Justin Pierce has a piece in The Washington Post about securing investment properties for the best possible price. Among his recommendations—and one we wholeheartedly endorse—is partnering with a good Realtor: "I recommend you get a good Realtor to do market analysis and assist you with the contract and closing process.  A Realtor can also help you create mailing lists. Many Realtors send out postcards." Read more, here.

Bankrate reports on mortgage rates dropping even further, despite positive job growth in June. Employment increased by 287,000 last month, which could have led to an increase in mortgage rates. However, that clearly was not the case. Read more, here.

Krishna Thakker has a piece on The Street on the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of small drones to take video and pictures. Individual states will develop their own sets of rules, but access to this technology will enhance prospective buyers' understanding of the neighborhood surrounding a house, and of the house itself. More, here.

Bankrate has an article on current rates with the hyperbolic title: Mortgage Rates Plummet. Rates have not actually plummeted, but 30-year loan rates are at an impressive low. With rates expected to increase over the coming weeks, it's a good time explore your options. More, here.