So fewer courthouse recorded foreclosures in 2011... about like 2009 (1511) and 2008 (1372)S-TR filing counts:Oct '10539Oct '11 1047Nov '10 261Nov '11 431Through November, from Jan 1, 2010, 4571 substitute trustee filings and from Jan 1 2011, 4452.

Items 2-7 are simple compared to the list I provided above, which consumes a ton of time.

I would also say an electric unit is as or more reliable than gas, as there's fewer parts to break down on an electric unit.

See also the Illinois Attorney General page, Homeowner's Rights for the state and Cook county notice requirements and the mandated notice: http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/SB1879_Home_Owner_Rights.pdf

It is very difficult to convince consumers that this is a great time to buy...even though it is really is!

Your only example of someone not legally allowed to require it is the landlord, and as I pointed out above, I won't give it to a landlord.Btw, most businesses that say they require a ss # just use it as a personal identifier (which is the most dangerous use from a consumer standpoint), and they are happy to provide another identifier if you ask them.

However, if you are marketing to the end consumer, let's say on a residential flip, this might not help as much as you think.

ScottIf you find yourself in litigation, you would not "associate" yourself with NAR to accept their $50,000 provided to each agent to successfully defend themselves against any and all consumers?

Get all your facts and dates together and contact your local newspaper or TV station consumer protection watchdog.

At some point consumers need to just rise up and state they will no longer be treated in this manner and move on to a company that will treat them right.