This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.
I've always found moving apartments to be difficult. Not only is moving costly and emotionally taxing, but it takes time to make your new space actually feel like home. And when you're renting, you still want your place to feel homey and warm even if the lease is just for a year or less. That means decorating, designing and starting a slew of DIY projects.
But when you're renting your apartment, townhome or single-family home, you need to pick and choose your DIY carefully to make sure your new project isn't going to break the terms of your lease.
We've got you covered. Here are five simple, rental-friendly projects you can do now that will ensure you still get your security deposit back at the end of your lease. For more DIY hacks, you can check out how to paint your kitchen cabinets, how to build DIY pipe shelves and how to make custom poster hangers for just $1.
Read more: Best Cordless Drill of 2022
Peter Carruthers/Getty Images
1. Replace hardware
Oftentimes you'll find rental properties have boring, cookie-cutter hardware. The outlet covers, light switches, cabinet handles and pulls, knobs and bathroom fixtures are usually plastic, cheap or not well-made. An easy way to spruce up your apartment, and add your own personality and flair, is to upgrade the hardware.
This simple fix can majorly transform your kitchen cabinets, living room and bathroom, and can tie all your furniture together. Plus, you can take the hardware when you move. I just recommend keeping the original hardware the rental supplied to reinstall at the end of your lease.
boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images
2. Paint an accent wall
Many landlords will allow considerable changes to your rental from mounting a TV to installing a ceiling fan and even painting. A simple but effective way to make your new space feel more personable is to ditch the white walls by adding some color. While many townhomes will allow renters to paint each and every wall, I recommend apartment-dwellers pick one wall to paint as an accent.
While many rentals allow painting and just ask that you primer the painted walls once you move, I recommend you check with your landlord before you break out the rollers and masking tape.
Liquorice/Getty Images
3. Apply wallpaper
There's nothing worse than four blank white walls. And while adding a pop of color can do wonders to make a space feel brighter and more comfortable, sometimes you'd prefer to add a design or texture to a space. Enter wallpaper.
You can find removable or peel-and-stick wallpaper at many home improvement stores to customize the walls of your rental. While these wallpapers require patience to apply, it's fairly easy and it'll leave walls residue-free after removal. Plus, there are endless patterns and textures to choose from, so you're sure to find something that suits your design aesthetic.
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
4. Add storage shelves
They say organization is key to a happy home. And I've already mentioned how much I despise bare walls. Installing wall shelves addresses both of these points. Whether you add a few floating shelves in the bathroom to hold washcloths and candles or installing hefty bookshelves to hold your books and knickknacks, shelves can act as additional storage in small rentals and decor.
The only downside is that you'll likely need to drill the shelves into the wall. Most rentals allow holes to be drilled, but double check with your landlord before you break out the power tools. And if you can't drill or nail shelves or artwork into the walls, you can opt for lighter wall hangings that can be hung with command strips.
With these tips, your home won't feel like any less of a home just because it's rented. And, you won't have to worry about losing your security deposit. Even though these projects are approved at most rental properties, I still recommend you reach out to your landlord before you start.
Sure, a dishwasher's primary function is helping clean up after a meal, but it's also so much more than that. A dishwasher is also a live-in housekeeper, a device to help children learn about chores and a radical act of self-care or couples' therapy. (You can forget about those disagreements thanks to our helpful and definitive guide to the right way to load a dishwasher.)
Finding the best dishwasher in 2022 isn't as simple as it sounds. Dishwashers are relatively standard in size -- typically 24 inches wide and about 35 inches high -- so choosing the perfect model one for you is more a matter of your available budget and what kind of options or features you want. In terms of dishwasher functionality, many rating sites, including CNET, have previously concluded that the dish detergent you use and properly loading the dishwasher are often more important than the dishwasher itself when it comes to getting your dishes sparkling clean. What higher prices typically get you are more racks, hidden controls, smart features, numerous cycle options and peace and quiet, not appreciably cleaner dishes -- though some may get you appreciably drier dishes.
If you're wondering how much a dishwasher should cost, a typical model with a variety of options runs between $600 and $1,100, with several good choices falling below that range and higher-end models offering more than you could even imagine you might need except for the device to actually load itself.
Read more:Yes, You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher. Here's How
I evaluated a number of the most popular models with a range of features and in several price points to bring you the best built-in dishwashers for 2022.
