DEAR ABBY: My stepmother allowed me to live in one of her properties for very low rent, which was a great gift. I will soon be searching for a home to buy, and this is where I have a problem.
My stepsister, "Diana," is a real estate agent who has been hit with hard times in this economy. Naturally, my stepmom would like me to hire her daughter, but Diana is lazy, uncommitted and unfamiliar with the area in which I want to buy.
I have another agent in mind who specializes in homes in my area, who can recommend neighborhoods and show me as many houses as needed. I don't want to disappoint my stepmother if I don't hire her daughter. What should I do? -- IN A BIND IN TENNESSEE
DEAR IN A BIND: Hire the real estate agent you have in mind. And if your stepmother brings up the subject, tell her that you did so because the person is more familiar with the area in which you want to live. However, do not tell her that you consider her daughter to be lazy and uncommitted because I guarantee she will take it personally.