The interior of the Arteon features a spacious cabin with unique touches, such as massaging driver’s seats and available customizable ambient lighting. The 10.25-inch virtual cockpit offers crisp, configurable displays and Kardon premium audio for an immersive experience. The Arteon is, in fact, reasonably practical despite it being luxurious. Its liftback design allows for over 27 cubic feet of cargo space, which is far more spacious than most sedans and a lot of SUVs offer. This mix of luxury, practicality and performance makes the Arteon a solid choice for serious buyers. This article originally appeared on :Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets running back Breece Hall could play Sunday at Jacksonville after missing a game with a knee injury. Hall has been dealing with a hyperextension and injured MCL in his left knee that sidelined him last Sunday at Miami. But he was a full participant at practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. Hall was officially listed as questionable on the team's final injury report. “He looks good right now,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “So it’s promising.” Hall leads the Jets with 692 yards rushing and four touchdown runs, and he also has 401 yards receiving and two scores on 46 catches. A pair of rookies helped New York offset Hall's absence last weekend, with Braelon Allen rushing for 43 yards on 11 carries, and Isaiah Davis getting 40 yards on 10 attempts and scoring his first rushing touchdown. “We’re hopeful and we’ll see how it goes,” Ulbrich said of Hall. The Jets will get star cornerback Sauce Gardner back after he missed a game with a hamstring injury, but New York's secondary appears likely to be without cornerback D.J. Reed because of a groin injury. Reed was listed as doubtful after he didn't practice Thursday or Friday. “It’s been something that’s kind of lingered here and there,” Ulbrich said. “It’s gotten aggravated and then it went away, and then it got aggravated again. So, it’s just dealing with that.” Story continues below video Backup Brandin Echols is out with a shoulder injury, so veteran Isaiah Oliver or rookie Qwan'tez Stiggers could get the start opposite Gardner if Reed can't play. Kendall Sheffield also could be elevated from the practice squad for the second game in a row. Ulbrich said kick returner Kene Nwangwu will be placed on injured reserve after breaking a hand last weekend at Miami. The injury came a week after he was selected the AFC special teams player of the week in his Jets debut, during which he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and forced a fumble in a loss to Seattle. “To put him out there with a broken hand, just thought it’d be counterproductive for him and for us as a team, so it unfortunately cuts the season short and what a bright light he was,” Ulbrich said. “What an amazing future I think he has in this league. With saying that, he’s already been a really good player for quite a while, so (it's) unfortunate, but he’ll be back.” Offensive lineman Xavier Newman (groin) is doubtful, while right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and RT Morgan Moses (wrist) are questionable. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into an investigation of mysterious drone sightings that have been reported in New Jersey and nearby states. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious activity of unmanned aircraft. He posted a copy of the letter on the social media platform X . “This leaves action surrounding the (drones) squarely on the shoulders of the federal government,” Murphy said. “More federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity.” Murphy and other officials have repeatedly stressed that there is no evidence that the aircraft pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus. The Pentagon also has said they are not U.S. military drones. The drones have drawn intense public concern and curiosity since residents first reported seeing them last month. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia said from four to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18, appearing from dusk till 11 p.m. The flying objects have been spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, but the number of reported sightings has grown greatly since then. Drones were also spotted in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration and other state and federal agencies involved in the investigation have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft. They also say there have been no confirmed sightings in restricted air space. It’s also possible that a single drone has been seen and reported more than once, officials said. Some federal lawmakers have called on the military to “shoot down” the drones. The drones also appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security. In one case, a medevac helicopter was unable to pick up a seriously injured car accident victim in Branchburg Township in Somerset County late last month due to drones hovering near the planned landing zone, according to NJ.com. The FAA said Thursday that it does not have a report on this incident. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and FAA regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Witnesses say the drones they think they have seen in New Jersey appear to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists.

