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
At-Risk Rules for Landlords: When Your Losses Get Limited
IRC Section 465 caps your deductible rental losses at the cash, basis, and personal-liability debt you actually have at risk in the property.
Are Smart Thermostats Worth It? Savings, Costs & Facts
A smart thermostat typically costs $130-$250 and can cut heating and cooling bills by 8-15% a year, but the payback depends on your climate and habits.
Are Old HOA CC&Rs Still Enforceable? What the Law Says
Most CC&Rs recorded 20-40 years ago are still legally binding, but courts can strip enforcement power if the HOA ignored violations for years.
Are Mortgage Points Deductible the Year You Buy a Home?
The IRS lets you deduct mortgage points in full the year you buy your main home if you meet six specific tests, otherwise they're amortized over the loan.
Are Landscaping and Lawn Care Deductible on a Rental? (2024)
Lawn mowing, mulch, and tree trimming are fully deductible rental expenses on Schedule E the year you pay for them, but new landscaping is a capital improvement.
Are Home Warranties Worth the Money? A Real Cost Breakdown
Home warranties cost $450 to $700 a year and often deny 20-30% of claims, so run the math against your actual repair history first.
ARC Approval vs. Building Permit: Why You Need Both
An ARC approval and a building permit are two separate documents, and skipping either one can force you to undo finished work at your own cost.
APR vs Interest Rate on a Mortgage: What's the Difference?
A mortgage's interest rate sets your monthly payment, while APR folds in fees and points to show the loan's true yearly cost.
Appraisal Gaps Explained: What Happens When It's Low
A low appraisal doesn't kill a deal automatically, but it does force a choice among renegotiating price, the buyer covering the gap, or walking away.
Amortizing Loan Points and Closing Costs on a Rental: The Rules
27.5 years is how long the IRS makes you spread most rental loan points, unlike the same-year write-off homeowners get on a primary residence.
Allowing Pets vs No Pets: The Real Cost-Benefit for Landlords
Pet-friendly rentals fill 2-3x faster and command 8-11% higher rent, but landlords report $200-$1,500 in extra wear per pet-occupied unit.
Aging in Place: 12 Home Safety Fixes That Actually Matter
1 in 4 adults over 65 falls every year, and most falls happen at home — here's what actually reduces that risk, room by room.
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