Ashley Brint, Regions Mortgage vice president/production manager, said, “At mid-year, 2022 is shaping up to be the third best year in the last 15 years. However, rates rose in the second quarter, so refinance activity has slowed. The current interest rates are still very favorable for home buyers especially considering the rising cost of rent.

When you decide to renovate your home – whether to sell or make improvements for you and your family to enjoy – setting a budget can be a challenge. Knowing what you want to accomplish may be the easy part, but avoiding the bad advice out there and determining what you can actually afford takes research and detailed planning.

Home upgrades happen for different reasons, but enhancing your home’s curb appeal and value are often at the top of the list. These projects can make it easier to enjoy your home knowing they carry a return on investment of up to 92%, according to the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs.

There are numerous ways to create a new look without lifting any tools. Replacing linens and other soft surfaces like rugs, window treatments and shower curtains can help brighten up your space. Adding a fresh coat of paint is another low-cost way to modify the look and feel of a space.

Every little girl dreams of being a princess on their big day, and some of that dream can come true with a tiara. Tiaras can range into the hundreds of dollars and more, just like other kinds of jewelry. They can be luxe or minimalist and are always a great way to dress up even the most simple dress.

In more recent years, tossing rice has met with objections that the leftover grains can harm wildlife. The state of Connecticut even introduced a bill in 1985 to ban throwing rice to save birds. However, Brides says that Audubon officials in the state never heard of rice killing birds, and subsequent testing has shown it to be safe.

Find miniature bottles of liquor, wine or beer to give out to your guests. Look for a brand that comes from near the site of your wedding. You may even be able to order customized tags for your big day. Don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic option, too, for those who don’t imbibe.

Coffee pots, vacuums and even the lowly toaster all have high-tech brains nowadays that connect them to the internet of things. The Revolution 2-slice high-speed smart toaster ($299) has 63 settings with technology that uses intelligent heating algorithms to sear rather than bake your baked goods for a crisp outside and a soft, chewy inside.