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Delhi: The Centre will continue to make budgetary allocations , keeping in mind the goal to make India a developed nation by 2047, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , as it has already done in recent years, minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary said on Friday. The Budget for 2025-26 is expected to be presented on February 1 next year. The Modi government, he stressed, has consistently raised its capital spending to bolster infrastructure creation over the past five years and aims to realise the 2024-25 capex target of ₹11.11 lakh crore. In fact, the Centre's capex outlay has more than doubled since 2021-22, Chaudhary told reporters in the capital. According to a Niti Aayog vision document for a developed India, the country needs to emerge as a $30 trillion economy with a per capita income of $18,000 a year by 2047. This will mean India's GDP would have to grow nine times and the per capita income 8 times from the current levels, Chaudhary said India's road, air and rail connectivity has seen substantial improvement over the past decade, accelerating economic growth and benefiting the public directly. 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View Program The national highway network has grown 1.6 times since 2014 to 1,46,195 km by November 2024, he said. Under phase 1 of the Bharatmala Project, national highways of 18,714 km have been completed, of the 34,800-km target. The length of high-speed corridors jumped to 2,474 km in 2024 from just 93 km a decade ago. Similarly, the total length of four-lane or wider national highways surged to nearly 45,900 km from 18,300 km during this period. The government has also identified 35 strategic locations for development to bolster transportation efficiency and strengthen seamless freight movement. These steps highlight the government's bid to create world-class transportation infrastructure, boost economic progress and improve the ease of living for citizens, the minister said. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )The suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group UNH.N executive Brian Thompson was not a customer of the health insurer, a company spokesperson said on Friday. Ivy League-educated Luigi Mangione was charged with murder on Dec. 9 for the killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel before a company conference, following a five-day manhunt. Mangione suffered from chronic back pain that affected his daily life, according to friends and social media posts, though it is unclear whether his personal health played a role in the shooting. UnitedHealth does not have prior records for either Mangione or his mother, the spokesperson said. Thompson’s murder was met with shock across the industry, as well as an outpouring of anger from Americans struggling with healthcare costs and the complexities of U.S. health insurance. Public officials and healthcare executives have acknowledged the frustrations, but in the last few days have been more vocal in pushing back against social media glorification of an accused killer. In a New York Times opinion piece on Friday, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said he understood public frustrations with the “flawed” U.S. healthcare system, but mourned Thompson’s killing and decried the “vitriol that has been directed at our colleagues who have been barraged by threats.” Thompson was CEO of the company’s large health insurance business. The New York Times reported that an internal New York City police report analyzing Mangione’s writings concluded that he viewed the killing as a justified response to what he believed to be corruption in the healthcare industry. In some circles, Mangione has been celebrated and more than a thousand donations have poured into an online fundraiser for his legal defense. “It’s representing a widespread anger that is felt by people in the middle class, in the working class and people who are well-to-do who also have trouble with their insurance company,” said Pepper Culpepper, a professor of government and public policy at Oxford University. ABC News and others reported on Friday that a Florida woman was arrested after she allegedly ended a phone call with a representative from her insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield by saying the words “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.” The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were carved into shell casings found at the Thompson murder scene, several news outlets reported, evoking the title of a book critical of the insurance industry published in 2010 titled “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It.” ‘INTENSELY PERSONAL AND VERY COMPLICATED’ “Health care is both intensely personal and very complicated, and the reasons behind coverage decisions are not well understood,” Witty wrote in his first public comments since the murder, noting that the U.S. healthcare system is a patchwork built over decades. “We share some of the responsibility for that. Together with employers, governments and others who pay for care, we need to improve how we explain what insurance covers and how decisions are made,” he wrote. Health insurance companies have come under sharp public scrutiny since Thompson’s Dec. 4 murder, and shares of UnitedHealth alone have fallen nearly 15%. It isn’t clear if the recent events “represent a watershed moment” that could catalyze change in the industry, said Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback. “You can definitely feel the potential for some kind of change in the air.” The healthcare sector has reassessed security measures due to an uptick in violent crime the last 18 months, Reuters reported, with UnitedHealth and rivals CVS Health CVS.N and Cigna CI.N removing photos of their leadership from their websites following the shooting. Instead of boosting security for executives, insurers should manage public perception of their services, said Culpepper, adding that many Americans believe big health insurers refuse to cover needed care in an effort to bolster revenue. “This sort of ambient discontent around health insurance in the United States will not go away until it starts to be addressed.”

