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define roulette TRENTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 27, 2024-- Jackpot.com , the online website and app that allows individuals to safely and securely order official state lottery tickets and scratchers from their mobile phone and other devices, announced today that a New Jersey resident has won a $2 million dollar Powerball prize after purchasing a ticket on the Jackpot.com app. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241227524088/en/ Ordering Mega Millions tickets via the Jackpot.com app has never been easier. (Graphic: Business Wire) This latest claimed prize comes amid a surging Mega Millions jackpot that now sits at $1.15 billion. The lucky player, who wishes to remain anonymous, is still relatively new to the Jackpot.com app, though they experienced some quick luck, scoring a massive win just three weeks after signing up with the lottery courier. “This time of year is always busy for the lottery industry, and now even more than usual given all the buzz around the over one billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot, but it’s great to celebrate any life-changing win,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com . “For those who have yet to purchase lottery tickets online via Jackpot.com , don’t wait! We are very excited to award this prize to our winner and hope people continue to leverage the ease and accessibility of ordering lottery tickets digitally, you never know if you’ll be the next winner.” Jackpot.com has launched a special promotion for new players that join the website or app, giving a FREE Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS. This latest prize is part of a flurry of activity within the lottery industry that took place over the course of 2024. The record-breaking year started off strong as a once-in-a-lifetime $842.4 million Powerball jackpot was won on New Year’s Day, shortly followed by a second lucky winner that took home a $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, and a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot that was won in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded. Following its New Jersey launch in May 2024, Jackpot.com has become one of the major players in the Garden State lottery landscape, contributing to a fiscal year 2024 sales amount totaling $3.63 billion, the fourth-highest sales result in the New Jersey Lottery’s history. Currently live in eight states (AK, AZ, CO, MA, NJ, NY, OH, TX) with more on the way, Jackpot.com has significantly invested in responsible gaming protocols and player safety by allowing customers to set limits on both spending and daily deposits, as well as providing access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior be detected. Jackpot.com is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling. About Jackpot.com Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Texas, Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241227524088/en/ jackpot@5wpr.com KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ONLINE MOBILE/WIRELESS CASINO/GAMING SOURCE: Jackpot.com Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/27/2024 01:00 PM/DISC: 12/27/2024 01:03 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241227524088/enIndian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju survived a scare before escaping with an improbably stress-free draw on Saturday in the fifth game of his world championship match with Ding Liren that left the $2.5m showdown deadlocked at 21⁄2-21⁄2. After Ding opted for another French Defense (1 e4 e6), Gukesh blitzed into the drawish Exchange Variation (2 d4 d5 3 exd5 exd5), a passive opening out of step with his aggressive reputation, particularly while playing with the favored white pieces. • Read our complete World Chess Championship watch guide The players China’s Ding Liren is defending the world chess championship against fast-rising Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju . The best-of-14-games match is scheduled to take place from 23 November to 15 December at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore for an overall prize fund of $2.5m (£1.98m). Ding became China's first men’s world chess champion by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi last year in Kazakhstan, winning the title vacated by longtime world No 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway. But the 32-year-old from Zhejiang province has played only 44 classical games in the 19 months since winning the world title while battling personal difficulties including depression and will go off as an underdog in his first world title defense. Gukesh, commonly known as Gukesh D, stunned the chess establishment by winning the eight-man Candidates tournament in Toronto aged 17 to become the youngest ever challenger for the world championship, finishing top of a stacked field that included Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. The 18-year-old can shatter the record for youngest ever world champion held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he