Shop around with a couple local credit unions and a mortgage broker, they beat my bank's first offer by almost 2 points last time. Also ask what the rate looks like with points bought down, sometimes it's worth it.

Oh boy, careful with that masher trick! A disposal is not a trash can, and pushing food down just packs it in tighter instead of letting water flush it through. Those blades need water running the whole time to carry stuff away, so shoving rice or celery strings down with a masher can actually make the jam worse later. You got lucky your trap was easy to reach, but a lot of folks end up paying way more than that $180 quote once the clog moves deeper into the pipe. The six minute video and the bare hands part was smart though, that is the real win here.

Wait, a career coach that NEVER replied?? That's robbery!