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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.

  • IRS Publishes Information For Katrina Property Owners - A reader recently sold a property that was hit by hurricane Katrina. Ilyce points the reader to the new IRS publication, "Information for Taxpayers affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.”  

  • Managing Credit Scores With a Debt Management Payment - There is a lot of confusion in the world of credit counseling, which is why so many consumers have unpleasant experiences. Ilyce speaks with the Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater Atlanta to get the straight scoop.

  • Family Home and Rental Properties - A family owns their residential home and a rental property with their aging parent. Now they want to get some equity out of the rental property. Ilyce discusses the options for this family and the tax implications for their plans.

  • Divorce Leads to Eviction - A reader wonders if a spouse can be evicted after a divorce. Sam and Ilyce give answers to various housing scenarios.

  • Benefits of Lease to Sell - A reader is thinking about building a commercial office and selling it with a lease to sell agreement. Sam and Ilyce help the reader think through the benefits of this type of deal.

  • Using Power of Attorney for Quit Claim Deed - A reader wishes to use their Power of Attorney to execute a quit claim deed to gain ownership of their mother's home. They hope that this will help them avoid paying for nursing care. Ilyce warns the reader that they may be committing fraud, and suggests talking with an estate attorney.

  • Removing Accounts From Credit Report - Often you will see old accounts on your credit report. Is there any harm in having old and inactive accounts still being reported on? Ilyce gives basic advice on how to keep your credit score healthy.

  • High Debt and Low Credit Score Spells Trouble - A reader is trying to get out of serious debt and start a new business. Ilyce works on a strategy to get the reader debt free and find some cash for his new business.

  • Insurance Woes: Separating the Good from the Bad - There are many types of insurance out there: buying homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, auto insurance and health insurance, life insurance (term or some version of whole life), long-term care insurance, disability insurance, business insurance, and excess liability coverage, also known as umbrella insurance. These days, it seems as though there is an insurance policy for every sort of situation a consumer might face. Ilyce helps you decide what insurance is right for you.

  • First Time Homeowner Benefits - A first-time home buyer already has a home that was quitclaimed to them by a parent. Ilyce talks about programs available to first-time home buyers and why the reader will not qualify for these services.

  • Newlyweds With Two Homes - A soon to be wed couple both own their own homes. They would like to sell his home to his adult child and put both their names on her home. Ilyce warns them of many issues they should consider before continuing with their plan.

  • Creating LLC to Buy Rental Property - A reader has formed an LLC to administer rental properties. He quickly found out that this is an expensive way to buy real estate because lenders give better terms to residential buyers. Now the reader would like to transfer his property to his newly formed LLC. Sam and Ilyce talk about ways to limit you liability as a property owner and how to get the best mortgage terms.

  • Cost of Condo Raised at Closing - A new condo buyer learns the hard way about working with a builder when buying her first home. At the time of closing, a new $4,000 marble floor appears to have become part of the deal. Ilyce suggests that it will be difficult to recover any of this cost. More importantly, Ilyce gives advice on how to be an informed home buyer.

  • Closing Cancelled At Last Moment - A young couple was on the way to owning their first condo. On the morning of the closing, the lender calls to say they will not be able to make the loan because the building is a condominium conversion. Ilyce and Sam give the reader advice on how to recover their many expenses and how to avoid this homebuyer nightmare.

  • Avoiding Taxes When Selling Real Estate Investment - Many people have gotten into the real estate investment business with the recent housing explosion. When it comes time to sell those investments, tax concerns are important. Ilyce explains the basics of the 1031 Exchange.

  • Home Sellers Can't Pay Commission - A home seller fires their real estate agent because they discover they will not be able to cover their closing cost and realtor fees. Ilyce explains how the fees are calculated and advices how to sell your home for its real value.

  • Understanding Home Lenders Debt to Income Ratios - When creating a budget it is important to understand what percentage of your income should be going to you housing costs. Ilyce explains the 28/36 debt to income ratios commonly used by home lenders.

  • How to Survive a Real Estate Slowdown - Although the real estate numbers for November show that the real estate market is slowing down, it still looks as if 2006 will be a strong year. Ilyce gives you some advice about how to manage you largest asset while keeping these new market trends in mind.

  • Buyer's Remorse Not Cause For Cancelling Contract - A reader is in the escrow period of purchasing a new home. During this time, prices in the neighborhood have dropped and the buyer feels he no longer has made a good deal. Unfortunately, buyer's remorse does not give you a legal right to bow out of the deal.

  • Understanding Buyers' Agent Fees - A reader is curious about buyers' agent fees. It appears the agent would benefit if the buyer pays more for a home, creating a conflict of interest. Ilyce explains how buyer's agents work and, most importantly, how to find a reputable agent.

  • Buying A Property In Foreclosure - A reader is determined to purchase a specific home that is in probate and foreclosure. Sam and Ilyce explain why this will be a long and difficult process. They suggest that perhaps the lender will work with the homeowner to allow for a short sale and release the balance of the debt that is owed.

  • Great Agent Key To Purchasing Cheap Land - A reader is interested in buying property in a rural area for future development. Ilyce notes that in order to get the great deal this person is looking for, they need to find an agent that works the area on a daily basis.

  • Save on Gas - When you're trying to improve your personal finances, every penny counts. Savings on gas can add up, and there are some simple steps you can take to lower your gasoline bills. These tips on driving more efficiently and maintaining your car are easy to implement and may save you hundreds of dollars.

  • Cancelling Contract On Home Purchase - A reader tried to purchase a home but due to financing problems and no clear title to the home, the contract was cancelled. Now the seller refuses to return the down payment. Ilyce and Sam explain that the wording in the contract will clarify who is in the right.

  • Never Too Old For Real Estate Investments - A reader is thinking about buying a rental property but is concerned that they are too old. Ilyce reminds the reader that 50 is the new 30 if you are cut out for the landlord business.

  • Flipping Pre-Construction Property - A reader wonders if it is possible to sell an option to buy a pre-construction property. Ilyce explains that this is often handled by "assigning" the contract to another party. The new buyer will pay a fee (i.e. the new sales price) to have the original purchase contract assigned to him or her.

  • Selling Property To Buy Mutual Funds - A reader is thinking of selling their real estate investments and investing the money in mutual funds. Ilyce explains how to think about your investment portfolio.

  • Personal Finance Resolutions for 2006 - For most people, their home is the cornerstone of their wealth. Ilyce give advice on how to start the new year out with a healthy personal finance plan for your home and yourself.

  • The Basics Of Interest Only Loans - A home buyer is considering an interest only loan. Ilyce explains that these types of loans are best if you are trying to conserve cash.

  • Deeded Home Causes Family Rift - Three family members inherited a home. Now one of the partners is not paying their fair share of taxes and upkeep. Ilyce gives some possible solutions to this sticky problem.

  • Are You Properly Insured? - Are You Properly Insured?

  • Timeshares Questions - Timeshares Questions








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