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Can whistleblowing rental manager be fired?

By Janet Portman, Thursday, October 2, 2008.

Q: I am a tenant and also the manager for our apartment building. I've just been fired from the manager's job, and given a termination notice, too. Here's what happened: The owner has been refurbishing rental units as they come vacant, having our maintenance crew rip up old floors and repaint. The building is old and I'm certain that the guys are dealing with lead paint and asbestos floor tiles. The owner told me to shut up about it, and for a while I did. But my conscience got the better of me, and I called the local health department, who sent an inspector over.  more...

Lesser of two evils: short sale or tenant?

By Tara-Nicholle Nelson, Thursday, October 2, 2008.

Q: I bought a house about four years ago, and relocated for work last year. My old house has been on the market for almost a year. I thought about renting it, but I really don't want to deal with tenants from a long distance. The place is almost fully remodeled, and people have been viewing it, but my Realtor says I need to lower the price and try for a short sale. The one thing I haven't tried is putting in stainless steel kitchen appliances -- the appliances currently in there are newer, but they are black. Should I invest my last few thousand dollars in upgrading the appliances to stainless steel, or should I attempt a short sale?

A: Contrary to popular belief, everyone doesn't love stainless steel appliances. In fact, some folks actively dislike them. Buyers generally want updated appliances; if yours are up-to-date, they are not likely the thing that is stopping your home from selling.  more...

The hard truth about the hard sell

By Teresa Boardman, Thursday, October 2, 2008.

The hard sell doesn't work with me and it hasn't for a long time. These days I am feeling harassed as the articles I write on the Internet attract salespeople of all stripes. The relentless sales pitches clog my e-mail accounts, tie up my cell phone and pollute my Twitter stream.

Last week I had to block a vendor who is following me on Twitter. He started pitching his product to me a couple of times a day and managed to get on my last nerve.  more...