dethroned Karpov in their 1985 rematch in Moscow. The format The match will consist of 14 classical games with each player awarded one point for a win and a half-point for a draw. Whoever reaches seven and a half points first will be declared the champion. The time control for each game in the classical portion is 120 minutes per side for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting with move 41. If the score is equal after 14 games, tiebreak games with faster time controls will be played: • A match consisting of four rapid games with 15 minutes per side and a 10-second increment starting with move 1 would be played. If a player scores 21⁄2 points or more, he would win the championship. • If the score is still equal, a mini-match of two rapid games would be played, with 10 minutes per side and a five-second increment starting with move 1. If a player scored 11⁄2 points or more, he would win the championship. • If the score is equal after the rapid portion, a mini-match of two blitz games would be played, with a time control of three minutes per side and a two-second increment starting with move 1. If a player scored 11⁄2 points or more, he would win the championship. A drawing of lots would take place before each mini-match to decide which player plays with the white pieces. • If the blitz mini-match are tied, a single blitz game with a time control of three minutes per side and a two-second increment starting with move 1 would be played, and the winner would win the championship. A drawing of lots would decide which player plays with the white pieces. If this game was drawn, another blitz game with reversed colors would be played with the same time control, and the winner would win the championship. This process is repeated until either player wins a game. Players are not allowed to agree to a draw before black's 40th move. A draw claim before then is only permitted if a threefold repetition or stalemate has occurred. The schedule Sat 23 Nov Opening ceremony and technical meeting Sun 24 Nov Rest day Mon 25 Nov Game 1 Tue 26 Nov Game 2 Wed 27 Nov Game 3 Thu 28 Nov Rest day Fri 29 Nov Game 4 Sat 30 Nov Game 5 Sun 1 Dec Game 6 Mon 2 Dec Rest day Tue 3 Dec Game 7 Wed 4 Dec Game 8 Thu 5 Dec Game 9 Fri 6 Dec Rest day Sat 7 Dec Game 10 Sun 8 Dec Game 11 Mon 9 Dec Game 12 Tue 10 Dec Rest Day Wed 11 Dec Game 13 Thu 12 Dec Game 14 Fri 13 Dec Tiebreaks (if necessary) Sat 14 Dec Closing ceremony All games start at 5pm local time, 2.30pm in India, 9am in London, 4am in New York. The queens came off the board early, simplifying the position by the 10th move. Both players probed one another’s defenses, with Gukesh advancing aggressively on the kingside with 17 g4, countered effectively by Ding’s precise maneuvering (17...Nf4 and 19...Bd7). The middlegame pivoted on Gukesh’s ambitious 22 Ne5, but the follow-up 23 dxe5 was inaccurate. The champion capitalized with 23...Nd3, establishing strong piece activity and placing his foe in an uncomfortable position. But Ding’s 29...Bc6 released all tension and immediately steered the action toward an endgame featuring an equal pawn structure and active kings. Following a series of repeated king moves and symmetrical pawn play, the game concluded with a draw by repetition on move 40 after exactly three hours. Judit Polgar is stunned at how quickly #DingGukesh Game 5 ends in a draw, after Gukesh had stumbled into a very difficult position! https://t.co/4ZfvaUXPYr pic.twitter.com/uzvmlw9dfc Although a draw with the black pieces is not a poor result, Ding’s inaccuracy while playing quickly cost him the opportunity to turn the screw on his 18-year-old opponent and make him suffer for several hours. “The results are not ideal because I have some chances in some games to lead by some points, and it’s even,” Ding said. “Also today after some quick check I had some advantage which I didn’t realise, so there is something to improve.” This article includes content hosted on lichess.org. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as the provider may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue' . Ding entered the first defense of his world championship having gone 28 classical games without a win, a dreadful run of form that saw him drop to 23rd in the world rankings and prompted the oddsmakers to install him as roughly a 3-1 longshot in the best-of-14-games match. But he sprang a major surprise in Monday’s first game by winning as black , dramatically ending the 304-day winless streak. Game 2 on Tuesday was a tame 23-move draw , before Gukesh struck back on Wednesday with a win in Game 3. The fourth game on Friday was another calm draw . An 18-year-old native of Chennai, the fifth-ranked Gukesh can shatter the record for youngest ever undisputed world champion held by Kasparov, who was 22 when he dethroned Anatoly Karpov in their 1985 rematch in Moscow. The competition resumes on Saturday with Ding playing as white in Game 6. Whoever reaches seven and a half points first will be declared the champion in the world title match at Resorts World Sentosa, an island resort off Singapore’s southern coast.

