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
When to Repair vs Replace Any Home Appliance (2024 Rule)
The 50% rule says replace an appliance once repair costs exceed half its replacement price and it's past 50% of its expected lifespan.
When to Repair vs Replace an Old Air Conditioner (Cost Rule)
A 15-year-old AC that costs $700 to fix but only has 3 years left in it is usually a replace, not a repair — here's the math that proves it.
When to Repair vs Replace an Aging Deck: A Cost Guide
A deck older than 15 years with soft ledger boards or rusted fasteners usually needs replacement, not another round of patching and staining.
When to Repair vs Replace a Leaning Fence: A Cost Guide
A fence leaning more than 10 degrees usually needs new posts, not just bracing, and full replacement often costs 3-4x a post repair.
When to Repair vs Replace a Garage Door Opener (2024 Guide)
A garage door opener over 10-12 years old with a failing motor usually costs more to keep patching than to replace with a $200-$500 new unit.
When to Repaint vs Replace Wood Siding: 2024 Cost Guide
A moisture reading under 15% and paint failure limited to the surface usually means repaint; soft wood or gaps over 20% of a wall means replace.
When to Raise Rent and When to Hold Steady: A Landlord's Guide
A well-timed rent increase of 3-5% a year keeps pace with costs, but raising rent on a good tenant can cost you more in turnover than you gain.
When to DIY Electrical Work vs Call an Electrician
About 51,000 US home fires start with electrical failures each year, so knowing which repairs you can safely DIY and which need a licensed electrician matters.
Call a Pro or DIY the Appliance Repair? Know the Line
A $150 dishwasher fix can turn into a $2,000 water damage claim if you skip the shutoff valve step before you start.
When to Aerate vs Dethatch Your Lawn: A Timing Guide
Aerate when soil feels hard and water pools on top; dethatch when the thatch layer measures over half an inch thick.
When Standing Water Means You Need a Drainage System
Water that sits in your yard for more than 24 hours after rain usually means grading or a drainage system problem, not bad luck.
When It's Time to Hand Off to a Property Manager (2024)
Most owner-operators start thinking about a property manager around the fourth unit or the tenth hour of unpaid work each month — here's how to know for sure.
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