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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.

  • Is Now The Time To Refinance? - A ThinkGlink reader is hoping to combine two mortgages by refinancing. She is wondering if Ilyce thinks mortgage rates will come down. Ilyce explains that the reader should figure out her options at today's mortgage rates and shop around for a good lender.

  • Siblings Inherit Commercial Property - A ThinkGlink reader and her siblings inherited commercial property from their mother. Ilyce helps them understand the legal and tax implications of selling or managing the property.

  • It’s A Good Time To Be A Buyer – If You Make Good Choices - In the first buyer's market in a decade it is still possible to make mistakes. Ilyce gives tips on how to be a smart real estate buyer.

  • Problem With New Home Construction - Here is a real problem with new home construction. A ThinkGlink reader had his new home built on the wrong lot. The owner hired an agent, title company, builder and lender and now he has a mess. Ilyce explains why it might be time to hire a new real estate lawyer.

  • Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Will Hurt Credit Rating - A reader is in a very difficult financial situation and will be unable to make mortgage payments. Ilyce explains that a deed in lieu of foreclosure will hurt his credit rating but he may be able to get the bank to accept a short sale.

  • Figuring Out The Inheritance Of A Timeshare - A ThinkGlink reader has inherited her father's Florida timeshare. She is now wondering if she is responsible for the upkeep and taxes on the property. Ilyce and Sam explain that she must decide if she would like to keep the property and cover the expenses.

  • Understanding Condominium Bylaws and Declaration - A member of a condominium board seeks Sam and Ilyce's advice on how to educate his fellow board members. Sam and Ilyce explain that the bylaws and declaration hold the key to understanding the board's roles, responsibilities and procedures.

  • Understand Mortgage Before Signing Papers - A ThinkGlink reader refinanced her mortgage to an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) in 1998. Now, she is paying a much higher rate than before she refinanced. Ilyce encourages all readers to never sign a mortgage document unless you understand exactly the terms of the mortgage.

  • Siblings Negotiate Parent's Estate -  A ThinkGlink reader is curious about the tax implications of her sister being on her mother's home title. Ilyce explains how the IRS will treat the inheritance of the home.

  • Agents Have Their Say on 9 Things Sellers Should Ask Before Hiring a Listing Agent - Ilyce recently published an article on questions sellers should ask before hiring an agent. It created quite a storm, especially the question about lock boxes. Here are some of the reader's responses.

  • Check Crime Statistics Before Buying Home - A ThinkGlink reader is wondering how to find out the crime statistics for a neighborhood in which they are hoping to buy a home. Ilyce gives several tips on how to research the crime level in a given area.

  • Capital Gains Taxes on Primary Residences and Investment Properties - A ThinkGlink reader owns three pieces of property and is looking to sell two of them. She asks Ilyce about capital gains taxes on primary residences and investment properties. Ilyce explains the IRS rules about capital gains.

  • Understanding Due On Sale Clause - Mortgage lenders often include a due on sale clause in the mortgage agreement. A ThinkGlink reader would like to transfer his home to an LLC but is concerned the due on sale clause will be invoked. Ilyce and Sam explains why mortgage companies use this clause in contracts.

  • Buying Home With Friend Leads To Problems - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home with the help of a friend. Six months later, the friend got out of the deal and they are now negotiating a reasonable settlement. Ilyce and Sam encourage all people to get a sound contract before entering into any real estate deal.

  • Problem With Septic Drain Field - A ThinkGlink reader purchased a home that turned out to have major septic problems. The septic field should never have been approved by the health department. Ilyce and Sam explain how to go about resolving this issue.

  • Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance - Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) becomes tax deductible in 2007. This doesn't mean you should run out and get a policy. Ilyce explains PMI and encourages this reader to hold onto his life insurance.

  • Buying Home For Parents - A ThinkGlink reader has been asked by her parents to help them out of a bad financial situation. She is worried that this will hurt her chance of buying her own home in the future. Ilyce explains how mortgage companies analyze risk and suggests she get a good attorney to write up a contract before entering any deal with her parents.

  • Refund On Lease/Option Agreement - A young couple had agreed to a lease/option agreement on a new home. After the death of the young women, the husband is wondering if he can get a refund of the option amount they had paid. Ilyce explains that usually an option payment is not refundable.

  • Who Really Represents You? - Seller brokers, buyer's agents, dual agents, exclusive seller agents, discount agents - real estate agents come in many different forms. Ilyce helps you navigate the new and complex world of hiring a real estate agent.

  • Son Evicting Parents - A ThinkGlink reader lives in a home owned by her son. The son is now trying to evict her. Ilyce explains that she must gather all information she has about the deal she made with her son and hire a real estate attorney.

  • Flood Insurance Premiums - A ThinkGlink reader pays a huge amount for his flood insurance. Ilyce shares with the reader how insurance companies calculate the flood insurance premiums and how this homeowner may get a better deal.

  • Recording Satisfaction of Mortgage - A ThinkGlink reader paid off his mortgage but no satisfaction of mortgage was recorded by the mortgage company. Ilyce suggests that a local title company may be able to track down the mortgage company and get the lien off of the house.

  • Credit Card Balance Hurts Mortgage Applicants - A ThinkGlink reader is planning on applying for a mortgage and wonders if he should pay off his credit card debt. Ilyce explains that having a zero balance on credit cards will help his chances for getting a good rate on his mortgage.

  • Storms, Hurricanes, and Homeowners Insurance - In 2006 there were 33 catastrophic events that cost insurers nearly $9 billion in losses. Homeowners and renters saw a rise in their premiums. Ilyce encourages renters and homeowners to be very cautious when considering going without insurance.

  • Neighbors Disagree About Lot Line Landscaping - A ThinkGlink reader recently put a new walkway next to his driveway and along side his neighbor's yard. The neighbor installed a fence and removed the new sod along the walkway. Ilyce explains the best way to settle disputes with neighbors over landscaping.

  • National Consumer Protection Week: February 4-9, 2007 - It is National Consumer Protection Week and Ilyce provides you with links to sites that help you opt out junk mail, getting on the do not call list, avoid payday loans and help you save for retirement.

  • Finding Good Quality Tenants - A ThinkGlink reader recently bought her first piece of investment property. Ilyce explains that her most biggest change will be to find good quality tenants.

  • How To File Complaint Against Real Estate Agent - A ThinkGlink reader is out a large sum of money due to fraud committed by a real estate agent. Ilyce and Sam explain the different places that a complaint can be filed but they strongly suggest hiring a competent real estate litigator.

  • Flooding Not Disclosed When Home Sold - A home buyer soon discovered that her new home had a problem with flooding. Now she is trying to determine if she can sue the seller. Ilyce explains that in order to sue a seller, you must be able to prove they knew of the problem.











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