Have real estate questions? Here, you’ll find helpful articles and other resources that cover issues related to real estate, buying, selling, financing, refinancing, credit and debt, insurance, second homes, vacation homes, real estate investment, new construction, and renovation.
Do I Have to Pay Tax on Property Sold Overseas?
Do I have to pay tax on property sold overseas? This reader wants to use funds from the property sale to invest in real estate in California. Q: I own a piece of real estate overseas and I’ve owned it for quite some time, even before I became a U.S. citizen. I would like to [...]
What Can I Do If My Building Isn’t Following Local COVID-19 Rules?
What can I do if my building isn’t following local COVID-19 rules? What you can do about it and how to keep yourself safe. Q: Our city maintains a list of states that have high COVID-19 cases and requires local residents or visitors to quarantine for two weeks after traveling to these states. One of [...]
COVID-19 Pandemic: How Can You Enforce a Quarantine?
COVID-19 Pandemic: how can you enforce a quarantine? This reader wants to know how travel quarantines can be enforced in a 55+ condo development. Q: We live in Florida in a 55+ condominium development in Florida. Our question is whether residents who visit out-of-state folks need to quarantine themselves upon return. And, what about residents [...]
What Do You Do If You Can’t Afford a New Septic System?
What do you do if you can’t afford a new septic system? These homeowners want to know their options if the town requires a replacement they can’t afford. Sign up for Ilyce Glink's free newsletter, Love, Money + Real Estate. Q: We found out a couple of months ago that the leach field of our [...]
How Do You Know If It’s Worth It to Refinance Your Mortgage?
How do you know if it’s worth it to refinance your mortgage? These homeowners want to know if they’re getting a good deal with their best offer. Q: When we bought our house, I read several of Ilyce's books and it not only empowered me to stand up to mortgage agents, it saved us tens [...]
COVID-19: What Happens to the Economy When the PPP Runs Out of Money?
What happens to the economy when the PPP runs out of money? This reader wants to know how another rise in unemployment will impact the economy. Q: I tried to call in to WGN radio when Ilyce was on a couple of weeks ago. Do you think unemployment will skyrocket when the Paycheck Protection Program [...]
How Can I Get Out of My Underwater Mortgage?
How can I get out of my underwater mortgage? If my mortgage is underwater and the home is in disrepair, can I let the bank foreclose and move on? Q: I am a widow in my 70s and my mortgage is underwater. In addition, the house is in need of much repair. Can I just [...]
Do I Have to Pay a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent Commission?
Do I have to pay a buyer’s agent commission? This home seller doesn’t feel like the buyer’s real estate agent has done anything to deserve commission. Q: I am a seller who has an agent that claims he has a buyer for my property. He wants to do a pocket listing. I am absolutely outraged [...]
Why Condo Associations Put Up Private Property Signs
Why condo associations put up private property signs. This reader’s condo might put up private property signs and they’re wondering what it implies. Q: If our condo association posts “private property” signs, are there any implications? A: We’re not sure what you mean by “implications.” Your condo association, like any other private property owner has [...]
What Are the Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for a Home?
What are the pros and cons of paying cash for a home? What to consider when deciding if it’s better to take out a low-interest mortgage or pay in cash. Q: I know mortgage interest rates are hovering at an all-time low. But, is there anything wrong with paying cash for a home? A: There’s [...]