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
Surviving Spouse Home-Sale Exclusion: Keep the Full $500,000
A surviving spouse can claim the full $500,000 home-sale exclusion if the house sells within 2 years of the spouse's death and other IRS rules are met.
How a Home Insurance Claim Affects Your Rate (2024 Guide)
One water damage claim can raise your home insurance premium 9-20% for three to five years, even if you never file another claim.
House Hacking 101: Renting Part of Your Home for Income
House hacking can cut your housing cost by $500-$1,500 a month, but zoning, insurance, and a shared electrical panel need checking first.
Home Warranty vs Homeowners Insurance: The Real Difference
Homeowners insurance covers sudden disasters like fire and theft, while a home warranty covers worn-out systems and appliances that break from normal use.
Home Security Basics: A Beginner's Checklist for 2024
A basic home security setup costs $150-$400 and covers door locks, lighting, cameras, and window sensors on every entry point.
Home Office Depreciation Recapture When You Sell Your Home
Depreciation you claimed on a home office under IRC §1250 gets recaptured as taxable gain when you sell, separate from your §121 exclusion.
Home Inventory Mistakes That Cost You After a Loss (Fix Now)
Homeowners without photo-dated inventories recover an average of 30% less on insurance claims than those with documented records.
Home Insurance for Older Homes: What to Expect in 2024
Homes over 40 years old face higher premiums, mandatory inspections, and outright denials tied to wiring, roofing, and plumbing age.
EV Charger Maintenance: 7 Checks That Prevent Home Fires
A loose Level 2 EV charger connection can reach 300°F inside the outlet box, and that heat is the top cause of home charger fires nationwide.
Home Equity Sharing Agreements Explained: The Real Cost
A home equity sharing agreement gives you 10-30% of your home's value in cash today in exchange for a share of future appreciation, no monthly payments.
Home Battery Storage Tax Credit: What Landlords Should Confirm
A home battery may qualify for a federal tax credit, but landlords often face a depreciation question instead once the unit serves a rental property.
HOA Violation Letter: 5 Steps That Make It Hold Up
A defensible HOA violation letter names the exact rule broken, gives a 10-to-30-day cure period, and gets sent by certified mail with proof of delivery.
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