Ilyce appeared on WGN's Steve Cochran Show in Chicago recently, and was inundated by listeners who wanted to know how to appeal their property taxes. Here are three steps you shouldn't miss if you want to successfully appeal your property taxes. Q: I heard Ilyce on the radio recently talking about how to lower your property [...]
Are you moving this month? You're not alone. According to Census figures, approximately 1 in 9 people move every year, or about 40 million Americans. More people move in May than in any other month, according to industry experts. Whether you're moving into a condo or moving into a rental, you'll want to make sure [...]
What is a successor trustee? And, can she live abroad? We get questions like these fairly frequently, as immigrants to the United States often try to buy a home as quickly as possible. But, they may not have anyone living in the United States who they trust to take care of their wishes. Q: My [...]
Selling a unique home requires savvy marketing tactics. If the property is truly unique, there are probably few buyers locally (and maybe even globally) who will want to pay for what you've created. But there's always a buyer for even the most unique home at the right price. Q: I’ve dedicated 35 years, plus a [...]
Millennial home buyers are buying up a storm of real estate. Finally. For the past decade, since the Great Recession forced so many Americans to put their lives on hold, the world of real estate has been praying for the arrival of Millennials on the home buying scene, to begin buying, selling, fixing up and [...]
Everyone could use some money help, but it seems like there’s never enough time to get started. But what if you could save more money each month and learn how to budget in just one hour? In honor of Money Smart Week, I’ve compiled 7 quick and easy ways to save more money in just [...]
With banks and bonds paying next to nothing in the way of interest on savings, more retirees are wondering if they should use their retirement savings to invest in real estate. These seniors are wondering if they should use their $1 million in retirement savings to invest in an income-producing property. There are some risks, [...]
Who owns the water on my land? What are water easement rights? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX5GO0eu77c It's important to document who owns the water on your land. In this question, the homeowner wonders who owns the water easement rights for land that his parents owned for 40 years but has changed hands several times since. Q: [...]
Many homeowners ask if they should buy a new house before they sell their current home. Most people can't afford to own two homes at once, but there are many variables - such as your financial situation and housing needs - that can affect this answer. Q: I'm wondering if I should buy a new house before [...]
If you've waited to the last minute to file your taxes, you probably need a few tax hacks to both reduce the amount of tax you owe and make sure that you don't run afoul of the IRS. Here's my list of favorite things you can do before your taxes are due: 1. April 18, [...]