Bosch/CNET
For features versus price where overall user rating is concerned, Bosch's 300 Series dishwasher is among the most highly rated across several major retailer sites, coming in just below average in price for the number of amenities it offers. Its large capacity holds up to 16 place settings, it includes a desirable third rack, and it offers an adjustable middle rack to accommodate larger items, as well as flexible tines in the lower rack for even more versatile loading. Five wash cycles are available: heavy, auto, normal, rinse and hold and a speedy one-hour cycle, with four additional modes such as delay start, half load, sanitize and extra dry. With a quieter-than-average decibel level of 44, this is the best overall dishwasher to buy for what it offers. Bosch also offers 100, 500 and 800 series dishwashers in different price points that also maintain consumer popularity and high ratings.
In person, this was one of the slickest-looking dishwashers of the bunch. But beware, that sleek modern stainless look may get tarnished by fingerprints if you have little ones who tend to touch and grab everything in sight. I loved the adjustable top (third) silverware rack, in addition to a removable lower silverware rack, which felt sturdy and frees up space in the lower racks for plates, pans and other larger items.
Home Depot rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 5,053 reviews
Lowe's rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,610 reviews
Whirlpool/CNET
Many very good dishwasher options are available in the $500-to-$600 range, but for less than $500 for a full-size appliance, Whirlpool offers a reliable, no-frills model with over five figures of positive ratings, that still includes many of the amenities of the popular Bosch dishwasher above. An in-door silverware rack creates additional space in the basin, which can store up to 14 place settings. For your savings, you still get a stainless steel finish, as well as heavy, normal, high-temperature, and one-hour wash cycles, with sanitize and heated dry options. More expensive models tend to have soundproofing features that reduce the dishwasher noise while it's running. But at 55 decibels, this Whirlpool model is well within the range of the average noise level for dishwashers.
While this model wasn't as aesthetically pleasing in person, it had well-organized racks and was roomy inside. The front stainless steel panel also feels a hair flimsier than some of the others, so beware of dents.
Home Depot rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 13,461 reviews
Lowe's rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 10,599 reviews
KitchenAid/CNET
With cycles that can run several hours, perhaps noise -- or lack thereof -- is the most important consideration for you, especially if your open-plan kitchen is close to your bedroom or nursery, or if it's also your office. Most standard dishwashers run in the 50-60 decibel range, which is just below the noise level of normal, indoor conversation. Many models now include additional technology that helps bring the noise level down to a very quiet 40-50 decibels, but this Kitchenaid model achieves an almost whisper-quiet level at only 39 decibels. In addition to being able to take a nap while the dishwasher is running, this high-end model also includes a third rack, a ProWash sensor that automatically adjusts the cycle for the soil level of the dishes and an extended heat dry option that can even evaporate the most determined drops on your plasticware.
This model reminded me of the Bosch SHEM63W55N both inside and out with its slick, modern design. The top silverware rack is slim but sturdy. The adjustable middle rack was simple to operate and intuitive to move into position to accommodate items of varying sizes.
Home Depot rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,396 reviews
Lowe's rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 124 reviews
LG/CNET
This smart LG dishwasher includes Wi-Fi capability that allows it to communicate with other devices, meaning you can start or lock the machine remotely from a mobile phone app or even by voice activation within the house. Additionally, LED lights allow you to see inside the dishwasher during the cycle, giving it almost babysitter-like power if your kids or pets are also fascinated by the washing machine. You pay a little extra for the smart capabilities, but otherwise, the LG offers the same variety of wash cycles as the Bosch model above, as well as a third rack and adjustable upper rack, accommodating up to 15 place settings. At 42 decibels this is also one of the more quiet options on the market.
If minimalist design appeals to you, this dishwasher hides its control panel and buttons inside the dishwasher on the top of the door, giving the front panel a nice, clean look. The LED lights that activated when I opened the door were bright to help spot fallen forks or unclean dishes. This model felt as sturdily built as any I had the pleasure of vigorously opening, closing and jostling about.
Home Depot rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 886 reviews
Lowe's rating: 4.3 based on 606 reviews
Samsung/CNET
In the 18-inch-wide department, Samsung offers a consistently highly rated dishwasher that is also budget-friendly for the number of amenities it contains. Tines in the bottom rack fold down to allow for larger items, and it can hold up to eight place settings in its normal configuration. It runs at a very quiet rate of 46 decibels, and in addition to its five available cycles with four modes, it includes an auto-release door that opens the dishwasher and allows air to circulate in quickly, cooling your clean dishes and improving drying performance.
