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
Water Heater Lifespan — Signs It's Failing
A water heater rarely fails without warning. Rust-colored water, popping noises, and leaks around the base each mean the same thing — replace soon, not later.
How to Track Rental Property Expenses for Taxes
A shoebox of receipts is not a system. The routine that actually works for tracking rental expenses is boring, weekly, and saves hours at tax time.
How Much of My Home Sale Is Tax-Free After Age 55?
The "age 55" home-sale tax break ended in 1997. Here's the exclusion that actually applies today — and how much of your gain is really tax-free.
Stepped-Up Basis Explained With a Real Example
Stepped-up basis sounds abstract until you see it with real numbers. Parent bought for $50K, worth $400K at death, sold for $410K — taxable gain is $10K, not $360K.
Section 179 vs Bonus Depreciation for Rentals
Section 179 and bonus depreciation aren't interchangeable. Here's how each applies (or doesn't) to a rental — and which to choose for equipment.
Section 121 Exclusion Married Filing Jointly, Explained
Married couples can exclude up to $500,000 on a home sale — but the ownership and use tests aren't identical for both spouses. Here's the nuance.
How to Screen a Tenant Without a Screening Service
You don't need a paid screening service to vet a tenant. A few direct calls — pay stubs, prior landlords, current employer, public eviction records — cover most of the same ground.
What Can Landlords Deduct on Schedule E in 2026?
Schedule E covers more rental deductions than most landlords use. Here's the full list — mortgage interest, repairs, HOA fees, management, depreciation, and more.
Roof Age Check Without Climbing Up
You don't need a ladder to get a good read on roof condition. Binoculars, the gutters, and the attic tell most of the story safely.
Robert's Rules for HOA Meetings — A Quick Primer
Motion, second, discussion, vote — that's the core of most HOA meetings. Not every HOA formally adopts Robert's Rules, but most follow the same structure.
Rentometer vs Zillow Rent Estimate — Which Is Right?
Rentometer and Zillow's Rent Zestimate give different numbers because they use different data — comps vs. algorithm. Cross-check both, adjust locally.
Should I Refinance If I'll Move in 3 Years?
A great rate doesn't automatically pay off on a 3-year timeline. Compare your break-even month to your move date — the answer is usually clear once you do.
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 →