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Governance reforms must begin at grassroot level Union Minister Jitendra SinghHASLOO Why choose consumer staples today 2024 has been an amazing year, and major technology companies have continued to ride the wave of artificial intelligence. Their price per share has skyrocketed and they have led the S&P 500 to cross the 6,000 mark. The Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of HSY, PEP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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. Related Articles Real Estate | Want to rent? Lehigh Valley is No. 1 in US in competition for apartments, study finds Real Estate | Easton residents denounce plans for massive warehouse at old Pfizer plant near residential area Real Estate | Average rate on 30-year mortgage snaps 3-week slide and rises to highest level since late November Real Estate | US home sales hit fastest pace since March with more properties up for sale Real Estate | Plans for warehouse near busy I-78 intersection in Northampton County move forward: ‘These areas can accommodate additional development’ 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 .The Trillick man passed away on Monday evening "Forever a red" - Gormley's club Trillick has paid tribute following his death The late Jody Gormley (53) Jody Gormley during his time as Antrim manager, where he won the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2008 Former Tyrone GAA star and Trillick GAC senior football manager Jody Gormley has died aged 53. He had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer earlier this year. Mr Gormley’s brother Damian confirmed the news on social media on Monday evening. "It is with profound sadness that I announce my brother Jody passed away peacefully this evening,” he said. His club Trillick St Macartans posted an emotional tribute on their Facebook page, saying the entire community was “devastated”. "The words cannot describe the heartache our club is feeling right now,” said a spokesperson. "Jody was a true red from a young age, playing from underage to senior level. To then managing our senior team to an historical double in 2023. "Jody played for our club from a young age and has been involved in a number of teams throughout his playing career. “He played for Tyrone and won a number of accolades including two u21 All Irelands in 1991 and 1992. “Jody played in the famous 1995 All-Ireland final and scored the only other point bar Peter Canavan’s scores. “Jody was one of a kind and when returned to Trillick brought an aura with him like no other. “Throughout his time with Trillick as player and more recently as a manager he has made an impression on everyone - coaches, players and club members of all levels in a short period of time. "A lot of people will have learnt a lot from him and how to hold themselves. Jody truly is an inspiration, forever our hero and forever a red. "Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Jody’s family, his wife Deidre, daughters Áine and Niamh and son James. His mother Shiela, brothers Damian and Eoin and sister Anita.” The Abbey CBS teacher managed the Newry school to its first MacRory Cup title in 19 years back in 2006, finishing the season with a national Hogan Cup title. The late Jody Gormley (53) He managed his club to their ninth Tyrone senior football championship title last year, as well as winning the Tyrone senior league in 2022 and 2023. He informed his Trillick players of his diagnosis following their Tyrone county final defeat to eventual Ulster champions Errigal Ciarán this year. Jody also took charge at senior intercounty level with Down and Antrim, winning the Tommy Murphy Cup with the latter in 2008. Following his diagnosis, Mr Gormley said he had “no fear whatsoever of dying”. He told the BBC GAA Social Podcast that he “felt blessed his entire life” and spoke of the impact the diagnosis had on his family, reflecting that it was “probably tougher on the family than me”. Podcast host Thomas Niblock paid tribute to Mr Gormley following his death. "Jody Gormley died this evening. Life is so unfair,” he posted on X. "I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was stunning human being. He was the best of us.” News of his death has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “deeply saddened”. "Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience,” she said. “His empowering words will continue to inspire and help so many others as they navigate their own battles in life. "My thoughts are with his family and his many friends throughout the GAA.” Jody Gormley during his time as Antrim manager, where he won the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2008 Crossmaglen Rangers, who faced Mr Gormley's Trillick side in last year’s Ulster Club championship, also offered their condolences. "Cross Rangers are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Jody Gormley,” said a spokesperson. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gormley family, fellow Gaels in Trillick GAA and Tyrone GAA and colleagues and students at Abbey CBS. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” Broadcaster Lynette Fay was also among those paying tribute to Mr Gormley online. "So, so sorry to hear this. Love to Jody Gormley’s family and friends,” she said. "Tá laoch ar lár (A hero is gone).”