Drones are currently illegal for use in real estate, so why is the future for drones and real estate looking bright? Well, the FAA expects that by 2020, more than 30,000 drones will be active in a wide range of industries. With that, the FAA is implementing policies that “will allow for commercial operations in low-risk, controlled environments.”. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is actively working to create regulatory exemptions for the future use of drones, especially in real estate.  That means an aerial tour of your future property is around the corner. Read more here.

In the days of paper, a mortgage burning party was a pretty big event. You’d invite the neighbors, have some drinks and light it up. Today however, in the digital age, there are no more paper mortgages really. It probably wouldn’t be as much fun watching someone’s iPad get tossed on the BBQ (or maybe it would…). But paying off the mortgage, like mortgage burning parties, may be a thing of the past, and with good reason. Paying off the mortgage may actually hurt your credit score. Strange as it may sound, it’s true. Read more about how it can happen here.

Capitol City Bank and Trust was shuttered last Friday afternoon by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. It’s the 3rd bank this year to fail. So what happens if the bank through whom you got a mortgage fails? If your mortgage is like the vast majority, it is often sold on to larger institutions like Fannie and Freddie, who then pay banks to service the mortgages. In cases where the bank servicing your loan should fail, that servicing agreement is a tangible asset that can be bought. Read more about what happens here.

Spray-foam insulation is a fantastic product that will keep out the noise, the heat, and the cold to keep your home comfortable and quiet in all seasons. The quality is undeniable, but even still, there are some issues that you should watch out for. Installation methods and the contractors understanding of your home’s envelope can affect quality. Technique, amount, age, and other factors all can contribute to a breach in the seal as well. Read more about these issues here and what to do about them.

The recession that began with the housing collapse affected virtually every homeowner in the country. From wealthy neighborhoods to less well-off inner city neighborhoods, everyone felt the pinch. However, now that the recovery seems to be taking hold, there is a noticeable difference in the return of value in Black and Hispanic areas. The effects of subprime mortgages and no doc mortgages are still being felt. For a discussion on economics tied to minority communities and housing values, read more from Zillow here.

Natural light makes all the difference in the world when it comes to making things look as good as possible. It isn’t uncommon for people to ask about the orientation of a room to get a sense of the sunlight available. So why not bring that sunlight into any part of your house, even a hallway with no windows, or to the center of a room? Solar tubes are a very economical way to let in natural light, and at a fraction of the cost of skylights. Check out more here.

Assessing your mortgage limits and how much house you can afford should start well before you actually sign. Well after you sign, you should continue to think about your monthly payment. Paying off your mortgage early may be one of the smartest investments you can make in some cases. Paying more each month can ultimately free up your money, and lots more of it, later in life. Here are four ways you can pay off your mortgage early and enjoy the benefits of no mortgage payments later. Read more here.

Colors can change the look and feel of your home or any room therein. Choosing the newest colors and complimentary palates can keep your home looking fresh and current, and add a renewed feel. By following a few choice guides and having a bit of inspiration, you can take even the simplest ideas and turn them into great works. Check out these tips and pointers for choosing, applying, and working with color to enhance your living space. Read more here.

Housing construction is on the rise across the nation and so too is remodeling. Driven in some part by the desire of many homeowners to stay in their current homes rather than move, remodeling is finding itself on the rise across the country. With home values appreciating, many homeowners see this as a great time to invest in improving their surroundings. Baby boomers are leading the way in the remodeling boom, choosing to create a haven now that their children are moving on. Keeping your long-time neighbors and making a nicer home is what it’s all about for some. Read more here.

When choosing to insulate your new home or improve your existing home, consider spray foam insulation as a fantastic option. Foam insulation has an excellent R-rating per inch, is insect proof, insulates thoroughly, and keeps out noise. Spray foam comes in 2 general categories: open and closed cell. Each variety has the benefit of being sprayed in place to create an airtight seal that will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Learn more here.