Despite its downsized dimensions, this model still had seemingly plenty of space inside for even a family sized load of dishes. Like the LG, this Samsung has its controls set into the top of the door so there's only a clean stainless steel panel to look at when the door is shut. The top rack is adjustable and was easy to maneuver.
Home Depot rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 60 reviews
How we evaluate dishwashers and best list methodology
I researched the dishwashers in this list by analyzing specs and user reviews from major retailer sites such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy. I also considered their best-selling and top-rated models and their available features compared to price. I focused on those models that had a rating of at least 4.5 stars with at least 500 ratings, or at least the highest rating among the highest number of ratings for the feature or size I was evaluating.
Only those dishwashers that were Energy Star Certified by the EPA were considered, for peace of mind concerning energy efficiency. I dove deep into user comments and ratings to ensure there were no persisting problems, issues or complaints among a particular brand or model. While we didn't do extensive hands-on testing for this list of best dishwashers, I was able to get my hands on several models in various appliance showrooms to evaluate the build of the unit and the intuitiveness of the buttons and controls.
Dishwasher buying guide: Things to consider
Dishwasher size
The size of your dishwasher is the first decision you'll make since not all kitchens have the space to accommodate a full-sized model. Most standard models are 24 inches wide and about 35 inches high and kitchens are generally designed to house a model of those dimensions, but there are slimmer dishwashers to accommodate smaller spaces.
A standard dishwasher is 24 x 35 inches in size but compact and custom models exist for smaller spaces.
Bosch
Choosing a style
Most dishwashers are available in stainless steel, which fits into most kitchen motifs. Many models are also available in white, black and other finishes. You won't find tons of color options but Samsung offers a bespoke line that includes unique finishes including navy steel and brownish Tuscan steel.
Samsung has a line of bespoke large kitchen appliances to add some color to your kitchen.
Samsung
The pricier models including Bosch and KitchenAid tend to have sleek, minimalist front doors and flashier internal design. More budget-friendly brands such as Whirlpool and Maytag have more traditional aesthetics, generally speaking.
Dishwasher racks and rack placement
This is an easily overlooked feature but it has a significant impact on your day-to-day dishwashing. A new trend is the small third flat rack at the top that can accommodate extra silverware, kitchen utensils and other smaller items. They are typically in addition to an upright silverware holder housed in the bottom rack. If you find yourself filling or overfilling a standard silverware holder on a regular basis, this feature will allow you to wash everything and keep things neat and tidy.
The trendy third rack provides another place to load silverware, kitchen utensils and other small items.
Whirlpool
Many dishwashers also now have adjustable racks to accommodate dishes and pans of odd or abnormally large sizes. If you've ever struggled with fitting large items into your dishwasher, you should consider a model with adjustable racks.
Read more:Best Dishwasher Features of 2022
Various dishwasher cycles and features: Do they matter?
There are dishwasher cycles that come standard on nearly every model -- normal, quick wash, heavy-duty, delicate -- but fancier units will have even more specific cycles such as mineral-assisted wash and presoak cycle. These extra cycles can be nice to have but I wouldn't weigh them too heavily when making a purchase decision. Ultimately, you'll be using the standard cycles far more than the niche ones.
Here's a quick guide to dishwasher cycles and when to use them.
Don't become consumed with the various cycles. You'll likely only ever use two or three.
Maytag
Drying cycles: Condensation versus electric drying
Most dishwashers have one of two ways to dry dishes after a wash. Many use a condensation process where the dishwasher will use very hot water to heat the dishes inside toward the end. Then, as the tub cools with the hot dishware, condensation will occur and water will drip off the dishes.
Other dishwashers, including some KitchenAid models, have an electric heating element to heat the air and dry dishes at the end. This may be a more thorough way to dry the dishes but it's also less sanitary, less energy-efficient and will melt plastic items that are on the bottom rack since they are so close to the heating element.
Dishwasher noise level
While dishwashers generally have more in common than they do differences, the noise level is one area in which they do vary and may affect your overall satisfaction with a particular unit. Most modern dishwashers are pretty quiet, reaching only 40 or 50 decibels. But some, like the Kitchenaid KDFE204KPS, have advanced technology to keep the machine as hush-hush quiet as 39 decibels when running. If you look into the specs section of each model, this information should be listed clearly.
