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
How to Split Shared Utilities Across Units Fairly (2024)
Splitting shared utilities by square footage or occupancy (not an even split) keeps costs proportional and holds up better if a tenant disputes the bill.
Soundproof a Shared Wall Without Tearing It Out: 4 Fixes
An STC rating of 33 (a standard interior wall) lets you hear normal speech next door; adding mass and sealing gaps can push that to 50 without demolition.
How to Skim-Coat a Wall for a Smooth Finish (2024 Guide)
A properly skim-coated wall needs 2-3 thin coats of joint compound and 24 hours drying time between each for a paint-ready finish.
How to Size Gutters and Downspouts for a Big Roof (5" vs 6")
A 2,000 sq ft roof section can shed over 1,200 gallons in a one-inch rainstorm, and undersized 5" gutters simply can't move it fast enough.
How to Size a Mini-Split for a Room or Addition (BTU Guide)
A properly sized mini-split runs about 20 BTU per square foot in a well-insulated room, and getting that number wrong wastes money for 15+ years.
How to Size a Home Battery Backup System: A Load Math Guide
A 10 kWh battery runs a fridge, some lights, and a Wi-Fi router for about a day, but whole-home backup for most houses needs 20-40 kWh.
How to Shut Off Water to a Single Fixture: Stop Valve Basics
Every sink, toilet, and washer has its own stop valve, but roughly 1 in 5 homes has at least one that's frozen shut and won't turn.
How to Shut Off Gas, Water & Power in an Emergency (4 Steps)
Know where your gas, water, and electrical shutoffs are before an earthquake, flood, or fire—every second counts when a pipe bursts or gas line ruptures.
How to Shop for an Appliance That Will Actually Last (2024)
The average refrigerator now lasts 10-13 years, down from 20+ decades ago, so knowing what to check before you buy matters more than ever.
How to Shock-Chlorinate a Well (4 Steps + When to Do It)
Shock chlorination kills bacteria in a private well after contamination or routine maintenance; the CDC recommends it annually or after flood, construction, or positive coliform tests.
Settle a Security Deposit Dispute Without Going to Court
Most deposit disputes settle in writing within 30 days once you send an itemized deduction list with dated photos and repair receipts attached.
How to Set Up Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste Service in 4 Steps
Most US cities require you to arrange pickup within 30 days of closing; missing that window can trigger fines and leave bins overflowing before your first tenant arrives.
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