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
Is Last Month's Rent Taxable? Yes, in the Year You Get It
Last month's rent counts as taxable income the year you receive it, not the year the tenant moves out, according to IRS Publication 527.
Is an Extended Appliance Warranty Ever Worth It? (2024)
Extended appliance warranties cost $150-$500 per unit but pay out on fewer than 20% of policies, so most homeowners lose money on them.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It? Real Cost Breakdown for 2024
A home warranty runs $300 to $800 a year and rarely covers everything that breaks, so the real question is whether your specific home fits the math.
Scheduled Coverage for Jewelry: How It Protects Your Valuables
Most homeowners policies cap jewelry theft claims at $1,000-$2,500, so a $10,000 ring often needs a separate scheduled coverage rider.
Individual Leases vs One Joint Lease for Roommates: Which to Use?
One joint lease holds all roommates equally liable for the full rent, while individual leases split that liability into separate, smaller obligations.
HVAC Lifespan: How Long Should Your Furnace and AC Last?
A gas furnace typically lasts 15-20 years and a central AC unit 12-15 years, but poor maintenance can cut both spans nearly in half.
How to Write Home Instructions Your Family Can Actually Follow
A one-page home instructions sheet with shutoff locations, breaker labels, and 3 emergency contacts can save your family a 2 a.m. panic call.
How to Write HOA Architectural Guidelines Owners Can Follow
HOA architectural guidelines that use measurable standards instead of vague words like "compatible" cut board disputes by more than half.
Offer Letter Fair Housing Rules: What Not to Say in 2025
Oregon banned buyer love letters outright in 2021, and NAR has warned agents nationwide that these letters can trigger fair housing complaints.
How to Write an HOA Ballot Owners Can Actually Understand
A confusing HOA ballot can sink quorum and trigger legal challenges, but four plain-language fixes turn a 40% turnout into a valid, defensible vote.
How to Winterize Your Home in a Single Weekend (2024)
Winterizing a home takes roughly 8-10 hours split over one weekend and can cut winter heating and repair costs by hundreds of dollars.
How to Vet an iBuyer Before You Sign — 6 Checks First
iBuyer service fees typically run 5-16% of your sale price, so vetting the fine print before signing can save tens of thousands of dollars.
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