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
LVP vs Tile in a Bathroom: Which Is the Smarter Choice?
Tile handles standing water better long-term, but LVP costs 30-50% less installed and repairs in minutes instead of days.
Lumens vs Watts: How to Actually Choose a Bulb Brightness
A 60-watt incandescent puts out about 800 lumens, and that number, not the watt figure, is what actually tells you how bright a bulb will be.
Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Charging: Which Do You Need at Home?
A Level 1 charger adds 3-5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 adds 25-40 miles per hour, and the right choice depends on your panel and daily mileage.
LED vs CFL vs Incandescent: The True 10-Year Cost (2024)
A single LED bulb costs about $20 to run for 10 years versus $116 for incandescent, saving roughly $96 per socket in electricity and replacements.
LED Strip Lights: Worth It or Just Hype? A Homeowner's Honest Take
LED strip lights cost 3-5 cents a day to run and last up to 25,000 hours, but cheap versions fail fast and can strain old wiring.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: What Your Lease Must Include
Federal law requires landlords of homes built before 1978 to attach a lead-based paint disclosure form and pamphlet to every lease, or risk fines up to $19,507 per violation.
Late-Winter Attic Check: Find Frost & Moisture Before Melt
February and March are prime time for attic frost buildup—catch it before the melt causes interior damage and reveals expensive air leaks.
Last Month's Rent vs Security Deposit: The Difference
Last month's rent and a security deposit are two separate funds with different rules, and mixing them up can cost a landlord in small claims court.
Laminate vs Vinyl Plank: Which Holds Up Better in 2024?
Vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof and handles moisture better, while laminate offers a more wood-like look but can swell if water sits on it.
Kitchen Fires: How to Put One Out Correctly (Not with Water)
A grease fire doubled in size within 60 seconds when water hit it, which is why the first move you make in a kitchen fire matters more than the second.
K-Style vs Half-Round Gutters: Which Handles More Water?
K-style gutters hold about 20% more water than half-round of the same width, but half-round clogs less and lasts longer on older homes.
Joint and Several Liability in a Roommate Lease Explained
Joint and several liability means each roommate on a lease owes 100% of the rent, so one no-show tenant leaves the rest on the hook for the full amount.
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