LICENSED fund manager Datuk Dr Nazri Khan (DDNK) makes history as the first Malaysian to be crowned the 2024 World Trader Champion at the World Cup Trading Championship three quarters in a row. Nazri achieved this recognition with an impressive record return of 302.5% in the first quarter, 179.6% in the second quarter, and 357.2% in the third quarter at the championship. The executive chairman of DDNK Holdings Sdn Bhd said that through this achievement, he has not only enhanced Malaysia’s image internationally but also showcased the country’s true potential in producing high-quality individuals capable of achieving success on the global stage. He added that this success proves that the economic approach based on Malaysia Madani is capable of bringing Malaysia’s name to the international stage. Nazri addressed past accusations of being a scammer, revealing he and his team were called over 10 times by authorities to cooperate. “One reason I wanted to win was due to my frustration with scammers and disappointment over false accusations, despite reports lodged against those misusing my seminar name. “This recognition is an inspiration for traders and investors in Malaysia, and I have demonstrated that even when facing highly competitive global competition, locals have the potential to achieve outstanding success through hard work and perseverance,” he said, after receiving the award for Most World Cup Trading Championship Won in A Year by Malaysia Book of Records at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur. Following this success, DDNK also announced his latest seminar, the Menang Saham 2.0 (MS 2.0) which will officially launch on Dec 21. “Menang Saham 2.0 will introduce investors and traders to the world’s giant stocks, guiding Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak with new market knowledge. “It is different from the first series as Menang Saham 2.0 will feature simpler technological tools that even beginners can easily adapt to. “This programme is specially designed to help both new and experienced investors and traders,” he said. Throughout his involvement in the stock investment world, he said that he has educated nearly 300,000 stock market participants, including those who joined the Menang Saham programme. “Menang Saham 2.0 is not just a comeback, it’s a movement to empower every Malaysian, from beginners to experienced traders, to succeed in the global market using the techniques that have made me a world champion. “Now is the time to make trading accessible to all,” he said. Alongside the award recipient ceremony, DDNK also released a new book titled Autopilot Investor. Also present during the award giving ceremony were International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA) president Wieland Arlt, Malaysian Association of Technical Analysts (MATA) deputy chairman Anisah Ozleen Othman, DDNK Academy senior vice-president Datuk Jerry Rizal and The Malaysia Book of Records head of research Siti Norhanim.Since the Red Sea Crisis erupted in October 2023, the rebels in northern Yemen have been targeting merchant shipping passing through the narrow Red Sea with drones . They have also launched ballistic missiles at Israel . This has triggered military responses - including air raids - from the United States , the United Kingdom , and Israel. While not a complete list (F-15s and Harriers are two fighter jets not to make the list), here are five types of combat aircraft that have been used in the region. 1 B-2 Spirit 21 B-2 Spirits have been built Operator: United States Mission: Dropping MOP bunker-busters Number lost: None The largest and most eye-catching combat aircraft used in the conflict so far is the B-2 Spirit . These were used in October 2024 to hit underground targets . The raid marked the first time in seven years that the B-2 had been used in combat. The weapons were Massive Ordinance Penetrators designed to dig out and destroy deeply buried facilities (like Iran's nuclear facilities). While the B-1 Lancer and the B-52 Stratofortress also have the heft to carry these weapons, it is believed that the B-2 Spirit is currently the only type that does. Only the United States Air Force's strategic bombers have the heft needed to carry the massive 30,000 lbs MOP. 2 MQ-9 Reaper 300+ MQ-9 Reapers have been built Operator: United States Mission: ISR (possibly firing Hellfire missiles) Number