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Think HOAs are carefree & inexpensive? Join Robert & Julie as they course-correct this common HOA myth, highlighting communication tips & financial realities.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you under the impression that HOAs are inexpensive and carefree? Think again. In this episode, we challenge this common HOA myth and provide practical strategies for board members and homeowners to improve understanding and engagement.

Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund emphasize the importance of consistent communication, tools like welcome packets, and new homeowner orientation sessions. They discuss strategies for promoting transparency, educating homeowners about association finances, and using AI-powered short videos to enhance community communication. Learn why board member visibility and accessibility are key to fostering trust and why consistent communication is essential to bridge gaps in understanding.

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Chapters
00:00 The HOA Stereotype Isn’t True
03:18 Listener Question - How to Curb Homeowner’s Thoughts That HOAs are Inexpensive
04:40 Clarifying the Non-Profit Nature of Community Associations
08:50 Effective Communication and New Homeowner Orientation
14:02 The Tradeoffs of Being in a “Carefree” HOA That Isn’t “Free”
21:58 Ad Break - Community Financials
22:29 What Board Members Can Do to Help New Owners Understand the Costs of Associations
29:20 Long-Term Efforts to Change Perceptions

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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See how HOA Invest simplifies management of your HOA reserves and boosts your financial security!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
Get in Contact with HOA Invest: https://hoainvest.com/

Investing in your HOA reserves doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Jessica McConnell and Mark Thatcher from HOA Invest share how their innovative service helps community associations manage and grow their reserve funds effortlessly. From opening a Schwab brokerage account to optimizing investment strategies, HOA Invest takes on fiduciary responsibility to ensure your funds are safe and generating the best possible returns. Whether you're a small self-managed association or a large community, learn how to avoid FDIC limits, streamline financial management, and make the most of every dollar. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to maximize your HOA’s reserve fund investments!
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Chapters

00:00 Having Someone on Your Side
02:30 Introduction to Jessica McConnell & Mark Thatcher From HOA Invest
04:02 Why Jessica and Mark started HOA Invest
07:00 How HOA Invest shares the fiduciary responsibility with board members
08:23 Two risks when buying fixed income
10:34 HOA Invest’s Team
11:58 How to open an account with HOA invest
19:04 HOA Invest’s ease of use for the busy managers
21:42 Ad Break - HOA Invest
22:20 The Safety of HOA Invest
24:26 How HOA Invest keeps you under the FDIC insured limits
26:18 Can small HOAs work with HOA Invest?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
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HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

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Learn how communities can take control of rising HOA insurance costs with some simple steps!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are rising HOA insurance premiums stressing your board? You may have more control than you realize! In this episode of HOA Insights, Kevin Davis and Robin Manougian delve into effective strategies for controlling HOA insurance costs and minimizing risks. They explore key factors, including the importance of proactive maintenance, budgeting for reserves, and understanding the broader impact of catastrophic losses on the insurance market. Learn how to secure the best possible rates by maintaining a healthy balance sheet and educating board members on their responsibilities.
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Chapters

00:00 What Insurance Brokers Are Looking for in HOA Communities
00:49 Introduction to Robin Manougian
03:55 Why is Insurance So High?
09:18 Insurance Carriers Are Panicking
10:45 What HOAs Can Do to Lower Insurance Costs
13:35 Risk Mitigation With Updated Utilities
17:35 Reserve Studies and Keeping Insurance Rates Low
20:10 Maintenance and Asset Deterioration
23:42 Ad Break - Association Reserves
24:24 What’s Next for HOA Insurance
26:51 Expected 2025 Insurance Premium Increases
28:33 Top Concerns for HOA Insurance
30:34 The Uncertain Future of Condominiums
32:55 Positive News for Associations

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

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HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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See how this week's HOA Board Hero, Sue York, applies the Policy Governance Model to guide her community effectively.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Ever wonder how some HOA boards achieve remarkable success and navigate challenges with ease? In this episode, we feature Sue York, a dedicated board member with over 24 years of service in the Ewa by Gentry community association, overseeing 9,000 units with a $4.5 million annual budget. Sue shares insights on using the Carver Policy Governance Model, a framework that allows the board to set clear policies while empowering the executive director to handle daily operations within the budget.

