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
Section 121 Exclusion Married Filing Jointly, Explained
Married couples can exclude up to $500,000 on a home sale — but the ownership and use tests aren't identical for both spouses. Here's the nuance.
How to Screen a Tenant Without a Screening Service
You don't need a paid screening service to vet a tenant. A few direct calls — pay stubs, prior landlords, current employer, public eviction records — cover most of the same ground.
What Can Landlords Deduct on Schedule E in 2026?
Schedule E covers more rental deductions than most landlords use. Here's the full list — mortgage interest, repairs, HOA fees, management, depreciation, and more.
Roof Age Check Without Climbing Up
You don't need a ladder to get a good read on roof condition. Binoculars, the gutters, and the attic tell most of the story safely.
Robert's Rules for HOA Meetings — A Quick Primer
Motion, second, discussion, vote — that's the core of most HOA meetings. Not every HOA formally adopts Robert's Rules, but most follow the same structure.
Rentometer vs Zillow Rent Estimate — Which Is Right?
Rentometer and Zillow's Rent Zestimate give different numbers because they use different data — comps vs. algorithm. Cross-check both, adjust locally.
Should I Refinance If I'll Move in 3 Years?
A great rate doesn't automatically pay off on a 3-year timeline. Compare your break-even month to your move date — the answer is usually clear once you do.
How to Calculate Refinance Break-Even in 60 Seconds
Refinance math is one simple division: total closing costs divided by monthly savings. If the answer is fewer months than you'll stay, refinance wins.
Recast vs Refinance a Mortgage — What's the Difference?
Recasting and refinancing sound similar but solve different problems. A recast keeps your rate and lowers your payment. A refinance replaces the whole loan.
Property Tax Exemptions Seniors Qualify For
Senior property tax relief programs exist in most states, but families often don't find out until after missing a deadline. Homestead, circuit breaker, and assessment caps.
How to Price a Rental in 2026 (5 Steps)
Wrong rent price costs money either way — vacancy above market, lost income below. The 5-step process starts with comps and ends with condition adjustments.
How Much Does a Plumber Charge Per Hour in 2026?
Typical plumber rates run $75-$150/hour plus a $75-$150 service call fee, higher for emergency and after-hours. Get two quotes for anything over $500.
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