lost: Potentially dozens The US appears to be regularly using MQ-9 Reapers over Yemen. These (and their Predator predecessors) became iconic during the War on Terror as they fired their Hellfire missiles to take out wanted militants in hot spots around the world. However, Iran and perhaps other state actors have supplied the Houthis with air defense, and the Reapers are incredibly vulnerable in this threat environment. It appears the Houthis have been successful at shooting down dozens of MQ-9 Reapers over recent years (including many in 2024). On the one hand, the US can relax about losing these drones as it doesn't need to worry about technology falling into the wrong hands (that happened years ago for the Reaper). However, at $30 million each, these have a third of the fly-away cost of the F-35 and are far too expensive to be considered expendable drones. The uncrewed aerial vehicle offers unmatched capabilities in combat and ISR operations. 3 Typhoon Eurofighter Around 600 Eurofighters have been built Operator: United Kingdom Mission: Striking targets (possibly also shooting down drones) Number lost: None The Royal Air Force has participated in strikes on the Houthis using Typhoon multirole fighters based in the RAF Akrotiri Air Force Base in Cyprus. Typhoons have carried out raids on multiple occasions; in February 2024, the UK Government stated , " February, Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by Voyager tankers, joined US forces in further deliberate strikes against Houthi locations in Yemen ." The Typhoon was developed by the British, Germans, and Italians and is the primary tactical fighter aircraft of the RAF (at least until the RAF has F-35Bs in large enough numbers). It is a very capable jet, and in November, they were seen escorting USAF B-52s on patrols over the Arabian Peninsula. RAF Typhoons have escorted American B-52 bombers in a mission over the Middle East to deter Iran. 4 F/A-18 Super Hornet Over 630 Super Hornets have been built Operator: United States Mission: Striking Houthi targets, intercepting Houthi drones Number lost: None The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the primary fighter jet of the US Navy (although it is gradually purchasing more F-35Cs). These have been at the forefront of strikes on the Houthis and have shot down numerous drones fired at vessels passing through the strait. Super Hornets have been launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), which the Houthis repeatedly claimed to have struck and sunk, only for it to eventually return to its home port without a scratch. The EA-18G Growler also took out a rare Houthi Mi-24 helicopter. It is unclear if the Marine Corps has been using its older F/A-18 Hornets in the conflict, but, according to The War Zone , it has been using its aging AV-8B II Harrier jump jets (the nature of the conflict doesn't require the most advanced fighters). The Marines are set to retire the last of their Harriers over the coming years as more F-35Bs enter service, so this could prove to be one of the Harrier's last hurrahs. After a historic deployment and multiple false claimed of being struck by the Houthis, the Ike has safely returned to her home port. 5 F-35 Lightning II Over 1,070 F-35s have been built Operator: Israel, United States, United Kingdom (unclear if UK has used them) Mission: Striking Houthi targets (possibly intercepting drones) Number lost: None The conflict in the Red Sea may have seen all three variants of the F-35 used to strike the Houthis. The Israelis have carried out long-range strikes using the F-35I Adir (the Israeli version of the F-35A) to strike targets (Israel appears to have also used F-15s in the strikes). The Israelis also used the F-35I Adir to spearhead strikes on Iran where, among other things, they are reported to have destroyed all of Iran's Russian-supplied S-300 SAMs in a single night with no losses . Around 100 Israeli jets were used in the Iranian strike (including F-16s and F-15s). Additionally, the US Marine Corps became the first to use the new F-35C (carrier variant) in combat , striking the Houthis (the US Marines had previously been the first to use the F-35B in combat in 2016 in Afghanistan). It is unclear if the F-35B has been used in the conflict—however, it is in service with both the Marines and the RAF/Royal Navy, and it is possible either or both of them have used it.

