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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.

  • Real Estate Contract - A buyer says he’s received a foreclosure notice on his home after signing a real estate contract and paying the seller on time. The buyer should see a real estate attorney to talk about this contract.  

  • Consolidate Debt - A homeowner asks about how to consolidate debt. He says he’s been rejected to consolidate debt using a home equity line of credit. What can he do? 

  • Property Rental - A homeowner asks about making his home a property rental in a community with a homeowners association. The IRS does not let you treat a property rental as a primary residence for tax purposes. 

  • Real Estate Broker - A seller complains his real estate agent is not doing her job. Ilyce suggests contacting the real estate broker the agent works for. The real estate broker can hold the agent accountable.  

  • Mortgage Lender - How can you choose the right mortgage lender? Ask friends and family for mortgage lender references, interview the mortgage lender and make sure the mortgage lender does meticulous underwriting. 

  • Homeowners Association - A condo owner says he’s been late paying homeowners association fees and now owes a late fee. Does the condo owner have any recourse with the homeowners association? 

  • Cost of College Tuition - A parent asks about the cost of college tuition and about having a student start at a community college. Because the cost of college tuition is so high it's a good idea to start out at a less well known school and transfer.  

  • Mortgage Broker Loan - A buyer asks about getting a loan through a mortgage broker or a bank. When you get a loan through a mortgage broker he’s compensated with fees often paid by the lender.  

  • Dual Agent - A couple buys a home from a dual agent who also represents the sellers. The buyers feel the dual agent did not disclose information about the septic system. What can they do? 

  • How Does a Quitclaim Deed Work - A reader asks how does a quitclaim deed work. A quitclaim deed does not change the mortgage terms, no matter how it was signed or works. The owner has to take care of the mortgage separately. 

  • Types of Mortgage Loans - When you buy a home you will likely need to pick from many types of mortgage loans. Adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate mortgages are the most common types of mortgage loans. 

  • Homeowners Association - It’s possible to buy a home in a community with multiple homeowners associations. The neighborhood homeowners association may be a member of another homeowners association.  

  • Mortgage Fraud - If you're worried about being a victim of mortgage fraud it helps to be familiar with closing documents. If you know what to look for on these documents you can avert mortgage fraud. 

  • Housing Market Outlook - If you’re unhappy with your current home consider the housing market outlook. It may be a while before the housing market outlook becomes positive so learn to love your current home. 

  • Property Owner - How do you change a property owner? An adult child says his father was a property owner and his mother is not but still lives in the home. What are the laws about property ownership? 

  • Property Manager - A couple plans to rent out a home using a property manager. Ilyce advises having contingency plans in case the property manager does not work out. 

  • Real Estate Listing Agreement - A seller asks how to take his house off the market. The real estate listing agreement will tell him whether he can do that. He could also hire an attorney to review the real estate listing agreement. 

  • Eviction - A landlord asks about eviction for a commercial tenant. Eviction laws vary by state and some attorneys specialize in evictions. 

  • Plot Plan - Buyers complain that the plot plan for a neighboring lot has changed. They want to know if they have recourse since the new plot plan has the next door house set differently.  

  • Fire Damage Clean Up - A buyer discovers fire damage in the attic of his new home. He wonders about who should pay for the clean up. He may be able to get the seller to pay for the fire damage clean up. 

  • Home Problems - A buyer says his home has problems like a leaky roof. He says the builder will not fix the home problems. Who can he contact to help with these home problems? 

  • Breach of Construction Contract - A buyer says he’s having trouble getting earnest money back from his builder after deciding not to buy a home. The buyer can sue the builder for breaching the construction contract.  

  • Home Loan With Bad Credit - A graduate student says he’s got bad credit but wants to get a home loan upon graduation. If you get a home loan with bad credit it will cost you more. Before getting a home loan you should first fix bad credit. 

  • Going Green At Home - Going green at home includes recycling and reusing materials. Going green at home could also include paying bills electronically. If you’re going green at home you will also saving money. 

  • Synthetic Stucco - A reader asks about using synthetic stucco with concrete blocks. Synthetic stucco may trap moisture between exterior and plywood leading to mold and rot. Ilyce advises researching synthetic stucco before using it. 

  • Short Sale of House - A family wants to sell its home but owes more than the house can fetch on the market. One option is a short sale of their house. A short sale of a house means to sell for less than the mortgage balance. 

  • Green Consumer Demographics - Green consumer demographics fall into three categories. Green consumer demographics include being thoughtful of the environment, dilettante green consumers and green consumers who want a return on their investment.  

  • Green Home Tips - Green home tips vary from saving on heating bills using better insulation to restricting water usage. Employ these green home tips by contacting a water engineering firm or an advanced plumber.  












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