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
How Much Home Equity Can You Borrow? The 80-85% Rule
Most lenders cap combined borrowing at 80% to 85% of your home's value, so a $400,000 house with a $200,000 mortgage might free up $120,000.
Month-to-Month Notice Periods by State: 30, 60, or 90 Days?
Most states require 30 days written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, but California, New York, and a handful of others require 60 or 90 days.
How Much Master Insurance Coverage Does Your HOA Need?
Most HOA master policies should cover 100% of the replacement cost of all structures, plus at least $1-2 million in liability protection.
How Much Landlord Liability Coverage Is Enough? (2024 Guide)
Most landlord policies default to $300,000 in liability coverage, but a single slip-and-fall lawsuit can exceed $1 million in damages and legal fees.
How Much House Can You Really Afford? Beyond the Calculator
A $400,000 home often costs $700-$1,000 more per month than the mortgage calculator shows once taxes, insurance, PMI, and upkeep are counted.
How Much Does PMI Cost Per Month in 2026? Real Numbers
PMI typically runs $30 to $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed in 2026, depending on your credit score and down payment size.
How Long Will It Take to Sell My House? Days-on-Market Explained
The median US home spent roughly 47-55 days on the market in 2024, but condition problems like a bad roof or old wiring can add weeks to that number.
How Long to Keep Home Improvement Records for Taxes
Keep home improvement records for as long as you own the property, plus 3 years after you sell and file that year's tax return.
How Long Should You Lock Your Mortgage Rate? 30, 45, or 60 Days
A 30-day mortgage rate lock is standard and usually free, but 45 or 60-day locks can cost 0.125% to 0.5% of the loan amount.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in Texas? 2026 Timeline
A Texas eviction typically runs 3 to 6 weeks from the 3-day notice to vacate through the constable's writ of possession, longer if the tenant appeals.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in New York? 2026 Timeline
A New York eviction typically takes 3 to 6 months uncontested, but contested cases in NYC Housing Court can stretch past a year in 2026.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in Florida? 2026 Timeline
An uncontested Florida eviction usually takes 3 to 6 weeks from notice to sheriff lockout, but a contested case can stretch past 8 weeks.
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