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
What to Inspect Your First Week in a New Home (7 Critical Checks)
Most homeowners miss critical issues during move-in chaos—these seven inspections in your first week can save thousands in repairs down the line.
What to Include in a Parking Assignment Clause (2024)
A parking assignment clause needs the exact space number, vehicle limits, guest rules, and towing terms in writing to stop disputes before they start.
What to Fix Between Tenants and What Can Wait (2026 Guide)
Turnover repairs that affect safety or lease compliance need fixing before re-renting, while cosmetic wear can often wait 1-2 cycles without hurting rent.
What to Do When Rent Is Five Days Late (Step-by-Step)
Five days late usually means it's time for a written notice, not a lockout — here's the exact sequence landlords should follow state by state.
What to Do When a Smart Device Company Shuts Down (2024)
In April 2022, Insteon shut down overnight and left thousands of smart hubs, switches, and locks dead with zero warning to owners.
First 60 Seconds of a House Fire — What Landlords Should Do
The first 60 seconds of a house fire decide the outcome — get everyone out, call 911, and don't go back in for anything.
What to Do If Damage Exceeds the Deposit: A Landlord's Guide
When repair costs top the security deposit, landlords can bill the tenant directly, then use small claims court if they don't pay within 30 days.
What to Check Before Signing an HOA Vendor Contract (7 Items)
A missing indemnification clause or a lapsed insurance certificate can leave an HOA paying out of pocket for a vendor's mistake for years.
Dark Streaks on Your Roof? What They Really Mean (2024)
Those black streaks on your roof are usually algae, not dirt, and they can shave years off asphalt shingles if left untreated for too long.
What the Numbers on Your Fridge Dial Actually Mean (1-9 Explained)
The 1-9 dial on most fridges doesn't set degrees, it sets compressor run time, and the FDA wants your fridge at 37°F or below regardless of the number.
What the C-Wire Is and Why Your Smart Thermostat Needs It
The C-wire delivers 24 volts of constant power to a smart thermostat, and roughly 1 in 5 older homes don't have one run to the wall.
Rotten-Egg Smell Near Your Furnace? Here's What It Means
A rotten-egg smell near your furnace is almost always added mercaptan warning you of a natural gas leak, and it means leave the house now.
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