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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.

  • Bank May Buy Back Home - A ThinkGlink reader heard that a bank will sometimes buy back your home or use a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Ilyce and Sam explain that this is only an option if you are going to be foreclosed on and would result in the loss of the home.

  • Can't Make Closing? When Not To Use Grant of Authority - A ThinkGlink reader could not make it to the closing of his new home and signed a Grant of Authority for the builder to sign the documents. There were many errors along the way and the closing did not happen. Ilyce and Sam explain who should get to have the authority to sign documents if you can't make it to the closing.

  • Bankruptcy or Foreclosure - A reader is in a terrible financial situation. He is behind on his mortgage and unable to make the upcoming payments. He is worried the bank will foreclose on his home so he is thinking of filing for bankruptcy. Ilyce gives him advice and resources for getting out of this situation.

  • Tax Tips for Homeowners: J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2007 - Ilyce reviews J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2007. Although nothing much changed for homeowners and home sellers this year, it’s worth going over the tax basics for those who made a move in 2006.

  • Protecting Your Property From Developers - A reader owns a large wooded lot next to a property that will soon have 95 homes built on it. The new developer needs to put sewer lines through the reader's lot which will kill many of her trees. Ilyce explains how to try to get compensated for the loss of the trees.

  • Should I get a Home Equity Loan or Refinance? - A reader is wondering if she should refinance her home or get a home equity loan. She is also delinquent on some of their bills. Ilyce helps this reader straighten out her financial future.

  • Protecting Rental Property From Suits - A reader owns many rental properties and is worried that a tenant will sue him. He is thinking of creating an LLC. Ilyce explains that buying an umbrella liability insurance policy may be a better idea.

  • Helping Parent With Mortgage Payments - A reader's father has recently died and he is wondering how to best help his mother pay her expenses. Ilyce discusses the pros and cons of a quit claim deed and the tax implications of transferring ownership of the home.

  • Getting A New Mortgage After A Foreclosure - A reader has been through bankruptcy and had her home foreclosed upon. She was wondering if she would ever qualify for a mortgage again. Ilyce explains how mortgage companies approve borrowers and how this reader can raise her credit score.

  • Love and Money II - A reader has a low credit score. She is wondering when it would be a good time to confess her financial past to her boyfriend. Ilyce explains why it is essential to be honest with a potential spouse up front and how this reader can improve her credit score.

  • Buying Home For Sibling - A reader bought a home for her sister when she was going through a divorce. The reader would now like to sell the home to her sister. Ilyce explains the tax implications and why a real estate attorney is needed

  • Finding An Experienced Real Estate Agent - A reader disagrees with Ilyce's advice to only hire an agent with at least 10 years experience. Ilyce sticks to her advice, stating that the new downturn in the market demands an experienced agent.

  • How to Find A Tenant - A reader has just made her first investment in a rental property. Ilyce provides her with advice on how to find a tenant and what books to read to make her first investment pay off.

  • Last Ditch Efforts: What to Do If Your House STILL Hasn’t Sold -  If your home isn’t selling, there may be a problem with either its condition or price. But sometimes buyers need an extra nudge. There are things you can do that will effectively lower the net amount you take away from the deal, but could help get your home sold. If you’re having trouble selling, and haven’t received an offer, perhaps these suggestions will help.

  • Structuring Your Inheritance To Avoid Conflict - A reader is planning his estate to assure that his children receive equal portions and to avoid any conflicts. Ilyce explains the steps to estate planning and how to keep his children from fighting over his assets.

  • Can You Buy A Second Home and Use A 1031 Exchange? - A reader is planning on buying a new home and converting his current home to a rental property. He is wondering if he can avoid capital gains tax on a third investment property he owns. Ilyce explains how a 1031 exchange works.

  • Capital Gains Tax On Investment Property - A reader is thinking of selling her two investment properties but is concerned about the capital gains tax. Ilyce explains that the only option for avoiding taxes is to use the 1031 exchange and purchase new investment property with the proceeds of the sale.

  • Implications of Co-Signing Loan - A reader is facing a high mortgage interest rate due to her high debt-to-income ratio. Her boyfriend is thinking of co-signing the loan without being put on the title. Ilyce explains the risks for the reader and her boyfriend.

  • Short Sale Results In Large Tax Bill - A reader owes more on the mortgage for her home than the home is worth. Therefore, if she sells her home she may not have enough money to pay off the mortgage and home equity loan. Ilyce explains that the bank may agree to a short sale but that will result in a larger income tax bill.

  • Property Tax Owed on Home in Foreclosure - A ThinkGlink reader responds to an article written about property tax being the responsibility of the homeowner even when the home is in foreclosure. Ilyce and Sam explain how foreclosures are structured and who is responsible for specific expenses.

  • Anti-Deficiency Law May Protect Homeowner - A ThinkGlink reader responds to an article written about deficiency judgments on foreclosures. Sam and Ilyce explain that some states have an anti-deficiency law the can help a homeowner who's property is being foreclosed.

  • How to Switch Careers - A reader would like to help her son switch careers. Changing careers isn't easy, but Liz Handlin, CEO of www.ultimate-resumes.com and a contributing ThinkGlink columnist, shares tips for breaking into a new field.

  • Medical Bill Sold To Collection Agency - A reader missed paying a medical bill that has now gone to collections. Ilyce explains that this will lower her credit score and encourages her to get on a payment plan.

  • Name Forged On Deed - A ThinkGlink reader put her father in charge of her property and finances while she was incarcerated. During that time, the title to the home was changed to the father. Ilyce explains how titles are transferred and concludes that someone must have forged her name.

  • Basement Needs Fire Exit - A reader is having a tri-level cottage built. He is concerned about the lack of an exit from the basement. Ilyce suggests checking with the local building department regarding building codes on fire safety.  

  • Understanding A 1031 Exchange - A reader has sold a cabin and would like to use the 1031 exchange when buying a new property. Ilyce explains that the 1031 exchange must be set up in advance of the sale of a property.

  • Credit Report Hurt By Leased Car - A ThinkGlink reader leased a car and made all the payments on time. When he returned the car, he disputed the wear and tear cost. Now his credit report shows a charge off. Ilyce explains how to file a complaint.

  • Frank McKinney - Successful Real Estate Developer - Learn how you can get started in real estate investment from hearing the story behind Frank McKinney.

  • Beware of Deal With Real Estate Consultant - A reader has the opportunity to invest in two properties in her town. Her friend, a real estate consultant, will compensate her for purchasing the properties. Ilyce suggests figuring out how the consultant is making her money and advices hiring a good real estate attorney.

  • How To Help Family Invest In Real Estate - A ThinkGlink reader would like to help his son purchase a condominium as a real estate investment. Ilyce helps them determine how to divide the expenses and profit.  










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