Ask Ilyce – June 18, 2002
When should a homeowner refinance to take advantage of low interest rates? What is a punch list for a new construction home? WGN's Money Saving Expert Ilyce Glink answers real estate questions from the Mailbag.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-06-18T00:00:00-05:00 June 18th, 2002|
When should a homeowner refinance to take advantage of low interest rates? What is a punch list for a new construction home? WGN's Money Saving Expert Ilyce Glink answers real estate questions from the Mailbag.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-06-17T00:00:00-05:00 June 17th, 2002|
When you buy a home who pays the property taxes for your first year will depend on when you bought the home and where you bought it. In some cases buyers and sellers split the cost of property taxes. How much of the property taxes buyers and sellers pay may be determined by prorating the amount.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-05-20T00:00:00-05:00 May 20th, 2002|
Can you tell whether a house is in good shape? Most home buyers hire a professional home inspector or structural engineer to give their home the once-over before they actually trade cash for keys. But by that time, you've already done the deal, and if a problem pops up in the home inspection, you may have to start your house hunt all over again.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-05-08T00:00:00-05:00 May 8th, 2002|
For most people, buying a home is the single most important investment they will ever make. But if you don't buy smart, you could be leaving money on the table. Here are a few ways to think about how buying a home can make you rich.
By Staff| 2002-04-20T00:00:00-05:00 April 20th, 2002|
Your New House: The Alert Consumer's Guide to Buying and Building a Quality Home by by Alan Fields and Denise Fields. The newly updated guide to the l...
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-02-04T00:00:00-06:00 February 4th, 2002|
According to a recent survey, 83 percent of polled home buyers say they'd be interested in installing some type of custom electronic system in their home. Even if you're not ready to add in all the costly components of a home that's truly networked, experts say home buyers should consider upgrading wiring and cable packages. Having a networked home is as important to women home buyers as it is to men.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-01-21T00:00:00-06:00 January 21st, 2002|
Everyone wants to lock in their mortgage just when interest rates hit rock bottom. It's hard to predict which direction interest rates are headed. But don't let the interest rate waiting game overshadow what’s really important: Buying the right home at the right price.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-01-14T00:00:00-06:00 January 14th, 2002|
After the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the real estate market began to struggle. New construction slowed down and to boost the economy, the Fed lowered interest rates. These lower interest rates helped lower mortgage rates but it may not be enough to help the struggling real estate market. Learn about the post 9-11 real estate market in this story.
By Ilyce Glink| 2002-01-11T00:00:00-06:00 January 11th, 2002|
After the 9-11 attacks the U.S. fell into a deep recession. How did New York and Chicago fare during the recession? What could consumers expect in Chicago and New York after the recession, especially with regard to real estate?
By Ilyce Glink| 2001-11-05T00:00:00-06:00 November 5th, 2001|
Condominiums are increasingly popular housing choices for single women living alone who want the benefits of security, convenience, and near-maintenance free living. While you're financially responsible for the maintenance of the condominium's common area, typically associations oversee the day-to-day management. However, buyers still need to make sure they are aware of all fees, assessments, what the neighborhood is like and how the condominium will appreciate.