Dishwasher FAQs
What is the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
Manufacturers will tell you a dishwasher should last about 10 years but you might expect to get a few more years out of it than that if you don't overuse the machine and take some quick steps to keep it running smoothly.
There are things you can do to extend the life of your dishwasher like scraping off solid foods from plates and pans before loading, cleaning the filter monthly and never putting vinegar inside your dishwasher, as CNET's Katie Teague explains.
What are the different styles of dishwashers?
Dishwashers are fairly standard in size -- 24 inches wide by 35 inches tall -- with some narrower, 18-inch options also available. Beyond those two customary widths, the major aesthetic decisions you are making are in the dishwasher's finish, the handle type and whether the controls are located on the front panel of the dishwasher or hidden along the top of the loading door, referred to as "front control" or "top control" in the search features.
Most available dishwashers allow you to make specific selections among those features once you've decided on a particular size and model. Then your decision becomes a matter of what additional features you desire in a dishwasher and what's available for your budget. The higher-end models are smart-enabled, offer a third rack and adjustable rack settings, numerous wash cycle selections and also have bonus features such as leak sensors and self-cleaning filters. Budget-friendly options may have fewer features, but you should still expect at least a few wash cycle selections with perfectly clean and dry dishes at the end of any given cycle.
When is the best time to buy a dishwasher?
According to a report by Consumer Reports and Gap Intelligence, dishwasher prices begin to dip at the start of summer culminating with the biggest drops in the months leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
What is the difference between a plastic and stainless steel dishwasher tub?
Along with soundproofing technology, the other matter which has the biggest impact on a dishwasher's price is whether the tub is made of stainless steel, heavy-duty plastic or as in only a few models, a stainless steel hybrid. Stainless steel models tend to be slightly more efficient since they conduct heat and can more easily maintain temperature during cycles, but most plastic tub models are also Energy Star Certified and should not present an energy efficiency concern. There is no major difference in durability between plastic and stainless steel tubs, with both types of dishwashers tending to last about 10 years.
Should I get a dishwasher warranty and how important is it?
Your dishwasher should last you about 10 years without requiring any major repairs but, of course, a warranty is a good thing to have if something goes wrong soon after you take it home. Most warranties from the major brands outlined here cover replacement parts and labor for one year from the date you purchased it and are designed to protect you should there be a major manufacturer flaw in your model.
It is worth noting that Maytag appliances include a generous, limited 10-year warranty that covers certain replacement parts after the first year warranty expires. Meanwhile, you can potentially extend the efficacy and lifespan of your dishwasher by taking care of it, with CNET's guide to how to clean your dishwasher.
Nvidia to buy SoftBank's Arm chip division for $40 billion
Nvidia to buy SoftBank's Arm chip division for $40 billion
Nvidia has acquired SoftBank's Arm chip division for $40 billion in cash and stock in the chip industry's largest deal ever. As part of the deal, made this Sunday, SoftBank will take an ownership stake in Nvidia that's expected to be less than 10%, the companies said in a joint statement.
Bloomberg reported last week that Nvidia and SoftBank were in advanced talks, with Nvidia the lone potential buyer. That followed an earlier report by The Wall Street Journal that SoftBank was considering a sale of Arm. The Journal also reported Saturday's news of an imminent Nvidia-SoftBank agreement.
Arm isn't as well-known as mega chip companies such as Qualcomm and Intel, but its work lies behind the processors inside many of the world's mobile phones.
Arm licenses designs to companies like Qualcomm but also licenses its chip instruction set -- the collection of commands software can use to control it -- to companies like Apple that design their own. Arm's designs are also used as the basis for chips made by Samsung and Nvidia.
In June, Apple said it would overhaul its Mac computers with its own Arm chips, which are similar to the ones it designs for iPhones and iPads, moving away from the Intel processors it has used for the past 14 years. Arm licenses its chip instruction set -- the collection of commands software can use to control a chip -- to companies like Apple that design their own processors.
SoftBank purchased the UK-based Arm in 2016 for $32 billion with the intent of bolstering its internet of things division. Nvidia said it expects the tie-up to boost its artificial intelligence ambitions.
"AI is the most powerful technology force of our time and has launched a new wave of computing," Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement. "In the years ahead, trillions of computers running AI will create a new internet-of-things that is thousands of times larger than today's internet-of-people."
The companies said they expect the deal to close in 18 months, noting that it will require approval of the US, UK, EU and China.
