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.
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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
No-Closing-Cost Refinance: Where the $4,000-$10,000 Hides
A no-closing-cost refinance still costs $4,000 to $10,000 — lenders just fold that amount into a higher rate instead of charging it upfront.
New Homeowner Starter Kit: Tools, Supplies & Documents (2024)
A new homeowner starter kit costs roughly $200-$400 and should cover 12 core tools, 8 household supplies, and 6 documents you'll need within the first year.
New HOA Treasurer's First 90 Days: A Complete Checklist
New HOA treasurers should reconcile bank accounts, review reserve funds, and confirm 1099 vendor thresholds within the first 90 days on the job.
New-Build Walk-Throughs: How to Spot Problems Before You Close
A thorough new-build walk-through can catch 20-40 punch-list items before closing, saving you thousands in post-move-in repairs.
Moving Into a New Home: A Week-by-Week Checklist for 2025
A 4-week plan for moving into a new home, from utility transfers before closing to the first repairs worth tackling in month one.
Moving Checklist: The 8-Week Countdown to Moving Day
An 8-week moving checklist breaks the process into weekly tasks, starting with decluttering and ending with final utility readings and address changes.
Move-In Incentives & Gift Cards for Rentals — Are They Deductible?
Move-in incentives like $200 gift cards or a waived first month's rent are generally deductible as ordinary rental advertising expenses on Schedule E.
Month-to-Month vs Fixed-Term Lease: Which Wins for Landlords?
A 12-month fixed lease locks in rent and reduces turnover, while a 30-day month-to-month gives landlords faster exit options but less income certainty.
MIP vs PMI: What's the Difference? A 2025 Homeowner's Guide
MIP applies to FHA loans and often lasts the life of the loan, while PMI applies to conventional loans and can be canceled once you reach 20% equity.
Married Filing Separately and the $25,000 Rental Loss Allowance
Married filing separately usually cuts the $25,000 rental loss allowance to $12,500, or wipes it out entirely if spouses lived together during the year.
Loss of Use Coverage on a Home Policy Explained (2025)
Loss of use coverage typically pays 20-30% of your dwelling limit toward hotel bills, rent, and extra food costs while your home is being repaired.
Loss of Rent Coverage for Landlords Explained (2024)
Loss of rent coverage typically pays 12 months of fair rental value after a covered loss forces tenants out, but most policies cap it at 10-20% of dwelling coverage.
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