Okoniq Journal
Property tips, taxes & HOA guides
Plain-language guides for homeowners, landlords, and HOA boards — written to help you stay organized and keep more of your money at tax time.
Browse by topic
Getting Started
New to managing property? Start here.
Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Buying & Selling
Valuation, prepping to sell, and the closing process.
HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
Latest articles
Refinancing After a Job Change: What Lenders Ask For
Lenders typically want two years of income history, but a job change doesn't disqualify you if you can document pay, offer letters, and continuity of field.
Refinancing After Divorce to Remove a Name From the Loan
A divorce decree alone never removes an ex-spouse's name from a mortgage — only a refinance, loan assumption, or sale actually does that.
Refinance Red Flags to Watch For — 7 Warning Signs in 2025
Closing costs on a refinance typically run 2% to 5% of the loan, and skipping the break-even math is the single biggest mistake homeowners make.
Red Flags in a Tenant's References: Questions to Ask
A landlord reference from a current landlord alone catches almost nothing — here are the exact questions and red flags that actually predict trouble.
Red Flags in a Tenant's Bank Statements and Pay Stubs
A tenant paying 3x rent from a checking account with 15 overdrafts in 60 days is a bigger risk than a low credit score alone.
Red Flags in a Co-Signer's Application: 7 Warning Signs
A co-signer with a debt-to-income ratio over 40% or a credit score under 620 rarely covers a default the way landlords expect.
Red Flags During a Rental Showing You Shouldn't Ignore (2024)
Water stains, sagging outlets, and hairline foundation cracks are the three most common red flags landlords miss before a rental showing.
Rebate vs Tax Credit for Energy Upgrades — What's the Difference?
A rebate cuts your upfront cost right away, while a tax credit reduces the tax bill you file next April — and landlords need to know which one touches depreciation.
Reading HOA Documents: 7 Red Flags Before You Buy a Home
A reserve fund under 70% funded or three special assessments in five years are two of the biggest HOA red flags buyers overlook before closing.
Rate-and-Term Refinance Explained in Plain English
A rate-and-term refinance swaps your current mortgage for a new one with a different rate or term, without pulling out cash from your equity.
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance: Reading the U-Tube Gauge
A working radon system shows a visible height difference on its U-tube gauge — if the liquid sits level, your fan has likely failed and needs attention.
Open House Questions That Reveal Hidden Home Problems Fast
A cracked panel cover, a musty basement smell, or a vague answer about the roof's age can tell you more than any listing photo ever will.
Get free property tips by email
New guides on taxes, rent, and maintenance — sent as we write them, not on a schedule. No schedule, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
Prefer to dive in? Get started free →