Lenovo IFA Launch Highlights Include 16-Inch X1 Fold, T1 Glasses
Lenovo IFA Launch Highlights Include 16-Inch X1 Fold, T1 Glasses
What's happening
Lenovo is announcing its new products for the second half of 2022 and early 2023 at the IFA show in Germany.
Why it matters
The announcements include an update to Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold, a well-thought-out update to its previous generation. Folding laptops are still in early days, and Lenovo's shows a potential direction they may go.
Lenovo's announcements for IFA 2022 offer a few notable enhancements to existing product lines, highlighted by an overhauled and larger 16-inch version of its Thinkpad X1 Fold, a consumer-focused version of its T1 Glasses "wearable display," the company's first 16-inch Chromebook and an interesting take on a monitor stand with a phone perch for its refreshed ThinkVision line. Lenovo's also refreshed its P11 Android tablets.
ThinkPad X1 Fold
The company made a lot of changes to the Fold based on its experiences with the previous generation -- and don't think that unchanged product name won't get confusing. For example, the bigger screen gives the device more flexibility to operate in multiple ways -- such as a landscape or portrait-orientation laptop, book or tablet -- with webcams on two sides. Lenovo fixed the gaping hinge (which was similar to that of the Microsoft Surface Book) to remove the gap as well. It also uses a new recycled woven fabric for the back cover. That experience becomes clear when you compare it to Asus' recently launched first-gen ZenBook Fold OLED.
The Thinkpad X1 Fold will ship in November starting at $2,499.
2.8 pounds (1.3kg)
16-inch (tablet), 12-inch (clamshell), 2,560x2,024-pixel OLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, 600 nits brightness
Options: Bluetooth keyboard with TrackPoint and haptic touchpad, Wacom AES-compatible stylus
Lenovo's Glasses T1
Josh Goldman/CNET
Lenovo Glasses T1
The Glasses T1 are for perching a bigger display on your face or hiding the content on your screen from shoulder surfers. It's a nice idea, but a lot hangs on the implementation -- such as how easy it is to fit your prescription in it -- and price. We won't really know here, at least until 2023; it will ship first in China by the end of this year, then follow "in other select markets" next year. Pricing won't be announced until they're ready to ship. The Glasses T1 also work with iPhones.
Micro OLED screens
Compatibility: Windows, Android, MacOS devices with USB-C connections; iPhone with Lenovo HDMI-to-glasses adapter and Apple Lightning digital AV adapter (both extra cost)
Swappable nose clips
Adjustable arms
Supports prescription lenses (via bundled snap in frame)
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook
Josh Goldman/CNET
IdeaPad 5i Chromebook
Lenovo supplements its 14-inch IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook with a bigger 16-inch clamshell model that offers the option of a higher-end QHD display than the smaller Flex. It's slated to ship in Europe starting in September for 549 euros; US pricing and availability will be announced later, but that price is equal to about $550.
Display options: 16:10 aspect ratio displays, either 120Hz QHD with 350 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage or 60Hz FHD with 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC coverage (which is really small)
Up to 512GB storage
Up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
Up to Core i3-1215U CPU
Up to 12 hour battery
Weight starts at 4.1 pounds (1.9kg)
MicroSD slot, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x combo audio
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5
The Lenovo Tab P11 (left) and Tab P11 Pro (right), 2nd gen.
These are updated models in Lenovo's Tab P11 Android tablet line, a mainstream Tab 11 and high-end Tab P11 Pro (second-gen), with faster processors, newer versions of Android and, in the case of the Pro, a better screen. The Pro is is expected to ship in September starting at $400; the Tab P11 (second-gen) will ship beginning in January starting at $250.
Tab P11
11.5-inch, 2,000x1,200-pixel 120Hz LCD screen with 400 nits brightness
1.2 pounds (520g)
Options: Lenovo Precision Pen 2 (in 2023), keyboard, folio case
MediaTek Helio G99 CPU
Android 12L
Up to 6GB RAM plus 128GB storage
Quad speakers, dual mics
7,700-mAH battery
Either LTE with Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Tab P11 Pro
Android 12
11.2-inch, 2,560x1,536-pixel 120Hz OLED screen with 600 nits peak brightness and 100% P3 color gamut, Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus support
1.1 pounds (480g)
Quad speakers
MediaTek Kompanio 1300T CPU
Up to 14 hours battery (8,000 mAh)
Keyboard included
options: Lenovo Precision Pen 3, folio case
Wi-Fi 6
USB-C with DisplayPort support
The new ThinkVision stand's base has a notch for propping up your phone.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Legion, ThinkVision monitors
Lenovo usually saves its more interesting monitor launches for CES, so it's unsurprising that these feel like somewhat rote updates. There's a new 32-inch Legion 4K, 144Hz gaming monitor, as well as its commercial ThinkVision models in sizes from 24 to 34 inches. However, Lenovo has also introduced a new stand in the latter, which has a clever notch that you can slide your phone into to prop it upright. The ThinkVisions are all expected to ship in January.
