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
Dwelling vs Personal Property Coverage: What's the Difference?
Dwelling coverage pays to rebuild your home's structure, while personal property coverage (usually 50-70% of dwelling limits) replaces your belongings inside it.
Downsizing in Retirement: Sell the Family Home Without Overwhelm
Selling the family home in retirement usually takes 3 to 6 months from sorting belongings to closing, and most owners qualify for a $250,000-$500,000 tax exclusion.
Does Your Rental Qualify for the QBI Deduction? 250-Hour Test
A 20% QBI deduction is available on rental income, but only if your rental rises to the level of a trade or business under IRS rules.
Does Prepaying Property Taxes Actually Save You Money?
The $10,000 SALT cap means most homeowners who prepay property taxes in December gain nothing extra on their federal return.
Does a Home Warranty Make Sense for Landlords? (2024 Math)
A rental-property home warranty runs $450-$700 a year but often leaves owners paying $75-$125 in trade fees plus denied claims on old systems.
Documents You Need to Refinance Your Mortgage: 11-Item List
Most lenders ask for 10 to 15 documents to refinance, including two years of tax returns and 30 days of pay stubs, before locking your rate.
Documents Every Homeowner Should Keep (and How Long)
The IRS allows three years to audit most tax returns, but at least seven homeownership documents should stay in your files for as long as you own the house.
Documenting High-Value Items: Jewelry, Art & Collectibles Guide
A $10,000 diamond ring with no receipt or appraisal often gets you $1,500 or less from your insurer after theft or fire.
Do You Really Need a Smart Doorbell? Here's the Honest Answer
A smart doorbell costs $60 to $250 upfront plus $3 to $10 a month for cloud storage, but most homeowners recoup that in fewer stolen packages and false-alarm calls.
Do You Need Insurance for a Short-Term Rental? (2024)
A standard homeowners policy typically excludes short-term rental income, leaving hosts exposed to claims that can run $10,000 or more per incident.
Do You Need Flood Insurance Outside a Flood Zone? 25% Say Yes
About 25% of NFIP flood claims come from homes outside high-risk flood zones, where a Preferred Risk Policy can cost as little as $100 a year.
Do You Have to Report a Home Sale If the Gain Is Excluded?
The IRS lets you skip reporting a home sale only if you didn't receive Form 1099-S and the entire gain qualifies for the $250,000 or $500,000 exclusion.
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