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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.

  • Capital Gains Tax Not Owed On Inherited Property - A reader has inherited a piece of property that she is now in the process of selling. She is wondering about the capital gains tax. Ilyce explains that the deceased is entitled to pass down $2 million in her estate tax-free.

  • Demystifying the Payday Loan Industry - Thinkglink staff person, Michelle Matlock, sheds light on how the payday loan business works. Beware, payday loans often end in exorbitant interest payments and bankruptcy court.

  • Squatter's Rights and Adverse Possession - A reader discovers that his lot is much larger than he had believed and the new neighbors now claim the land is theirs. Ilyce and Sam explain adverse possession, squatter's rights and why the homeowner shouldn't give up hope.

  • Determining Investment Property Tax Loss -  A reader is wondering how much of the loss he took on an investment property can be deducted on his income tax. Ilyce and Sam explain that it depends on the person's profession and if he is not in the real estate business, his deductions are limited.

  • How To Find Good Tenants - A reader owns a couple of rental properties and would like to purchase more but is concerned about finding good tenants. Ilyce give six great tips for finding, and keeping, good tenants.

  • House Owned by LLC - A reader is wondering about the liability of a home owned by an LLC. Ilyce and Sam explain the legalities of a home owned by a Limited Liability Corporation.

  • Error In Calculating Home's Square Footage - There are many ways to calculate the square footage of a home. A reader had a client's sale fall through because the buyer felt the square footage was misrepresented. Sam and Ilyce discuss how to calculate square footage and what options the reader has moving forward.

  • Refund Of Money Held In Escrow - Many homeowners pay money into escrow for their taxes and home owner's insurance. What happens when you pay off the mortgage? Sam and Ilyce help a reader decide if the bank was delinquent in paying back their unused escrow money.

  • Paying Taxes Without Escrow Account - A reader is hoping to close his escrow account and manage tax payments himself. Ilyce and Sam explain why banks are protective of escrow accounts and under what conditions you may manage your property tax payments on your own.

  • Negotiating Closing Costs - Shopping for a new mortgage can be confusing. It may appear you have the best rate, but then the closing costs seem high. Ilyce gives advice to a reader about how to negotiate a mortgage deal.

  • Home Equity Loan Is Tax Deductible - Improving your home takes a lot of time and money. Ilyce helps a reader take advantage of the tax benefits of a home equity loan and suggests ways to save on taxes when selling a home.

  • Compounding Interest: How sellers can generate more interest in their homes - Given the recent slowdown in the real estate market many types of new selling techniques are appearing. Ilyce shares some of the new interesting ideas and, old trusted ideas, for selling your home.

  • Becoming A Real Estate Investor - We all hope to find a passion in life that we can turn into a career. A lucky reader has found passion and writes Ilyce to describe her planned career change. Ilyce gives advice on how to break into the real estate investment business.

  • Five Minutes With Diane Crispell - GfK Roper Consulting Group recently released its 2005 Charitable Giving Report, which looks at what people give, how much they give, and where they give it. GfK Roper surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide.

  • Looking for a job this spring? Try looking abroad - Graduation is over and now is the time to find a job. Michelle Matlock, Thinkglink.com staff writer, looks at the opportunities overseas.

  • Renting A Residence and Owning Investment Property - Many people live in communities where they can afford to rent , but not buy. It may be a good idea to buy investment property in a different, more affordable, community. Ilyce helps a reader think through this investment option.

  • Inappropriate Mortgage Question - A reader is applying for a mortgage and is pregnant. Ilyce and Sam talk about what factors a mortgage company considers when making loan decisions and what questions are inappropriate.

  • Residential vs. Commercial Mortgages - A reader is thinking of buying their neighbors home and using it as an office. Ilyce gives the buyer tips on finding the best type of mortgage.

  • Just Don’t Call Them Seniors - With baby boomers approaching the age of 60, real estate developers are working to create living, and investment, opportunities that fit this demographic.

  • Is Now The Time To Sell Real Estate? - A reader owns two empty lots in their subdivision. They have made a good profit, but not the one they expected. Ilyce helps them understand the "real estate bubble" and make good decisions regarding their real estate investment.

  • Different Types of Deeds - A reader is wondering if a general or special warranty deed should be used for selling their property. Sam and Ilyce discuss the different types of deeds and suggest how this reader should move forward with the sale of her property.

  • Buying A Home Before Selling Your Own - Many people face the same question: Should I buy a home first, or sell my current home first? A reader has purchased a new home and is currently trying to sell their present home. Ilyce explains different financing options for bridging the two loans.

  • Booking a Summer Trip: Get Your Vacation for Less - Michelle Matlock, ThinkGlink.com Staff, interviews those people who know the most about travel deals. These experienced travelers and travel professionals, share their tips for getting the best deal when vacationing.

  • Buying Bonds When Retired - A reader is making decisions regarding their retirement funds. With interest rates on the rise, are bonds still a good investment? Ilyce helps the reader think through different investment opportunities and tax implications.

  • Rollover IRA - A reader has recently learned that they are being laid off after 16 years. Ilyce gives him advice on how to select and rollover his IRA.

  • Financial Advice For New Graduate - Pay off the car loan or the student loan? This is a question many recent graduates face. Ilyce gives advice to a reader about how to build a sound financial future.

  • Selling Inherited Vacation Property - A reader and her siblings have inherited a piece of vacation property from their deceased father. Now they need to decide when to sell the property. Ilyce gives them advice on this very delicate decision.

  • Appraised Value vs. Market Value - A reader is not able to sell their home at the appraised value. Ilyce explains the difference between the appraised and market value and gives the reader some tips for moving forward.

  • Is The Tide Turning on Interest Rates and Home Sales? - As interest rates move upward, the real estate market seems to be slowing. Ilyce gives home buyers and sellers the good and bad news.

  • Deciding if Condo is a Smart Investment - A reader is considering buying a condominium in North Carolina and wonders if it is a good investment. Ilyce gives advice about what questions to ask when considering buying a new home.

  • Beware Of Zero Cost Mortgages - A reader has a 3 year adjustable rate mortgage and has heard about zero cost mortgages. Ilyce warns borrowers to beware of deals that seem too good to be true. She also suggests that now may be a good time to refinance and adjustable rate mortgage.









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