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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.

  • Settling Estate With Large Mortgage - A ThinkGlink reader's mother passed away and left a home that owes more on the mortgage than it is worth. Ilyce explains how to clean up these estate matters.

  • How To Buy A Home When You Have A Poor Credit Rating - A ThinkGlink reader is hoping to buy a new home but is concerned about his low credit score. Ilyce gives this reader a strategy to improve his credit score and qualify for a low rate mortgage.

  • New Orleans: Nearly 2 Years Later, Part I - Ilyce interviews New Orleans resident Oscar Escobar about his experiences rebuilding his home after Hurricane Katrina.

  • Connecting Borrowers With Private Lenders - A ThinkGlink reader is hoping to acquire more investment properties. Ilyce explains alternatives to the traditional mortgage lenders.

  • Determining Good Faith Payment Amount - A ThinkGlink reader is hoping to purchase a new townhouse. She is wondering how much money she can expect to put down for the good faith payment. Ilyce explains that developers set their own standard for down payment amounts and suggests this reader find an agent to help her figure out what kinds of deals developers are offering in the area.

  • Getting Out Of Preconstruction Condo Contract - A ThinkGlink reader would like to get out of a contract to purchase a preconstruction condo. He is wondering what will happen to the money held in escrow. Ilyce and Sam explain what the possibilities are for getting the money back.

  • Acquiring Property By Adverse Possession - A ThinkGlink reader has been caring for the property next to his own for eight years. He is wondering if he has a claim to the property. Illyce explains how to acquire property by adverse possession.

  • Broker Gets Commission At Closing - A ThinkGlink reader is wondering if brokers get the commission back at the closing when buying property for themselves. Ilyce explains that the broker essentially gets a discount when buying property.

  • Parent Feels Pushed Out Of Home - An elderly parent had his daughter's family move into his large home when he is ill. Now the daughter is making a lot of changes and he feels uncomfortable in his own home. Ilyce explains how this homeowner should begin charging rent and look over his will, powers of attorney and other estate matters.

  • 5 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask Before Making an Offer (Part II) - In this two-part series, Ilyce Glink tackles some questions every home buyer should ask.As real estate markets change, it’s important to keep asking questions that will help you figure out whether buying a piece of property is a good idea or not. Last week, I suggested you answer two questions before putting in an offer to purchase: how long do you plan to stay in the home and how desperate or anxious is the seller.

  • Sale Falls Through Due To Down Payment - A ThinkGlink reader was using gift money for the down payment on a new home. The sellers turned down her mortgage commitment because they did not believe the down payment was available. Ilyce tries to help this reader close the deal.

  • Broker Fee Latest Trend In Real Estate - A ThinkGlink reader was asked by her buyer's broker to agree to pay a broker fee on top of the commission. Ilyce explains this latest trend in real estate.

  • Owning Home With In-Laws - A ThinkGlink reader is currently living in a home that her father-in-law owns. She is wondering how he can transfer the home to her so she can get a tax break. Ilyce and Sam explain quit claim deeds and gift taxes.

  • Government Information On Flood Insurance - Ilyce provides readers with government information on flooding and flood insurance.

  • Change Utilities After Closing - A ThinkGlink reader bought a second home and neglected to have the utilities rolled over into her name. During the few days the heat was not on, the pipes froze and created considerable damage. Ilyce explains why she probably has no recourse against the seller.

  • 5 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask Before Making An Offer (Part I) - In this two-part series, Ilyce Glink tackles some questions every home buyer should ask.

  • Suing Home Inspector - A ThinkGlink reader bought a house that has several problems. The home inspector did not include any of the issues in his report. Ilyce explains if this homeowner has a claim against the inspector.

  • Price Home Competitively To Sell - A ThinkGlink reader is in the process of building a new home but is having trouble selling her current home. Ilyce explains how to sell a home in a down market.

  • Buying Property With Married Friend - A ThinkGlink reader bought property with a friend that is married but separated from his wife. Ilyce explains why hiding marital assets could cause a lawsuit.

  • Buying Property After Graduation - A ThinkGlink reader will be graduating from school in one year and is planning on buying a condo. He is considering using some of his student loan money for the down payment. Ilyce explains how this reader should evaluate his financial future.

  • About the Buyer’s Market - An economist, an investor, and a home builder talk about the current state of the real estate market.

  • How To Write A Real Estate Book - A ThinkGlink reader is hoping to write a book on how to invest in vacation property. Ilyce explains that it is a crowded market but gives tips on how to get started.

  • Converting 1031 Exchange Property Into Primary Residence - A ThinkGlink reader writes in to ask about converting a 1031 exchange property into a primary residence. Ilyce researches and explains the IRS rulings.

  • Tenants By The Entirety - Ilyce explains tenants by the entirety and joint tenants with rights of survivorship to a ThinkGlink reader.

  • Why Joint Tenants With Rights Is Not Enough  - A ThinkGlink reader is worried that her husband's children will inherit part of their home. Ilyce explains joint tenants law and why this couple needs a will.

  • Determining Capital Gains Tax - A ThinkGlink reader is selling property and wonders how to calculate the tax bill.

  • Prepayment Penalty Must Be Disclosed - Here are some comments Ilyce has received on a recent column. The original question was written by a surprised homeowner that was not aware of a prepayment penalty attached to his refinanced mortgage documents.

  • Revisiting The Lockbox Conversation - Nothing boils a real estate agent's blood faster than a story about lock boxes. I have received many emails in response to this column, but I stand by my original statement: Lock boxes don't really serve the seller's best interest.

  • Mortgage Company Appraisal Comes In Low - A ThinkGlink reader had accepted an offer on her home when the buyer's mortgage company said the property was worth less money. Ilyce explains what this seller can do in order to salvage this deal.











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