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Articles By Ilyce

Ilyce Glink is an award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist, television reporter and radio talk show host who is widely known for her expertise on trends and issues in real estate and finance. Her syndicated column REAL ESTATE MATTERS offers common sense information and practical insights for anyone thinking about buying, selling, rehabbing or refinancing a home.

  • Buying A Home For A Dollar - A ThinkGlink reader has bought her mother's home for $1. Now she is wondering what her tax burden will be if she sells the home. Ilyce and Sam explain how taxes are calculated on homes that are purchased versus gifted.

  • Real Estate Agent Is Not A Tax Advisor - A ThinkGlink reader sold a rental property and bought a new home. She now is looking at an enormous tax bill and thinks her real estate agent should have warned her. Ilyce explains that agents help buy and sell homes, they are not tax advisors.

  • Keep Finances Separate From Boyfriend's - A ThinkGlink reader is thinking of buying a home with her boyfriend but he is still married to another women. Ilyce explains why this women needs to keep all her finances separate until the boyfriend is divorced.

  • Negotiate your Listing Agreement Before You Sign on the Dotted Line - Ilyce provides readers with a quick list of key issues to understand before signing with a real estate agent.

  • Understanding Inheritance of Property - A ThinkGlink reader inherited a home along with her brother. After her brother passed away, she is wondering if she now owns the home with her nephews. Ilyce explains how to determine the status of the home.

  • Buying A Home For Sale By Owner - A ThinkGlink reader has decided to buy a home that is for sale by owner (FSOB). Ilyce explains why not to burn any bridges with the real estate agent.

  • Proving Home Is Primary Residence - A ThinkGlink reader wonders how he can prove he has lived in a home for 24 months in order to avoid capital gains tax. Ilyce explains what he needs to show the IRS if they audit him.

  • Distributing Parents' Business Among Siblings - A ThinkGlink reader is working to distribute her parents' business after their passing. The parents' owned property that was operated as a summer camp. Ilyce explains why the inheritance of this estate is more complicated that just property division.

  • Removing Name From Home's Deed - A ThinkGlink reader is in the process of getting a divorce but is considering removing her husband's name from the home's deed before the divorce is final. Ilyce and Sam help this reader think through all of her options.

  • Understanding A Lis Pendens - A ThinkGlink reader would like to learn more about a lis pendens, or a notice of a pending law suit regarding a property. It is used to protect the plaintiff's possible interest against the property.

  • Framing Your Home's Deed - A ThinkGlink reader would like to frame and post the deed to his home but was disappointed to see it is just a copy of a document. Ilyce and Sam explain that it might not look like much, but this homeowner should put it someplace safe.

  • Options For Selling Inherited Property - A ThinkGlink reader inherited property and is now thinking of selling it in order to buy new property. Ilyce explains the tax implications and suggest a 1031 exchange.

  • Taxes Owed On Short Sale -  ThinkGlink reader sold his home for less than the mortgaged amount which is know as a short sale. Ilyce explains that the IRS considers this as a gift from the lender and will collect income tax on the amount forgiven.

  • Second Homes In Mexico: An Owner’s Manual - Many Americans are buying second homes in Mexico. Ilyce discusses some of the issues you should consider before making an investment.

  • Pre-Construction Real Estate Investment - A ThinkGlink reader is considering buying an investment property that is pre-construction. She is asking Ilyce for advice because the returns seem too good to be true. Ilyce encourages her to thoroughly research this investment option before buying.

  • Planned Unit Development (PUD) Rider - A ThinkGlink reader purchased a home in a planned subdivision that did not have a homeowners' association (HOA) but she signed a planned unit development rider on her mortgage. Now an HOA has been formed and they sent a letter saying she is behind in her dues. Ilyce explains that if there is an association, she needs to pay the dues and should receive some benefits.

  • Find Real Estate Agent That Looks Out For Your Interests - A ThinkGlink reader amended an offer on a house because her agent told her the owners had other offers. Now the owners have counter offered with a lot of stipulations. This reader is wondering if her agent is looking out for her. Ilyce suggests finding a good buyer's agent.

  • Driveway On Easement  - A ThinkGlink reader had her driveway on her neighbor's land with an easement. New neighbors have forced her to move her driveway to a less than optimal location. Ilyce and Sam explain that the easement language is key to understanding this dispute.

  • Easement Problem Not Disclosed By Title Company - A ThinkGlink reader recently bought a home and the title company did not disclose an easement in the backyard. Now the reader is battling with the city over his right to trim trees. Ilyce and Sam explain why he will not win a suite over this undisclosed easement.

  • Inherited Property Transferred Out Of Living Trust - A ThinkGlink reader recently inherited property through a living trust. Ilyce explains how federal estate and state taxes are assessed. She also explains that he should consider leaving the property in the trust.

  • Interest Rates Rise, Fall. Does this mean anything to the average borrower? - Many people in the financial community spend a lot of time anticipating what the Federal Reserve Bank is going to do with regard to interest rates. How does it impact you? Ilyce explains what you need to keep in mind when reading about the Federal Reserve Bank and sub-prime credit rates.

  • Reasonable Offer For Home - A ThinkGlink reader asks Ilyce about what constitutes a reasonable offer on a new home. Ilyce explains that it depends how well the house is priced.

  • Home Warranty On Existing Home - A ThinkGlink reader purchased an existing home that was supposed to come with a home warranty. After having a maintenance problem the reader found out the agent never purchased the warranty. Ilyce explains how warranties work and reminds readers to carefully read all the documents at a home closing.

  • Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Homes Must Have Flood Insurance - A ThinkGlink reader responded to a previous article about flood insurance. Homes that have a federally regulated mortgage and are in a SFHA must have flood insurance.

  • Limited Common Element In Condominium  - A ThinkGlink reader is thinking of buying a condominium and converting the basement to make it into a duplex. Sam and Ilyce explain what a limited common element is and how to apply for a permit.

  • Helping Offspring Purchase Home -  ThinkGlink reader co-signed a mortgage agreement for his son and daughter-in-law. They are now hoping the son qualifies for a loan assumption. Ilyce explains that his name will not be taken off the mortgage until it is refinanced.

  • Prenup Leads to Home Ownership Questions - A ThinkGlink reader signed a prenuptial agreement 18 years ago when she got married. Now she has questions as she and her husband prepare to buy a second home. Ilyce suggests that this reader consult with an accountant and an attorney.

  • The Price and Condition Must Be Right to Sell  - Ilyce gives advice on how to sell your home. To get the most money for your home, you should make it shine. Fix the broken items, repaint the interior, clean the carpet, “stage” your rooms, and clear out the closets and countertops.

  • Find An Attorney To Help With Home Purchase - A ThinkGlink reader is buying property from his landlord. Ilyce encourages this reader to hire an attorney to help him through the process.

  • Tips For Starting A Career In Real Estate - A ThinkGlink reader has just begun his career in real estate. Ilyce shares with him some tips for starting out his career on the right foot.










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