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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.

  • Protected Buyer List - Ilyce helps a reader decipher the ins and outs of a "protected buyer" list. When a listing contract ends, the listing broker wants to make sure the seller does not contact any of the people the listing broker showed the property to and deprive him of a commission.

  • Cash Out Refinancing - A reader is hoping to use the equity in their home to purchase an investment property. Ilyce discusses the best tax angle for this type of real estate deal.

  • Deciding On a Reverse Mortgage - If you are over 62 years old and have a mortgage free home, a reverse mortgage would help you supplement your monthly income. Ilyce advises a reader on how to find a qualified lender and what questions to ask them.

  • How Consumer Credit Counseling Services Affect Credit Ratings - Ilyce revisits the discussion regarding how consumer credit counseling services affect a person's credit rating. Entering a debt management program is a much better move than filing for bankruptcy protection. While some lenders may view it negatively, those that work with debt management companies and the participants in their program will view it more positively.

  • Understanding Exclusive Buyer Agents - A reader wonders how to assure that a buyer's agent is really looking out for your best interest. Ilyce explains that the nice thing about an exclusive buyer's agent is that you never have to worry about the agent ever representing the seller.

  • Avoid Offer With Prior Home Sale Contingency - A reader is planning on moving to a less expensive area and would like to use the proceeds from the sale of their condo to pay cash for their new home. Ilyce helps the reader think through the advantages of buying with cash versus financing the new purchase.

  • Financing Home's Rehab - A reader is helping to rehab a property that belongs to an elderly family member who lives in a nursing home. Ilyce advices to keep the house in the family and work with an advisor to plan financing the rehab and minimizing tax implications.

  • Repairing Cut Extension Cord - A reader cut his outdoor extension cord with his lawn mower and is unable to repair it. Sam and Ilyce suggest converting the one long cord into two shorter cords.

  • Problems Buying A Home With A Friend - A reader purchased a home with her boyfriend and now they no longer live together. Sam and Ilyce warn that she may have to go to court to force the sale of the home.

  • Call Home Seller Directly To Close Deal - A reader has been trying to purchase a home through their real estate agent. After being unable to agree on an offer, they are thinking of calling the sellers directly. Ilyce explains how contracts with real estate agents work and how to best see this deal through to closure.

  • Wholesale Home Selling -  

  • Flipping Property Before Construction - You know it is getting to be tax season when difficult tax questions start showing up in the Thinkglink mailbox. This reader is hoping to flip a property before it is constructed but is concerned about the tax implications. Ilyce explains if you make a profit by selling something that you own, you have a taxable gain. Just what kind of gain hinges on the question of what it is that you bought and when you are considered to have made the purchase under tax law.

  • Small Business: Hiring Out Your Human Resources Department To Save Money and Better Serve Your Employees - Owning a small business typically means you’re not just wearing the President and CEO hat. You’re also probably the Chief Financial Officer and the head of Human Resources as well. That’s why many small business owners ultimately decide to outsource the management of their benefits and in some cases, they have also outsourced their entire Human Resources department.

  • Questions Small Businesses Should Ask Before Hiring a Human Resources Consultant - Ten important questions to ask yourself before you hire a human resources consultant.

  • 1031 Helps Save On Taxes - A reader is hoping to use a 1031 Exchange to purchase a new home. Sam and Ilyce advice their reader on how to use this tax break to legally make his new purchase a permanent residence.

  • Time for Home Team - Ex-Apprentice, Troy McClain, gets back to the business of helping people finance their homes. McClain spent the 12 years leading up to his shot on the show approving mortgage loans and refinances in Boise, Idaho. After the show, he went back home and tried to figure out how to translate the lessons he learned on the show into building his business.

  • Leak Found After Closing - It is your worst nightmare. You just close on a condominium and move in only to find a problem. Ilyce helps a reader in this situation take the best course of action.

  • Home: For (Whole) Sale  - A reader has spotted a home with a sign stating it is for (Whole) Sale. What could this possibly mean? Ilyce goes through the possibilities with the reader and warns them to be sure to proceed carefully when working with the seller.

  • It’s All About Location, So Choose Carefully - When buying property, remember, location, location, location. Choosing the right location means you’ll wind up with a property that increases in value faster than those in other areas. It can mean you’ll sell faster and for more money. A great location will allow you to command higher rent for an investment property.

  • Advantages Of Buying With Cash - Wouldn't it be nice to be housing payment free so you could save for retirement? A reader writes Ilyce with just this scenario. Ilyce discusses the advantages of having you home paid for in order to save for retirement.

  • Receiving The Gift Of A Home - A lucky reader is receiving a home for a gift. Ilyce discusses the tax implications and strategy for this transaction.

  • Dividing Property For 1031 Exchange - A reader has inherited a large piece of land, a home and some rental property. Now the new owner has the opportunity to sell the property at considerable gain. They want to make smart decisions regarding taxes on the sale of the property. Sam and Ilyce discuss the benefits in dividing the property in order to take advantage of a 1031 exchange.

  • Transfer Tax Requires Declaring Personal Property - A reader is buying a home in the community that requires the buyer to pay a transfer tax. The buyer is allowed to deduct the amount of "personal property" that is part of the deal. Now the buyer is trying to figure out exactly what qualifies as "personal property". Ilyce and Sam give advice on how to include reasonable deductions.

  • Who Is Buying Second Homes - Baby Boomers, those Americans born between 1946 and 1964, are hitting their prime second home-buying years. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors confirms that the most popular ages to buy second homes are from ages 55 to 65, followed by 45 to 55. Even if the second home market slows a bit, the numbers are still impressive: 78.2 million Baby Boomers who have an estimated $2 trillion in disposable income, according to the 2004 U.S. Census, and are set to inherit trillions more.

  • Calculating Profits On Home Sale - A reader needs to sell their home and purchase an older home near family. Ilyce explains the tax implications of this move.

  • Heir Sells Share of Home to Outsider - A reader has inherited a one-third portion of a home. Unfortunately, one of the other heirs sold their share to someone outside the family. Ilyce helps explain how the reader should proceed with this property and how to best protect their interests.

  • Metrocities Mortgage - Many real estate firms have brought mortgage lending inside the four walls of their office. But finding a good fit between a real estate broker and mortgage lender isn’t always easy. Ilyce explains how in-house mortgage lenders work and how to be a smart buyer when negotiating with mortgage lenders.

  • Sell Your Home Fast - A reader needs to sell their home fast and has no offers even though it is priced below market value. They are now considering a company that buys homes on the cheep. Ilyce gives them suggestions, and cautions, about selling a home quickly.

  • Deal Changes After Hand Shake - A reader had bid on a condo and the seller verbally accepted the offer. When it came time to sign the printed contract, the price had gone up. Ilyce discusses the ethical and legal implications of the price change.











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