Legion Y32p-30 gaming monitor, 32 inches, ships in December and starts at $750
Both 15-year fixed and 30-year fixed refinances saw their mean rates go up. The average rate on 10-year fixed refinance also saw an increase.
Like mortgage rates, refinance rates fluctuate on a daily basis. With inflation at a 40-year high, the Federal Reserve has hiked the federal funds rate four times this year and is poised to do so again in 2022 to try to slow rampant inflation. Though mortgage rates are not set by the central bank, these federal rate hikes increase the cost of borrowing money. Whether refinance rates will continue to rise or fall will depend on what happens next with inflation. If inflation begins to cool, rates will likely follow suit. But if inflation remains high, we could see refinance rates maintain an upward trajectory. If rates for a refi are currently lower than your existing mortgage rate, you could save money by locking in a rate now. As always, consider your goals and circumstances, and compare rates and fees to find a mortgage lender who can meet your needs.
30-year fixed-rate refinance
The current average interest rate for a 30-year refinance is 5.81%, an increase of 36 basis points over this time last week. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance. This makes 30-year refinances good for people who are having difficulties making their monthly payments or simply want a bit more breathing room. Be aware, though, that interest rates will typically be higher compared to a 15-year or 10-year refinance, and you'll pay off your loan at a slower rate.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
For 15-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 5.06%, an increase of 27 basis points from what we saw the previous week. A 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan. On the other hand, you'll save money on interest, since you'll pay off the loan sooner. You'll also typically get lower interest rates compared to a 30-year loan. This can help you save even more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
For 10-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 5.14%, an increase of 22 basis points over last week. Compared to a 30-year and 15-year refinance, a 10-year refinance will usually have a lower interest rate but higher monthly payment. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest. Just be sure to carefully consider your budget and current financial situation to make sure that you can afford a higher monthly payment.
Where rates are headed
At the start of the pandemic, refinance rates dropped to historic lows, but they have been mostly climbing since the beginning of this year. Refinance rates rose due to inflation, which is at its highest level in four decades, as well as actions taken by the Federal Reserve. The Fed recently raised interest rates by another 0.75 percentage points and is prepared to raise rates again this year to slow the economy. Still, it's unclear exactly what will happen next in the market. If inflation continues to rise, rates are likely to climb. But if inflation starts to cool, rates could level off and begin to decline.
We track refinance rate trends using information collected by Bankrate, which is owned by CNET's parent company. Here's a table with the average refinance rates reported by lenders across the US:
Average refinance interest rates
Product
Rate
A week ago
Change
30-year fixed refi
5.81%
5.45%
+0.36
15-year fixed refi
5.06%
4.79%
+0.27
10-year fixed refi
5.14%
4.92%
+0.22
Rates as of Aug 23, 2022.
How to find personalized refinance rates
It's important to understand that the rates advertised online may not apply to you. Your interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your credit history and application.
Having a high credit score, low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. You can get a good feel for average interest rates online, but make sure to speak with a mortgage professional in order to see the specific rates you qualify for. To get the best refinance rates, you'll first want to make your application as strong as possible. The best way to improve your credit ratings is to get your finances in order, use credit responsibly and monitor your credit regularly. Don't forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around.
Refinancing can be a great move if you get a good rate or can pay off your loan sooner -- but consider carefully whether it's the right choice for you at the moment.
When should I refinance?
In order for a refinance to make sense, you'll generally want to get a lower interest rate than your current rate. Aside from interest rates, changing your loan term is another reason to refinance.When deciding whether to refinance, be sure to take into account other factors besides market interest rates, including how long you plan to stay in your current home, the length of your loan term and the amount of your monthly payment. And don't forget about fees and closing costs, which can add up.
As interest rates have rather steadily increased since the beginning of the year, the pool of people eligible for refinancing has shrunk significantly. If you bought your house when interest rates were lower than current rates, you may likely not gain any financial benefit from refinancing your mortgage.
Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Could Be Even Better
Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Could Be Even Better
What's happening
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 are Samsung's best foldables yet, but there's room for improvement when it comes to design, camera quality and battery life.
Why it matters
Companies like Samsung are betting big on foldable phones being the next major evolution of the modern smartphone. But high prices and other setbacks have limited their appeal so far.
What's next
Samsung is hosting its next Unpacked event on Aug. 10, where it could unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4.
Foldable phones have come a long way since 2019, when Samsung debuted its original Galaxy Z Fold. Last year's $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3 and $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 3 are the most polished versions of the company's foldable devices yet, with improvements to their software and cover screens.
But there's a lot that Samsung could do to make these devices even better, and I'm hoping to see such changes in the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Both phones are expected to debut during Samsung's Unpacked event on Aug. 10. They'll represent Samsung's latest gambit to hold its position as the frontrunner in the nascent but growing foldable phone market.
Read more: Samsung Unpacked Is Wednesday. Here's How to Watch It Live
TM Roh, the head of Samsung's mobile experience business, said almost 10 million foldable phones were shipped in 2021. That generally lines up with estimates from market researcher IDC, which says 7.1 million foldables were shipped in 2021, representing an increase of 264% over 2020.
These figures suggest foldables are starting to appeal to more than just early adopters and tech enthusiasts. But there are still some obstacles that Samsung and other companies need to overcome before foldables can become as ubiquitous as standard smartphones.
More from Samsung Unpacked
Lower prices
Samsung's foldables come at a premium compared to their standard smartphones, which can make them a tough sell. That's been changing in recent years, with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in particular being one of the most affordable foldables yet. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 starts at $1,000 without a trade-in, making it the same price as the Galaxy S22 Plus. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is considerably more expensive, with a usual starting price of $1,800 without a trade-in, although that's still a welcome improvement from the $2,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2.
New software features
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 foldable designs certainly set them apart from most phones. But the software needs to catch up to the hardware.
Samsung is off to a good start in this regard. Both the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip have a feature called Flex Mode, which reorients and optimizes certain apps to fit the device's screen when folded halfway. For example, Flex Mode shifts some compatible apps to the top half of the screen while displaying navigation and playback controls on the bottom portion.
My favorite example of this mode being put to good use is in the Galaxy Z Flip's camera app. When the device is propped open halfway, the shutter button, photo settings and other controls sit on the bottom half of the screen while the top half serves as a viewfinder. Flex Mode combined with the Z Flip's ability to stay open on its own make it a great camera-tripod combination.
Other than Flex Mode, the Galaxy Z Fold can also run multiple apps on screen at once to take advantage of its tablet-sized screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 can run multiple apps on screen at once.
Patrick Holland/CNET
These are great additions, but there's plenty of room for Samsung to do more. It feels like the software is conforming to the hardware when it should be the opposite. While Flex Mode and the Z Fold's multitasking features are a great start, they're not enticing enough alone to justify buying a foldable phone.
I'd like to see Samsung develop more compelling software features. Even though I wouldn't recommend buying the Surface Duo 2 because it doesn't work very well as a regular phone, I think Microsoft is on to something when it comes to software.
The way the Surface Duo 2 splits compatible apps between screens almost feels like you're using an app in an entirely new way. The Amazon Kindle app transforms the Duo into a digital book, Xbox GamePass turns it into a Nintendo 3DS-style handheld gaming console and Outlook's split-screen view turns it into a mini-laptop. There's a lot of promise with foldables, and I hope Samsung finds more ways to tap into it.
Longer battery life
Battery life is one of the most important characteristics of any phone, and foldable phones are no exception. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 both had underwhelming battery life. My colleague Patrick Holland could barely get through a day with the Galaxy Z Fold 3's 4,400-mAh battery capacity. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 only made it about 11 hours before requiring a charge.
I'm hoping Samsung will improve the battery life or develop new ways to work around it on the next iterations of the Z Fold and Z Flip. And by "work around it," I mean Samsung could boost the devices' fast charging speeds or make improvements to their power saving modes. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 charges at up to 25 watts while the Z Flip 3 charges at 15 watts, neither of which is anything special. The Galaxy S22 Plus and S22 Ultra, for example, both have a 45-watt charging speed.
