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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.

  • Let’s Play “Who Doesn’t Want to Make A Mortgage” - If investors won’t buy packaged loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they don’t have cash to buy loans from lenders. Then, lenders won’t have cash to give you a mortgage to buy your house. Then the entire housing market grinds to a halt.

  • Refunding Money Down On A Home Purchase - A ThinkGlink reader put a down payment on a home and then was denied financing. Now the seller refuses to refund the deposit. Ilyce explains that the contract will spell out if this reader is entitled to his deposit.

  • Lenders Wary of Low Credit Score - A ThinkGlink reader would like to borrow money but has a credit score in the 500s. Ilyce suggests checking out FHA loans and credit unions.

  • Deeded Property Versus Inherited Property - A ThinkGlink reader is planning on inheriting his parents' farm. He would like to have it deeded to him now to avoid a conflict with his family over the will. Ilyce explains that from a tax perspective, inheriting a property is the best plan.

  • Buying Property With Easement - A ThinkGlink reader owns property with an easement through the neighboring lot. He is now planning on buying that lot. Sam and Ilyce explain that the easement will merge with the newly formed property.

  • Creating LLC For Rental Property - A ThinkGlink reader owned rental property with a mortgage. He created an LLC to protect his assets and transferred the building to the LLC. Now he is worried that the mortgage company will call in the loan. Ilyce and Sam explain why lenders call in loans after property has changed hands.

  • Helping Parents With Financial Difficulties - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home for his father 10 years ago. His father now wants him to quit claim the property and take over the mortgage payments. Ilyce explains how this reader can get out of this difficult situation.

  • 6 Mistakes Home Buyers Make When Shopping Online for Property And Mortgages - More than 85 percent of home buyers start their search for a house online as well. The only problem is that things on the Internet are not always what they seem.

  • Using A Quitclaim Deed When Divorcing - A ThinkGlink reader is settling a divorce and his ex-wife wants him to sign a quitclaim deed. Ilyce explains that the mortgage must be refinanced without his name before giving up rights to the property.

  • Determining Earnest Money Amount - A ThinkGlink reader is wondering how to determine an appropriate amount of earnest money. Ilyce explains that it is a sign of how serious the buyer is about the property.

  • Determining The Right Time To Refinance - A ThinkGlink reader has a 5 year fixed rate mortgage that is about to expire. Ilyce explains his options and encourages all borrowers to start the process months in advance.

  • Calculating Cost Basis For Property - A ThinkGlink reader got his parent’s home through a quit claim deed. Now that he wants to sell it, he realizes that there will be a huge tax bill. Ilyce explains how he can calculate the cost basis for the property to help eliminate some of the capital gains tax.

  • Price Of A Short Sale - A ThinkGlink reader bought a new home that she can no longer afford. Even worse, the home is not worth what she paid for it. Ilyce gives this reader advice about short sales.

  • A Move Is A Move, No Matter How Far Away The New House Is - Ilyce explains why moving across the street is as hard as moving across the country. She shares a few things to consider before hiring movers.

  • Understanding Realtors’ Commissions in a Changing Market - A ThinkGlink reader is wondering how realtors justify their commissions when the cost of real estate has shot through the roof. Ilyce explains how the realtor job market has changed in the past 20 years.

  • How To Buy Out Co-Owner - A ThinkGlink reader bought a house with a friend three years ago. The friend is now moving to a new city. Ilyce explains what options this reader has to buy out the friend’s interest in the home.

  • Avoiding Capital Gains Tax On Second Home - A ThinkGlink reader has owned but rented out a second home for many years. She is now considering moving into the property to avoid capital gains when she sells it. Ilyce explains how the IRS will treat her primary and secondary properties.

  • Interest-Only Loan May Be Right For This Retiree - A ThinkGlink reader would like to refinance his home to make improvements but plans on only owning it for another five years before he retires. Ilyce explains why an interest-only loan may be the right move for this home owner.

  • How Much Down for a Down Payment - Since the downturn in the real estate market, a home buyer may not have to put as much money down on a new home. Ilyce explains how to determine the appropriate amount for a down payment.

  • Suing Home Seller Over Septic Problems - A ThinkGlink reader has lived in a home for 12 years only to discover that her septic leach lines run into her neighbor’s property. Ilyce explains why this home owner probably has no recourse against the people she bought the home from, but suggests she check in with a local lawyer.

  • Tax Hints For Selling Rental Property - A ThinkGlink reader lived in a home for 2 years and then rented it out. Ilyce explains why the IRS website is a good place to check for the tax implications before making any real estate decisions.

  • Understanding Construction-To-Permanent Loans - Ilyce explains the advantages and disadvantage of a construction-to-permanent loan and how to find the best lender.

  • Including Home Inspection Contingency In New Construction Contract - A ThinkGlink reader is considering buying a newly constructed home. She is wondering if she can include a home inspection contingency. Ilyce explains that she should negotiate the inclusion of four inspections and an inspection contingency into the new construction contract.

  • Why A Living Trust Is Worth The Cost - A ThinkGlink reader is considering having her mother put her house in a living trust but is concerned about the cost. Ilyce explains why a living trust is better than a quit claim deed and why she should shop around for a real estate lawyer.

  • Negotiate Hard to Get the Best Loan at the Best Rate on the Best Terms - Ilyce explains the six steps to getting the best mortgage for your personal financial situation.

  • How To Transfer Interest In Property - A ThinkGlink reader owns a condo with her mother. The mother would like to transfer the mortgage to her daughter. Ilyce explains why the daughter must apply for her own mortgage.

  • Contract Has Answer To Escrow Refund - A ThinkGlink reader would like to back out of a real estate deal. He is wondering what will happen to the money in escrow. Ilyce explains how earnest money and the seller’s right to sue him are explained in the contract.

  • Life Estate Versus Lease - A ThinkGlink reader is thinking about purchasing his neighbor's home and giving him a life estate. Ilyce suggests looking into a long term lease.

  • Suing Home Seller 4 Years After Purchase - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home that has a serious mold problem. He is wondering if he can sue the seller even though he purchased the home four years ago. Ilyce gives this reader advice about gathering evidence against the seller.

  • Developer Rents Out Vacant Homes - A ThinkGlink reader purchased property from a developer with the expectation of a nice neighborhood with a homeowner's association. The developer, unable to sell all the properties, has begun renting out homes. The homeowner wonders if he has any recourse against this developer.










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