Barbara Kongsbak at Keller Williams - Real Homes For Real People

09/03/2025

World Championship – Rome
The program is set, and our teams are ready! Let’s cheer them on and wish them the best of luck in Rome!

01/31/2025

Opportunity knocks ! Don’t miss out, make it yours!

05/26/2023

Summer is upon us! Take advantage of all the fun Portland had to offer!

Coupon posted by Portland Rose Festival about CityFair Admission on Pamplin Shop Local.

04/29/2023

Eager to start planting now that spring has finally come? Make sure you take our furry friends into consideration and buy and plant wisely!

10/05/2022

Did you know some of our Portland libraries have a tool library where you can borrow tools? Great resources available!

Just moved? If you’re like most of us, you’ve got a list of projects to do and not a lot of cash to do them.   Here’s one easy way to save money: Get the tools for your projects for free at one of Portland’s Tool Lending Libraries.  At these community-run libraries, yo

09/03/2022

Are you ready to say yes to your new adDRESS? Ready to try on something new? Let me help you find the perfect fit! I will be with you through thick and thin, every step of the way.

08/31/2022

Are you ready to say yes to your new adDRESS? I will be with you through thick and thin, every step of the way. Let me help you find your dream home!

08/20/2022

In case you didn’t already know it, property taxes in Oregon are weird. If you’re having a hard time understanding how lenders calculate the amount of taxes to be collected at closing you’re not alone.

Our tax year in Oregon runs from July 1st to June 30th; however, taxes are due by November 15th. When your closing date is between November and June you’ll need to pay the seller prorated taxes for the amount of taxes they have paid from your closing date through June 30th. As an example, if your closing date is March 1st, you’ll owe the seller approximately 4 months of taxes (March 1 to June 30).

When your closing date is after June 30th but before Sept 1 the seller will owe you money from July 1 to the day before your transaction is funded and closed. For example if your closing date is August 1, the seller will owe you approximately one month (July 1 to July 31).

Things get really strange when your closing date is between Sept 1 and approximately October 15th. During this time property taxes are a lien against the property but no one knows for how much. Because the property taxes will be a lien lenders will require that the taxes be paid even if you don’t plan to have taxes in your monthly payment. The title company will “hold and pay” the property taxes but since your closing date is before the taxes are actually known they will hold approximately 110% to 115% of the previous year’s taxes. Whatever amount is collected that is larger than what is needed will be reimbursed to you once the title company pays the taxes for you. The title company will charge a holdback fee ranging from $50 to $100 to provide this service.

Everything listed here is for prorated taxes only. In addition to prorated taxes lenders will collect tax “reserves” if you have taxes in your monthly payment. The amount that is collected for reserves will depend on the month that your loan closes. The lender will have to have a full twelve months in your escrow account by October. Your first payment date is typically the first day of the month, two calendar months from your closing date. As an example, if your closing date is March 15th, your first payment date will be May 1st. The lender will need to collect 7 months of reserves toward taxes in this example since they will only have 5 months worth of taxes collected and a full 12 months is required to pay taxes in full.

With the exception of loans closing during September through October 15 the amount collected between prorated taxes and reserves will equal 10 months.

08/17/2022

I'm delighted to bring this charming vintage home to market! A great opportunity for first time buyer or investor to build instant equity. Approx. 1400 sf of living space plus large unfinished basement on large corner lot, walking distance to busline, shops and restaurants. Click on the image to see all the listing details, or contact me directly if you'd like to learn more.

04/04/2022

Happy seller, happy buyer. Always great when it’s a win-win for both!
Looking for a smooth transaction?
Call me!