Google
Think Glink
Web 		 

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.

  • What Mortgages Cost – or Should Cost, PART II of II - In this second article of a two part series, Ilyce outlines what you can expect to pay for a mortgage and how to avoid being overcharged.  

  • Buyer Cancels Deal Due to Flight Pattern - A home seller had a deal fall through because the buyer said they were in a flight pattern. After proving that flights are to the south of his home, the seller is wondering if he is entitled to the earnest money.

  • Who Benefits From Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction? - A realtor's client is backing out of a deal because his tax consultant explained it would not be to his benefit. Ilyce explains the tax deduction for mortgage interest and who benefits most from this tax break.

  • Removal of Lien is Buyer's Responsibility - A reader recently sold her home but the lien has not been filed. Ilyce and Sam explain that the seller should primarily be concerned that the mortgage company has received the payment. The lien is more of concern to the buyer and frequently takes longer to process.

  • Condo Board Disallows Rentals - A reader owns and rents out a townhouse in Virginia. The board has proposed to completely disallow rentals, therefore disrupting her retirement income. Sam and Ilyce suggest looking for other successful litigation regarding changes in home association by-laws in Virginia.

  • Figuring Out Capital Gains On Land Sale - A reader inherited over 65 acres of land and would like to sell a portion of it. Ilyce explains to him how to figure out the capital gains tax.

  • Opening A Roth IRA - Ilyce explains how to decide where to open a Roth IRA. She suggests setting up the IRA to invest in mutual or index funds.

  • Moisture Trouble With EIFS Home - A reader purchased a synthetic stucco (EIFS) home and now has detected a bubble on the exterior of the home. Ilyce warns buyers about purchasing homes with this type of exterior.

  • Buying Home With Cash Has Tax Implications - A reader comments on a previous question about buying a home with cash. Often a HELOC can be tax deductible where as the cash deal has tax implications down the road.

  • How To Shop For A  - A homeowner is tempted by all the no cost mortgage advertising. He is looking to refinance his mortgage and home equity line of credit (HELOC). Ilyce explains how to shop for a mortgage and advises him to beware of deals that seem too good to be true.

  • What Mortgages Cost – or Should Cost, PART I of II - Recent studies have shown that consumers are paying too much for their mortgages. Ilyce investigates why higher rates are often given to black borrowers.

  • Loan Servicing Agreement Is Standard - A reader was wondering if he had to sign the loan servicing agreement as part of the mortgage closing process. Ilyce explains that the agreement describes what happens if the loan is sold and is a standard part of all mortgage deals.

  • Builder Won't Recognize Buyer's Agent - A reader stopped visited a new development in her neighborhood. The builder's sales representative will now not work with the buyer's agent. Ilyce explains why new developments try to avoid working with buyer's agents and advices the reader how to continue with an offer.

  • Dispute Over Home Ownership - A reader purchased a home with the help of her father and he has controlled all mortgage and tax payments. Now she would like to take sole ownership of the home but her father refuses. Ilyce helps the homeowner to negotiate with her father.

  • Renting Out Home - A home owner is unable to sell his home and has decided to rent it out. Ilyce explains the tax law concerning selling a rental property.

  • Statement From Mortgage Company  - A home owner is unable to get a detailed transaction statement from his mortgage lender. Ilyce suggests that this reader be assertive about complaining to the CEO and government agencies.

  • Changing Mortgage Company - A home buyer is unhappy that the good faith estimate from his lender did not disclose prepayment penalties. Ilyce explains that he should shop around for a different mortgage company. Having a lender pull his credit report will not lower his credit score.

  • Credit Scores Matter More and More - Many people find that a low credit score makes it difficult to move forward financially. Ilyce gives you tips on how to improve your credit score.

  • Pool Problem Ends Real Estate Sale - A home buyer discovers a major problem with a pool during a final walk-through. Ilyce suggests getting in touch with a real estate lawyer in order to assure the return of her earnest money.

  • Rehap or Sell Home to Developer - A reader inherited a dated home from his parents. Now he is faced with the decision to invest money to improve the home or sell it to a developer. Ilyce helps him think through the financial aspects of this decision.

  • Foundation Problems Stall Home Sale - A reader's family home is on the market and can not be sold because of problems found by an inspector. Unfortunately, they have no recourse with the builder or city inspector. Ilyce suggests getting estimates on fixing all the major problems.

  • Using Inheritance For Start In Real Estate - A young reader has used her inheritance to purchase a condo. She would now like to rent it out and purchase a town home. Ilyce helps her think through how to best finance this deal.

  • Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House? - Ilyce is often asked whether now is a good time to buy a home. If you combine higher housing inventories with longer list times and historically low interest rates, it’s a strong hand for home buyers with at least some down payment cash in the bank and good credit. But take your time. In a buyer’s market (where more sellers have listed homes than there are buyers to purchase them), buyers typically have plenty of time to compare prices, amenities, neighborhood, commute and other features.

  • Purchasing a Home With Friends - A reader is planning on buying a vacation home with a friend. Ilyce helps them outline all the issues they should discuss before entering into this arrangement.

  • More On The Buyer/Agent Relationship - Ilyce revisits a previous column about working with a real estate broker to purchase a house. A reader takes issue with Ilyce's comments about remaining discreet with your agent regarding your enthusiasm to buy a home.

  • Proving Home Ownership - A reader purchased a home with the help of his mother a few years ago. His name is not on the deed but he has lived in and improved the home. Ilyce and Sam explain to him the legalities of determining a home's owner.

  • And The Survey Says: Mounting Fuel Costs Force Business to Cut Back on Hires - Small business owners and managers were asked to list the most important issues impacting their businesses. Fuel costs topped the list, followed by the cost of materials. Michelle Matlock, Thinkglink.com staff writer, looks at the impact on hiring.

  • Cancelling Listing Contract - A home seller has become unhappy with her listing agent and would like to cancel the listing contract. The contract doesn't state anything about cancellation and the listing agent refuses to accept the cancellation. Ilyce explains what options the home seller may have.

  • Paying Subordination Agreement Fee - A reader decided not to go through with a home refinance after starting the process. Now the bank is charging a subordination agreement fee and additional costs. Ilyce explains that the loan application should outline all the fees.

  • Five Home Buying Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make - For the first time in years it is a buyers' market. A home buyer should still proceed with caution. Ilyce provides you with tips for buying a home in this market.










Stories ..