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
How Dirty Filters Quietly Raise Your Energy Bill (Fix It Today)
A clogged HVAC filter can force your system to work 15% harder, adding real dollars to every monthly energy bill until you swap it out.
How Cold Should Your Fridge and Freezer Actually Be?
Your fridge should sit at 37°F and your freezer at 0°F — anything warmer for more than 2 hours puts food safety and your energy bill at risk.
How Burglars Pick Their Targets and How to Not Be One
Most burglars decide in under 60 seconds whether a house is worth the risk, based on visible cues you can control this weekend.
How Boards Set the Annual Reserve Contribution: 3 Methods
Most boards set the annual reserve contribution using a 20-30 year reserve study that prices out roof, paving, and system replacements decades ahead.
How an HOA Board Should Handle a Conflict of Interest
A board member with a financial stake in a vendor contract must disclose it in writing and step out of the vote, per most state nonprofit statutes.
Home Battery Backup vs Generator: Ready to Switch in 2025?
A 10-13 kWh home battery can run essentials for 8-12 hours, but most whole-house units still cost $10,000-$20,000 installed before incentives.
HEPA vs Carbon vs Ionizer Air Purifiers: What Actually Works?
HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, carbon filters absorb odors and gases, and most ionizers do neither job well.
Heat, Water & Safety: Habitability Basics Every Landlord Must Know
Most states require heat to reach at least 68°F and hot water at 120°F, and skipping either can void a lease or trigger rent withholding.
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Which Is Cheaper Where You Live?
In most of the US, a heat pump now costs less to run than a gas furnace, but in cold climates with sub-$1.20/therm gas, furnaces can still win.
Heat Pump Dryers: Worth the Higher Price in 2024?
Heat pump dryers cost $200-$900 more upfront but use about half the energy of a standard electric dryer over a 10-15 year lifespan.
Hard vs Soft Credit Pull for Tenant Screening: What to Use
A soft credit pull won't touch an applicant's FICO score, while a hard pull can drop it 5-10 points for up to two years.
Hand-Washing vs Dishwasher: Which Uses Less Water in 2024?
An Energy Star dishwasher uses about 3 gallons per cycle, while hand-washing the same load typically burns 20 gallons or more.
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