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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.

  • Mortgage Refinance - Mortgage refinancing is the first thing to do when the Federal Reserve lowers its rates, right? Mortgage rates often move in opposition to the Fed, explains Ilyce Glink. Good credit and equity in property will help you qualify for a new mortgage but you should shop around and do the math first.

  • Noisy Neighbors - Noisy neighbors are causing problems for a ThinkGlink reader. Suing neighbors is one way to deal with a noisy neighbor but Ilyce offers some other suggestions.

  • First Time Home Buyer - A ThinkGlink reader is a first time home buyer and put earnest money down on a new construction home. After being denied financing, the first time home buyer is unable to get their earnest money returned. Ilyce provides tips for every first time home buyer.

  • Low Credit Score Means Higher Interest Rate - A ThinkGlink reader has a credit score in the 500s and would like a mortgage. Ilyce explains the challenges this reader faces.

  • Raise Credit Score Before Applying For Mortgage - A ThinkGlink reader would like to buy a home but has little cash and a bad credit rating. Ilyce explains how to raise his credit score in order to qualify for a mortgage.

  • How To Get Your Name Off Of Mortgage - A ThinkGlink reader bought a home with his fiance and they eventually broke up. He would now like to get his name off of the mortgage and is asking Ilyce if a quit claim deed will work. Ilyce explains the difference between the deed and mortgage.

  • Homeowners Insurance: Make changes after the mortgage is paid off - ThinkGlink readers comment on an article about notifying the insurance company after the mortgage is paid off.

  • Tax Deduction on Sale of Primary Residence - A ThinkGlink reader is going to rent a friend's house that will soon be up for sale. Ilyce helps this reader figure out the capital gains tax that will be incurred by the owner if she rents out the property.

  • Sellers' Market Will Improve - A ThinkGlink reader owns several investment properties in the Seattle area. She would like to sell the properties and retire but realizes the market isn't strong. Ilyce encourages her to hold onto the property because the real estate market will improve in a few years.

  • How To Terminate Contract On New Construction Condo - A ThinkGlink reader signed a contract to buy a condominium two years ago. After several delays with the builder, he would like to get out of the deal. Sam and Ilyce explain his options to terminate the contract.

  • Deed Of Trust Determines Owner’s Options - A homeowner bought a seller financed home. She would now like to transfer it to her children. Ilyce gives advice to the homeowner and her children.

  • Bankruptcy Only Way Out Of Credit Card Debt - A ThinkGlink reader let her son use her credit card. Now she is in significant financial trouble. Ilyce explains why bankruptcy may be the only solution.

  • Foreclosure Rate Rises….Again - Homeowners everywhere are feeling the pain. According to the latest numbers from the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA), the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process hit a record high this spring.

  • Investment Property Requires A Large Amount Of Cash - In the current real estate market, mortgage lenders are requiring investment property buyers to make a large down payment.

  • Understanding General Utility Easement - A ThinkGlink reader recently bought a home and is having a problem with her neighbors and a utility easement that runs through her property. Ilyce and Sam explain how to research the origin of the easement and how utility easements are treated.

  • Rebuilding Credit After Problem With Tenant - A couple owned rental property and had asked the tenant to pay the Homeowner Association fees. The tenant did not pay the bill and a settlement was placed against the property owner. Ilyce explains how this owner can rebuild her credit rating.

  • Homesteading Vacation Property - A ThinkGlink reader has moved into his vacation property and hopes to avoid capital gains tax when selling the property. Ilyce explains how homesteading works and the suggest checking with the IRS.

  • Discount Brokerage Kicks It Up A Notch - Nearly 20 percent of homeowners are using agents who are not full-service. That’s a wide-open market for discount brokers, says Joe Fox, CEO of Iggy’s House and BuySide Realty, both based in Chicago.

  • Divorced Couple Stuck With Overvalued Mortgage - A divorced couple owes more money on a mortgage than the home is worth. Ilyce explains why this couple should be sure to continue payments on the mortgage.

  • Heir To Estate Has Conflict With Sibling - A ThinkGlink reader inherited one-third of her father’s estate. Her brother has been living at the property for free for two years and has now offered a low buy-out amount. Ilyce gives advice to deal with this tricky family conflict.

  • Ex-Wife Sold Property Illegally - A ThinkGlink reader found out that his ex-wife sold the property they owned as tenants in common. Ilyce explains why this is considered fraud and gives him steps to unwind the deal.

  • Refinancing Required By Divorce Settlement - The only way to get a name off of a mortgage is by refinancing. This divorcee is unable to refinance to remove her ex-husband’s name. Ilyce explains why selling the home may be the best option.

  • The Ripple Effect - It’s entirely possible that the U.S. won’t return to a seller’s market until sometime next year or later. The only wrinkle is that next year is a presidential election year and often, the housing market will slow while citizens consider who is running for office and what effect that is likely to have on the national, and local, economies.

  • Changing Name On Title To Home - A homeowner has changed her name and would like the new name reflected on the title to her home. Ilyce explains why this is best put off until the home is sold.

  • Earnest Money Lost When Deal Falls Through - A ThinkGlink reader was hoping to buy a home and put earnest money down on the property. After her financing fell through she is unable to purchase the home. Ilyce explains why the earnest money may not be refunded.

  • Banks Sells Mortgage - A ThinkGlink reader is wondering where to send his mortgage check after is mortgage has been sold. Ilyce explains about companies that service rights to loans.

  • Reevaluate Value of Home Owner's Insurance - A ThinkGlink reader is making the final payments on her mortgage. Ilyce encourages this reader to reevaluate her home owner's insurance to make sure it covers the high cost of rebuilding property.

  • Zero Down Payment Loans Difficult To Find - A ThinkGlink reader would like to buy property but does not have the money for a down payment. Ilyce explains why his options are limited.

  • Tenant Wants To Break Lease - A ThinkGlink reader is a reluctant landlord and has a tenant that wants to break the lease. Ilyce explains how he should deal with the tenant and why he should sell the property.











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