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In a historic first, underwater drones are being deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Committed to making the Kumbh Mela the largest spiritual event in Sanatan Dharma, the Yogi government has prepared a comprehensive plan to handle any emergency. Advertisement To manage the massive gathering of over 450 million people at the world’s largest cultural event, a detailed security strategy has been put in place to ensure the safety of every individual during the sacred Sangam Snan (bathing at the confluence). Advertisement The newly introduced underwater drones will provide 24/7 surveillance beneath the waters, monitoring all activities. Notably, these drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to function effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring precise tracking of targets. With the ability to operate at depths of up to 100 metres, the drones are capable of providing accurate and timely information under any circumstances, enhancing the security measures at the Kumbh Mela. Inspector General of Police (Eastern Zone, Prayagraj) Dr Rajeev Narayan Mishra launched a high-speed underwater drone here on Wednesday. Dr Mishra detailed the drone’s features and its critical role in ensuring safety during the grand Mahakumbh. This state-of-the-art underwater drone can dive up to 100 metres and transmit real-time activity reports to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). It can be operated over an unlimited distance and provides precise information about any suspicious underwater activity or incident, enabling immediate action to be taken. In addition to the drone, PAC, SDRF, and NDRF teams are working together to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. A comprehensive strategy has been developed to provide security to every individual. Over 700 boats equipped with flags will have PAC, NDRF, and SDRF personnel stationed 24/7. Furthermore, a large-scale deployment of remote-controlled life buoys has been introduced to enhance safety. These devices can rapidly reach any location and transport individuals to safety in case of emergencies, ensuring the well-being of pilgrims from around the world. AdvertisementAccess Bank set to open new branches in Egypt, US, other countries

December 26, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, triggered by the 9.1 magnitude Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that killed 2,28,000 people, including over 10,000 in India and 14 other countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, driving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to unite its Member States, scientists and communities around the world to better protect at-risk populations. Over the past two decades, UNESCO has coordinated global action to enhance tsunami preparedness, develop advanced early warning systems, and fortify coastal community resilience. In a document titled “20 years after the 2004 Tsunami: What progress has been made?” the UN agency highlights these efforts. For instance, a Global Tsunami Warning System (GTWS) has been set up spanning the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North-East Atlantic. This system integrates rapid detection technologies, seismic and sea-level monitoring and real-time data sharing to ensure alerts reach coastal communities as swiftly as possible. Through the GTWS, UNESCO aims to provide tsunami confirmation within 10 minutes or less of origin for the most a- risk coastlines by 2031. UNESCO has also invested in ‘cutting-edge’ research, including seabed mapping, deep-ocean and buoy technologies, as well as hazard assessments that enhance our understanding of tsunami risks. UNESCO’s work has emphasised extensive community preparedness through its Tsunami Ready initiative, which already involves 32 countries and aims to certify 100 per cent of at-risk communities by 2030. This program includes public education, hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and annual simulation drills to strengthen awareness and readiness in vulnerable coastal areas. Nearly 70 crore people live in areas vulnerable to ocean hazards — low lying coastal areas and islands — around the world. This number will be 100 crore by 2050. According to UNESCO, there is a near 100 per cent chance of a tsunami hitting the Mediterranean in the next 30 years. The UN agency said that 69 per cent of total tsunami occur in the Pacific Ocean, and nearly 90 per cent of fatalities are caused by local or regional tsunamis that hit within a few hours. Locally damaging tsunamis strike some part of the Pacific every one to two years on average. The 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami is an opportunity to call on States to continue efforts in supporting and funding for tsunami preparedness and education. UNESCO remains committed to safeguarding lives by ensuring that every vulnerable coastline is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and systems needed to face future tsunamis, the UN agency said. CommentsBy 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.” Check the forecast 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 | 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 | Arts and business center taking shape in Shenandoah Real Estate | How long does it take to buy a house? Real Estate | Don’t overdo it: Here’s what not to fix when selling a house 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. Set a budget 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. Find a buyer’s agent 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. Shop and negotiate 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. Should you buy a house in 2025? 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 .