A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year. If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success.

One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results. 

In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers' experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. 

In fact, most U.S. homeowners say they're satisfied with the mortgage they received, according to a recent Bankrate survey. The vast majority of the surveyed homeowners (69%) said they'd buy their current home again if they had a do-over.

Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don't have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement.

Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price.

From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value.

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2