Chapters:

00:00 Living With the Cultures of HOA Communities
01:13 Introduction to HOA Board Hero Sue York
02:55 What Motivated Sue to Join the HOA Board
04:15 What Keeps Sue Motivated to Stay Involved in Her Association
05:35 The Special Talents Sue Brings to Her HOA Board
06:16 Sue’s Current Board Structure
08:22 Carver's Policy Governance Model
11:43 Ad Break - OurFiPhO
12:14 Sue’s Feelings on Her HOA’s Operations
14:25 Sue’s Favorite & Least Favorite Parts About Her HOA Board
17:13 Sue’s Experience With HOA Board Meetings
21:23 Sue’s Biggest Challenges While Serving Her HOA
25:24 Sue’s Experience Being a Guidance Counselor & How That Has Helped Her HOA
28:03 Getting People in the Policy Governance State of Mind

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
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HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Feeling like a placeholder HOA board member? Find out how to lead with intention, make real contributions, and create a community that thrives!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you just filling a seat on your HOA board, or are you making a real difference? In this episode, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund discuss the power of intentional leadership for HOA board members. Julie shares how board members can break free from stagnant roles, engage with residents, and actively contribute to the HOA’s success—even if your initial agenda didn’t work out. Learn how being visible, approachable, and involved in your community can boost property values and improve overall satisfaction.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The Problem With Joining an HOA Based Off of an Agenda
03:23 Feeling Like You Aren’t Making a Contribution to Your Board
05:36 Get Past the Singular Issue That Got You on Your HOA Board
08:21 Bring Yourself and Your Traits to Your HOA Board
10:56 Enhancing Communication for Your HOA
14:54 Remembering You Are a Public Figure When You Join Your HOA
16:52 How Can You Help Your HOA Board?
18:12 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
18:39 How Your Perspective Can Bring Change to Your HOA
23:23 How Building Community is the Board’s Responsibility
26:55 Being Intentional About Communication & Always Share Good News

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Learn how Ed O’Connell and his HOA narrowly avoided a catastrophe and took action for the safety of their community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Ed O’Connell to uncover how his HOA board averted a structural crisis in their 60-year-old condominium in Falls Church, Virginia. Ed walks us through how proactive management, quick decision-making, and clear communication with homeowners prevented a catastrophe like the one seen in Florida. From identifying structural issues to evacuating residents and securing funding for repairs, Ed and his team expertly navigated the situation, ensuring their HOA stayed out of the news. Tune in to hear about the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and the strategies that allowed them to handle financial and insurance aspects effectively.

Contact Ed O'Connell: eoconnell@whitefordlaw.com

Chapters
00:00 A crises was averted thanks to the HOA
00:50 Introduction to Ed O'Connell
04:03 How Ed’s HOA spotted a potential structural disaster
06:29 Immediate actions and evacuation of the building
11:39 How Ed’s HOA dealt with rehousing people in his HOA
13:14 AD Break - Community Financials
13:56 How Ed’s HOA handled communication & coordination with owners
21:52 How Ed’s HOA handled the financial and insurance aspects
26:52 Final outcome and future considerations

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Feel like you’re treated differently by home owners in your community while you’re serving on an HOA board? You’re not alone
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week we get a listener question from Jennifer talking about how she felt HOA board members are looked down upon like “the bad guys”. Kevin and Robert tackle this question by reminding HOA board members it’s your fiduciary duty to make sure your community is financially healthy and is complying will all the rules. HOAs are a business and not a social club!

Chapters from the episode:

00:00 - A Big Problem Kevin Sees in HOA Insurance Claims
03:23 - Listener Question: How HOA Board Members Stop Being Seen as 'The Bad Guys'
07:25 - Upholding Rules Over Popularity
10:29 - Communicate & Don’t Hide as a Public Figure
17:21 - Ad Break - Association Reserves
17:53 - Education, Communication, and Leadership Skills for Board Members
24:22 - Mission Statements Help HOAs
27:22 - Updating Rules in Your HOA
29:58 - Treat Your HOA Like a Business, Not a Social Club

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Join us on our LIVE as we talk about Fannie Mae, one most important names in the US housing market, and the Corporate Transparency Act. Both are now affecting your HOA in BIG ways.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Fannie Mae...Who exactly are they? How did they come to play such a huge role in helping Americans buy homes? And why are they at the center of the future of HOAs? Tune in live, October 10 at 3pm Pacific on our HOA Insights YouTube channel to learn more! Robert, Julie, and Kevin will also be breaking down the Corporate Transparency Act and how that is directly affecting your HOA.

Corporate Transparency Act Notes:

Compliance deadline: Dec 31, 2024. Compliance is a two step process:

1. Boardmembers should each personally get their own FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) ID here (will need photo ID such as passport or Driver's License).
2. Gather Legal name of the association, Federal Tax #, and FinCEN IDs of all boardmembers and go here to e-file a BOIR (Beneficial Ownership Information) Report.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Overview
06:45 Challenges and Compliance Strategies with the Corporate Transparency Act
14:19 Impact on Board Members and Associations with the Corporate Transparency Act
24:28 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidelines
33:42 Audience Questions and Closing Remarks

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...