Better cameras
Camera quality is right up there with battery life when it comes to what matters most in a phone. The cameras on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 are good, but there's room for improvement. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a 12-megapixel wide and 12-megapixel ultrawide main camera setup, which as my colleague wrote in his review is "the equivalent of the cameras you'd find on a $700 phone." The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a triple camera system that adds a 12-megapixel telephoto lens in addition to the 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's cameras
Sarah Tew/CNET
These cameras are fine for most people. Anyone who's considered buying one of these phones is obviously most interested in the display rather than the cameras. But for the price, I'd like to see camera quality that at least matches, if not exceeds, Samsung's best non-folding phones. As my colleague Patrick puts it: "the Z Fold 3 has B+ cameras at an A+ price." That especially holds true for the Galaxy Z Fold 3's under-display camera, which is the selfie camera for the phone when being used in tablet mode.
Luckily, rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will come with some serious camera improvements that bring it up to speed with the Galaxy S22 lineup.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 folded shut.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Design improvements
Even though the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are Samsung's most refined foldables yet, phones with bendable screens are still relatively new. As such, it takes time to get the ergonomics just right, and Samsung still has some work to do here.
Let's start with the Galaxy Z Fold. The Z Fold's biggest drawback is that it still feels somewhat awkward to use as a regular phone when closed. Samsung made some design improvements to the Z Fold 3 that make it both lighter and slimmer than its predecessors. But it's still an abnormally bulky phone when closed, which can cause some inconvenience when using it in one hand.
Anyone who has purchased the Z Fold has likely done so because of its large interior screen, not the cover screen. But consider how many times you take out your phone to quickly check a notification or respond to a text message. In some situations, these tasks are much more convenient to accomplish when the Z Fold is closed, such as when you're on the go and unfolding the device feels impractical.
Another design upgrade I'd like to see on the Z Fold is the ability for the S Pen to magnetically connect to the device's hinge. A stylus storage slot like the Galaxy S22 Ultra's doesn't seem like a plausible solution since it would add to the Z Fold's thickness.
The Galaxy Z Flip already feels a lot like a standard phone, but one improvement I'd like to see is a larger cover screen. The Z Flip 3 is a major upgrade compared to the original Z Flip in this regard. While Samsung's first foldable flip phone had just a tiny pill-shaped cover screen, the Z Flip 3's is big enough to fit widgets for the weather, music, alarms and more.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3's cover screen.
Sarah Tew/CNET
But I'd still like to be able to see more lines of text and widgets on this screen. A larger display would also make it easier to quickly take selfies without unfolding the phone, since the cover display can serve as a camera viewfinder. Thankfully, rumors suggest Samsung is planning to increase the cover screen's size with the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
I'm also hoping Samsung will find a way to make the crease less obvious on both the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip. The creases on Samsung's current foldables aren't too distracting but they're definitely noticeable -- both to the eyes and the touch. Chinese tech giant Oppo found a way to work around this on its Find N foldable by implementing a "water drop" hinge, which makes the device's crease harder to see and feel when opened. Motorola's teardrop fold hinge design similarly makes the foldable Razr's crease less noticeable.
Samsung's Z Flip and Z Fold phones are gradually inching closer to standard, non-foldable phones in terms of price, and I'm hoping that trajectory will continue. Foldable phones will likely always require some type of trade-off, whether it's to their camera quality or device thickness. I'm just hoping the list of compromises will get smaller over time, starting with the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4.
Disney has announced its plans for this Halloween, with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party being replaced by the new Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Boo Bash will run certain nights from Aug. 10 until Oct. 31, from 9 p.m. until midnight, Disney said Friday.
The three-hour ticketed event will take place after the park close and include special themed music, decorations, food offerings and entertainment. Attractions and rides will be open for the after-hours event, with adults and kids permitted to wear costumes for the Halloween party.
Read more: Disneyland is now open: How to get tickets and how much they cost
Trick-or-treating should be making a return, with Disney saying guests will "get their fill of Halloween candy," while character cavalcades will be featured throughout the park as parades continue to be pushed back due to social distancing requirements around the pandemic. The annual Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party was canceled in 2020 at Magic Kingdom due to COVID-19, and with the theme parks still subject to public health restrictions, Boo Bash appears to be a safer way of celebrating.
As Disney celebrates the halfway point to Halloween this year, it's also unveiled new merchandise including Cruella-themed toys, Haunted Mansion accessories and Disney Villain clothing. Disney will also be hosting a halfway to Halloween live TikTok event on May 8.
