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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.

  • When Buying A Home, Always Get An Agent - A home buyer was advised by their broker to hire a real estate agent but feels they can make the purchase without one. Ilyce states that when buying a home, it is always to the buyer's advantage to have an agent and it does not raise the costs.

  • Making a Smart Mortgage Move - Choosing the right mortgage means finding something that’s affordable – but you have to understand the consequences of each type of loan. Here’s a rundown of the most common mortgage products, and how they might affect your payment on a $300,000 loan.

  • New Real Estate Agent Asks For Guidance - A new real estate agent is helping an elderly person sell there fixer-upper property. The agent needs to help their client negotiate a low-ball offer. Ilyce advises starting with thorough competitive market research. 

  • Seller Experiences Trouble With Builder - The reader is purchasing a new property from a seller who bought it from the builder for an investment. Now there is a problem with the builder. Ilyce and Sam explain that the buyer has no recourse with the builder and that they must deal only with the seller.

  • Using Home Equity Line To Pay For Car - A home owner got an auto loan with the plan to use their home equity line to pay it off. Now it turns out the auto loan rate is lower than the home equity rate. Ilyce advises to always keep the lower rate loan.

  • Unwanted Mortgage And Credit Solicitations - A reader is looking for a way to get rid of unwanted mortgage and credit solicitations. Ilyce helps out with the phone number to call and the website to access.

  • Finding Errant Builder - The reader has purchased and closed on a new condominium. Not only did the builder not finish the landscaping, the town is now demanding a correction in the grade of the lawn. Ilyce and Sam discuss how to track down the builder and determine if they have any recourse.

  • Greed Gets In The Way When Selling Your Home - Ilyce speaks with real estate agents about how to accurately price the sale of your home.

  • IRS Allows Exemption For Medical Reasons - A reader has owned their home for ten years but has rented it out for the past five years. Now they would like to move, due to medical reasons. Ilyce discusses new regulations by the IRS regarding exemption of capital gains tax.

  • Parents, Children and Real Estate Deals - A reader purchased a mobile home for their daughter. The daughter is now going to sell it and pocket the money. Mom wants to know if she has any legal recourse.

  • Check For Adequate Homeowner Insurance Coverage - A reader looked into increasing their homeowner insurance to cover what they believed it would cost to rebuild their home. Ilyce discusses how to calculate the replacement value of your home and how to work with the insurance company to get the right coverage.

  • Selecting The Right Listing Price - A reader is selling their home and potential agents have suggested a wide range of asking prices. Ilyce suggests asking a few more agents to give input and visiting other open houses in the area before deciding on an asking price.

  • Seniors Eligible for Property Tax Freeze - A reader adds to the discussion of a senior's home being taken for a public works project. The senior is now worried about an increase in property tax for her new home. Ilyce reminds people that there are ways for seniors to pay less in property taxes all over the country.

  • Buying A Home Before Foreclosure - The reader has almost purchased a home but the deal fell through due to fraud. The buyer is still interested in the home but is worried that the home will now go into foreclosure. Sam and Ilyce try to help the buyer find the best route to purchasing this home.

  • Preparing for the Next Disaster - Be prepared for the next disaster. Disaster can strike at any time, and it's all the most painful if you don't take steps in advance that anticipate a worst case scenario. This useful personal finance advice explains how to prepare for the worst. 

  • Buyer Beware: Always Read The Contract - Ilyce revisits the issue of buying and selling homes without the fixtures. She reiterates that it pays to read the contract – and to be aware of what the neighborhood traditions are when it comes to buying and selling homes.

  • Revisiting Negative Amortization Loans - A reader adds to the discussion regarding negative amortization and interest-only loans.

  • Assessing The Cost Of Option ARMS - Assessing The Cost Of Option ARMS

  • High Mortgage Rate Signals Trouble - A reader is buying a three-family home and is offered an unusually high two part loan. Ilyce suggests shopping around for a better rate.

  • How To Get Your Credit Score - A reader wonders why they have to pay to see their credit score. Ilyce explains the credit reporting industry and how to get your score cheaply.

  • Liquidated Damages and Earnest Money - The reader wonders what happens to earnest money if a real estate deal falls through but the seller has no damages. Ilyce and Sam explain the in and outs of the "liquidated damages" clause.

  • How Big Is A House? - A reader has put an offer on a house but now feels that the seller misrepresented the number of square feet listed for the home. Ilyce explains how there are many ways to calculate square footage and suggests that it may be better to think about how the house fits their needs.

  • What Makes Your Home A Primary Residence - A reader has purchased a home for their future retirement. They would like to designate their new home as their primary residence. Ilyce explains what the IRS will look at to determine what home is the primary residence.

  • Be Well Informed Before Shopping For Loan - Zero-down financing is becoming the new strategy for financing investment property. Ilyce explains what questions you should ask a lender before signing on the dotted line.

  • After Disaster Strikes - In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the depths of misery are almost too broad to be understood, even by those knee-deep in water. According to the FEMA, approximately one-third of homes in New Orleans carry flood insurance, and homes there are insured up to about $56 billion. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that they will work with lenders and mortgage servicing companies to assist those homeowners who have been wiped out by Hurricane Katrina.

  • Eliminating Debt Key To Qualifying For New Mortgage - A homeowner is hoping to purchase a new and larger home but is concerned their high debt-to-income ratio may be a problem. Ilyce gives advice on how to find a good lender and how to lower their amount of debt.

  • Quitclaim Deed Does Not Change Mortgage - A reader signs a quitclaim deed transferring his share of a home to his ex-wife. He now realizes that he is still listed on the mortgage and it is hurting his credit rating. Sam and Ilyce explain the differences between quitclaim deed, title and deed of trust.













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