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
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Why Older Homes Need It
Ordinance or law coverage pays the gap between what a standard policy covers and what current building codes actually require after a covered loss.
No-Closing-Cost Refinance: Where the $4,000-$10,000 Hides
A no-closing-cost refinance still costs $4,000 to $10,000 — lenders just fold that amount into a higher rate instead of charging it upfront.
New Homeowner Starter Kit: Tools, Supplies & Documents (2024)
A new homeowner starter kit costs roughly $200-$400 and should cover 12 core tools, 8 household supplies, and 6 documents you'll need within the first year.
New HOA Treasurer's First 90 Days: A Complete Checklist
New HOA treasurers should reconcile bank accounts, review reserve funds, and confirm 1099 vendor thresholds within the first 90 days on the job.
New-Build Walk-Throughs: How to Spot Problems Before You Close
A thorough new-build walk-through can catch 20-40 punch-list items before closing, saving you thousands in post-move-in repairs.
Moving Into a New Home: A Week-by-Week Checklist for 2025
A 4-week plan for moving into a new home, from utility transfers before closing to the first repairs worth tackling in month one.
Moving Checklist: The 8-Week Countdown to Moving Day
An 8-week moving checklist breaks the process into weekly tasks, starting with decluttering and ending with final utility readings and address changes.
Move-In Incentives & Gift Cards for Rentals — Are They Deductible?
Move-in incentives like $200 gift cards or a waived first month's rent are generally deductible as ordinary rental advertising expenses on Schedule E.
Month-to-Month vs Fixed-Term Lease: Which Wins for Landlords?
A 12-month fixed lease locks in rent and reduces turnover, while a 30-day month-to-month gives landlords faster exit options but less income certainty.
MIP vs PMI: What's the Difference? A 2025 Homeowner's Guide
MIP applies to FHA loans and often lasts the life of the loan, while PMI applies to conventional loans and can be canceled once you reach 20% equity.
Married Filing Separately and the $25,000 Rental Loss Allowance
Married filing separately usually cuts the $25,000 rental loss allowance to $12,500, or wipes it out entirely if spouses lived together during the year.
Loss of Use Coverage on a Home Policy Explained (2025)
Loss of use coverage typically pays 20-30% of your dwelling limit toward hotel bills, rent, and extra food costs while your home is being repaired.
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