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
Cash-Out Refinance: How Much Equity Can You Actually Take?
Most lenders cap cash-out refinances at 80% of your home's value, meaning you must leave at least 20% equity untouched.
Cash Offers Explained: Are They Really Better Than Financed Ones?
Cash offers close in as little as 7-14 days and skip the appraisal, but they often come in 5-10% below top financed bids.
Cash-for-Keys vs Eviction: When Paying to Leave Wins
A cash-for-keys deal of $500 to $2,500 often costs less and moves faster than a formal eviction, which can run $3,500 to $10,000 and take 60 to 90 days.
Carrying Forward Unused Solar Tax Credits — A Landlord's Guide
Unused solar tax credits don't disappear if your tax bill is too small to absorb them — most versions carry forward to future years.
Can Your Lender Freeze or Cut Your HELOC? 4 Legal Triggers
Federal law lets lenders freeze or cut your HELOC if your home's value drops 20% or more, and they only need to notify you within 3 business days.
Can You Waive Your Escrow Account and Pay Taxes Yourself?
Most lenders let you waive escrow once you have 20% equity, but expect a 0.125%-0.25% rate bump and full responsibility for tax and insurance deadlines.
Can You Refinance With a Low Credit Score? Here's the Floor
A 620 credit score is the usual line for a conventional refinance, but FHA and VA loans let many homeowners refinance with scores as low as 580.
Can You Deduct Eviction Costs on Your Taxes? Yes, Here's How
Most eviction costs, including attorney fees, court filing fees, and lost rent write-offs, are deductible as ordinary rental business expenses on Schedule E.
Can You Deduct a Loss When You Sell Your Personal Home?
The IRS treats your primary home as personal-use property, so a loss on its sale is never deductible on your federal return, unlike a rental loss.
Can You 1031 Exchange Into a Property in Another State? Yes
A 1031 exchange lets you sell a rental in one state and buy in another, but a few states will still tax the gain later through clawback rules.
Can an HOA Borrow From Its Reserve Fund? 5 Rules to Know
Most states let an HOA board borrow from reserves for a short-term shortfall, but many require repayment within 12 months and written notice to owners.
HOA Board Email Voting: Is It Legal Between Meetings?
Most state HOA statutes bar boards from casting official votes by email unless the bylaws allow written consent instead of a meeting.
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