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
HOA Collections Policy — What Every Board Should Adopt Now
A written HOA collections policy with fixed late-fee triggers and lien timelines cuts delinquency disputes and protects boards from selective-enforcement claims.
HOA Budget Ratification Meeting: What Owners Can and Can't Do
In most states owners can only reject an HOA budget with a majority vote against it, not a majority in favor of it.
HOA Board Term Limits: Pros, Cons & How to Set Them (2026)
Most HOA term limits cap board seats at two or three consecutive years, but state law rarely requires them at all — here's how boards decide.
HOA Board Meeting vs. Membership Meeting: Key Differences
A board meeting handles day-to-day HOA business with directors only voting, while a membership meeting lets every owner vote on budgets, elections, and bylaw changes.
HOA Balance Sheet vs Income Statement: What Each One Tells You
An HOA balance sheet shows what the association owns and owes on one date, while the income statement shows money in and out over a period.
HOA Bad Debt Write-Off — When and How Boards Should Do It
Most HOAs write off delinquent dues only after 180+ days and a documented collection effort, recording the loss as bad debt expense, not a forgiven balance.
HELOC Closing Costs: What to Expect in 2025
HELOC closing costs typically run $0 to $2,500 depending on the lender, with appraisal and title fees making up most of the bill.
Hard Water Is Quietly Destroying Your Appliances (Fix It)
Hard water above 7 grains per gallon can cut appliance lifespan by 30-50% through mineral buildup in pipes, heaters, and valves.
Grouping Rental Activities: The IRS Election Explained
The rental grouping election under Reg. 1.469-9 lets landlords combine properties into one activity to meet the 750-hour real estate professional test.
Gifting Your Home to Kids? The Carryover-Basis Trap Explained
A gifted home keeps your original cost basis, so your children could owe capital gains tax on decades of appreciation the moment they sell.
Getting Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season: 2024 Checklist
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and homes that skip a $200 pre-season roof and gutter check face far costlier storm damage later.
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit for Homeowners in 2026
The geothermal heat pump credit runs through Form 5695 and IRS §25D, but the exact rate and expiration date have changed and must be confirmed directly on IRS.gov.
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 →