In the event of a fire or damage to a building that is not livable you should not have to pay your rent. In Massachusetts if you are need to relocate due to a fire or damage to your building the owner must provide each tenant with a relocation fee of $750 IMMEDIATELY to help with their relocation costs.  It's not an op...more

It goes lower not due to lack of debt, but lack of any activity.  If you pay it off each month prior to their reporting to the credit bureau, you don't get the points for good use of the card.    Best to keep a small balance or pay it off after the reporting date.  I have four credit cards that I use on a regular ba...more

Fortunately for me, I have a great insurance agent. She has always told me that I do NOT need the rental insurance and as long as I am a licensed driver and insured with collision my personal insurance will cover the damage minus the deductible.  If you use an American Express card to rent the vehicle AMEX will cover t...more

Well said from a Realtor.....thank you for your common sense.

Yes, WallyP there are certainly people "out there" smarter than you.  Yes, they buy property for investment and rent it out and make money. There will always be investors who do this....I am one of those investors.  I don't worry about what my neighbor makes or what Bill Gates makes for income, I think about me and my ...more

No,Fred they did not screw up.  They have the wrong mind set. A house should be considered as a home and not an investment.  I have been selling RE since 1989.  I live in a modest home with a reasonable mortgage (would prefer no mortgage), but I consider it my home, not an investment.  The world has learned a lesson (I...more

Well said from another Realtor in Massachusetts.  Buy what you can afford.  What you can afford equates to being able to live each month, still save money in the bank and not worry about how will I pay my mortgage and living expenses if I lose my job.  They just don't get it........When we purchased our first home it w...more

I too am a Realtor and have done this job since 1989.  I share your thoughts and pain.  We are doing what we love and yes I have seen my share of buyers who were NOT qualified to purchase a home.  I sent them out with the advice that they should save more, get the credit in tact and come back when they can afford a "re...more

Good response.  I like your line of thinking!  Have a great day and think positive thoughts.