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
Toilet Flapper vs Fill Valve: Which Is Wasting Your Water?
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day, and the fix is almost always a $5 flapper or a $15 fill valve.
Time-of-Use Electric Rates: How to Beat Them in 2025
Peak-hour electricity can cost 2-4x off-peak rates, but shifting laundry, EV charging, and AC use to off-peak windows can cut a monthly bill by 20-30%.
The Waterbed and Aquarium Clause: Why It Still Matters
A filled 500-gallon waterbed can weigh over 4,500 pounds, well past the 40 lbs per square foot most floors are built to hold safely.
Warranty of Habitability Explained: What Landlords Must Fix
The warranty of habitability requires landlords to keep rentals safe and livable in all 50 states, though the specific standards vary by state law.
Warning Signs of a Failing Slab Foundation: 9 to Watch
Cracks wider than 1/8 inch, doors that stick, and floors that slope more than 1 inch over 20 feet all point to a slab foundation in trouble.
The Vacancy Rate Every Landlord Should Track (Not Just Cash Flow)
A 7% vacancy rate on a $1,800 rental costs about $1,512 a year — most owner-operators never calculate the number that's quietly draining their returns.
Vampire Appliances: How Much They Really Cost Your Bill
Standby power from idle electronics can add $100 to $200 a year to a typical home's electric bill, often without the owner noticing.
The Truth About Setting Your Thermostat to 68°F
Setting your thermostat to 68°F in winter can cut heating costs by roughly 1% per degree, but only if your home's insulation and HVAC system are actually holding up their end.
The Truth About Roof Coatings: Do They Extend Roof Life?
A quality roof coating can add 5-10 years of service life for $1.50-$4 per square foot, but only on roofs without existing structural damage.
The Truth About Energy Star Appliances: Do They Really Save Money?
Energy Star appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models, but the label alone doesn't guarantee your utility bill will drop.
The Truth About Closing Vents in Unused Rooms
Closing vents in unused rooms doesn't lower your energy bill — it raises duct pressure and can cost you $200+ a year in HVAC strain.
The True Cost of a Rental Turnover, Itemized (2024 Numbers)
A typical rental turnover runs $1,000 to $4,000 once you count cleaning, paint, repairs, and lost rent during the vacancy window.
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