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
Where Is My Electrical Panel? A New Homeowner's Guide
Most electrical panels sit in a garage, basement, utility closet, or exterior wall within 3 feet of where the main power line enters the house.
Insurer Dropped You? 7 Steps to Get Covered Again Fast
A non-renewal notice gives you 30 to 60 days to find new coverage, and most insurers cite roof age, old wiring, or claims history as the reason.
When to Retest for Radon After Sealing a Basement (2024)
Retest for radon 90 days after finishing or sealing a basement, since new drywall and caulking can trap gas that used to vent through gaps and cracks.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater (Cost Guide)
A water heater older than 10-12 years with a leaking tank should be replaced, not repaired, since a $1,200-$2,000 new unit beats a $400 fix on borrowed time.
Repair vs. Replace Your Roof: The 20% Rule That Saves Money
If roof repairs will cost more than 20% of a full replacement, most contractors and insurers say replace instead of patch.
When to Repair vs. Replace Kitchen Appliances (2024 Guide)
Most kitchen appliances hit the replace-it-now threshold once a repair bill tops 50% of a new unit's price or the appliance is past 8-10 years old.
Repair vs Replace an Aging Furnace: The 15-Year Rule
A furnace older than 15 years with a repair bill over $500 usually costs more to keep than to replace, according to most HVAC cost guides.
When to Register a New Appliance Warranty (and Why It Matters)
Most manufacturers give you 10-30 days after purchase to register an appliance warranty, and skipping it can cost you $200-$800 in repairs later.
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY: 7 Warning Signs
About 30% of DIY repair attempts cost homeowners more to fix afterward than hiring a licensed pro would have cost the first time.
When Should an HOA Board Bring In an Attorney? (7 Triggers)
An HOA board should call an attorney before amending governing documents, foreclosing on dues, or facing a lawsuit — waiting costs far more later.
When Is a Rental "Placed in Service" for Depreciation?
A rental is "placed in service" the day it's ready and available for rent, not the closing date or the day a tenant moves in.
When Does PMI Automatically Cancel by Law? The 78% Rule
Federal law requires PMI to automatically cancel once your loan balance hits 78% of the home's original value, if payments are current.
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