RichDo not say it is against Mass.law, It is the NAR code of ethics you contracted to follow when you became a member.

And I too, have thought this was more of a lifestyle choice than a good investment, but now Warren says to do it...http://www.forbes.com/sites/janetnovack/2012/01/27/warren-buffetts-advice-to-a-boomer-buy-your-sunbelt-retirement-home-now/http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/0627/money-guide-11-real-estate-gallagher-nar-vacation-retire-later.htmlWhat do you think, would you do it?

NAR is going to nail these vegas agents eventually for charging these fees.

NAR Pres has been accused of diverting cash.

The broker may charge for any/all of the following:- Desk fees (monthly fees for being part of the brokerage, having access to the office, etc)- Commission fees (brokerage may take a percentage of each commission or a fixed amount per transaction)- MLS fees (to get access to the MLS)- E&O fees (this is your broker's insurance against you screwing up a deal)- NAR fees (to be a member of NAR)- Cost of tools (like lockboxes, electronic keys, etc)- Etc...Some brokers charge high monthly fees and a significant percentage of your commission; in return you get a big brand name to associate yourself with (Re/Max, Keller Williams, etc).

-State, local and NAR memberships..... $600-1200 annually-Access to the MLS...... $700 per year-Electronic Lockbox access...... $200 per year-E&O Insurance ...... . . $700 per year-Continuing education classes..... $200 per year-Test and Study materials to get license- $500-Brokerage fees - Depends on the broker

I have done one Freddie (as explained above), one Fannie (on which I had to deal with an unethical Realtor who was reported to NAR), and about a half dozen REOs (most of which I acquired).

For more on this duty read the NAR's own words taken from their code, Under all is the land.

Bill Gatten has some crazy NARs trust structures that do things like this.When I invest in these properties I make sure that I pay the underlying PITI and HOA items.

It assumes your other debt payments are no more than 10% of your gross monthly income, which sounds like that's the case.Don't fall for the NAR promoted myths of "starter house" or "buy the most house you can afford".