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Unequal HOA rule enforcement in your community can lead to lawsuits, resentment, and lost trust. Here's how to avoid it and bring fairness back to your board!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Unequal HOA rule enforcement can quietly destroy even the best community associations. Robert and Kevin break down how inconsistent application of HOA rules can erode trust, spark legal issues, and damage property values. Learn why some rules get enforced and others ignored, how personal bias sneaks into board decisions, and why a written enforcement policy is essential for fairness.

Chapters from This Episode:
00:00 What are the three main duties of every HOA board?
00:36 What HOA problem does this episode solve?
03:27 What causes most HOA lawsuits around rule enforcement?
07:08 Why do signs spark conflict and costly legal battles?
10:09 How do you balance fairness and personal opinion?
12:00 What happens when boards bend rules for their own benefit?
14:50 Should different HOA rules be treated differently?
17:30 What happens when a rule applies to someone you dislike?
19:54 What does fairness really mean when it comes to HOA governance?
21:45 Why every HOA board needs a written enforcement policy
23:15 How should you change outdated or unfair HOA rules?
26:53 Why personal bias can quietly destroy even good HOA board decisions
28:32 How do boards handle offensive or political signs fairly?
30:57 How can fairness and consistency save your HOA thousands?
32:26 What kind of board legacy do you want to leave?

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
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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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Learn from special guest Steve Horvath how to build trust, improve communication, and lead your HOA with strength and transparency!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert Nordlund welcomes longtime homeowner advocate Steve Horvath to share hard-won wisdom from the boardroom. Steve, co-founder of HOA United, unpacks how board members can go beyond the bare minimum and truly advocate for their communities. They explore why open meetings matter, how to ask better questions, and why blind trust in experts can lead to costly mistakes.

Some Key Takeaways for viewers and listeners:

• Advocate, Participate, Escalate

• “Satisficing” – a choice made to accept an imperfect or incomplete outcome, out of expediency

• Trust, but verify

• Seek expert counsel, but don’t just take them at their word

• Don’t be satisfied with achieving minimum standards

• Book: “Privatopia” by Evan McKenzie

• Book: “Decision Making in Communities: Why Groups of Smart People Sometimes Make Bad Decisions” by Jasmine Martirossian"

Learn more about HOA United here

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
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100 episodes in, we’re sharing the biggest HOA board lessons on civility, communication, and running better communities. Here's what we’ve learned
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What have 100 HOA podcast episodes taught us about building better boards, improving communication, and avoiding legal pitfalls? Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, and Julie Adamen reflect on the most important lessons learned from years of supporting volunteer HOA board members. Learn how to lower the temperature in your community, avoid common HOA lawsuits, and foster stronger connections between boards and residents! And THANK YOU to everyone who has listened for 100 episodes!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why is the HOA industry a never-ending snowball of challenges?

03:47 Why do insurance and reserve experts love these conversations?

04:30 What do board members need most?

05:47 Why is learning from board heroes so inspiring?

16:11 How do personality shifts on a board impact its effectiveness?

17:49 Why does education make the biggest difference for board success?

18:15 How do better-run communities reduce risk and increase peace?

22:54 What happens when boards fail to communicate or take action?

26:00 What does running a board have in common with running a city?

28:37 What do the most popular podcast episodes tell us about board needs?

29:27 How is this podcast different from webinars or typical education?

30:02 Why are HOA issues timeless and why do these episodes still matter?

31:02 Final reflections. What keeps this podcast going strong?

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...

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Struggling with HOA rules? Learn how one board member handled parking chaos, dumpster drama, and real accountability.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA rules are meant to protect the community, but what happens when no one follows them? In this HOA Board Heroes episode, board member Calvin shares how his HOA tackled parking abuse, dumpster dumping, and the tricky line between enforcement and empathy. Learn how strong leadership, documentation, and consistency can restore trust and order (even when state laws fall short).

Chapters from This Episode:

0:00 What Makes an HOA Board Hero?

01:58 Who Is Calvin, and How Did He Step Up for His Community?

06:30 How Should Boards Handle Parking Abuse, Trash Issues, and Rule-Breakers?

11:05 What Does Fair and Consistent Enforcement Really Look Like?

16:45 Why Is Documentation So Critical in HOA Decision-Making?

19:50 What Happens When Real Estate Agents Don’t Disclose HOA Rules?

23:40 Are State Laws Failing to Support HOAs Effectively?

27:15 How Can Boards Build Accountability Without Losing Their Cool?

32:30 What Are the Key Takeaways for HOA Board Success?

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 to handle complaints before they escalate into HOA lawsuits!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are nuisance complaints creating tension in your HOA? In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund explain how board members can manage complaints fairly and avoid costly HOA lawsuits. Learn why labeling homeowners as “nuisances” is dangerous and how proper documentation, communication, and consistency are key to preventing legal action. From noise disputes to late assessments, discover how to defuse situations before they explode!

Chapters from This Episode:
00:00 You have to hear “nuisance” complaints in your HOA
00:57 Intro & Recap on Ep 097
03:34 Listener Q: What to do With Angry HOA Neighbors?
04:30 Understanding 'Nuisance' Complaints in Community Associations
11:30 When Boards Cross the Line: The Risk of Labeling Owners
17:50 The Financial & Legal Fallout from Poor HOA Communication
22:00 How to Build Trust While Enforcing Rules
25:00 Creating a Culture of Fairness and Transparency
27:00 The Role of Empathy in HOA Leadership
29:30 Using Common Sense to Reduce Conflict

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

A shocking survey says 70% of homeowners wouldn’t buy in an HOA again. What’s causing the frustration, and how can boards fix it?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

A new survey reveals that 70% of homeowners regret buying in an HOA, with complaints about high assessments, poor communication, and confusing rules. But is it really that bad, or can HOAs turn things around? Today, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund break down the biggest homeowner frustrations and share real strategies to make HOAs better for everyone. They cover financial transparency, fair rule enforcement, and how AI can improve communication.Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change!

Survey that we quoted

Chapters:

00:00 20% of People Cause 80% of Your Problems
00:35 The Survey That Exposed Homeowner Dissatisfaction
04:29 Why HOA Assessments Feel Too High
07:05 The Real Reason People Complain About HOAs
12:39 How Financial Transparency Can Change Everything
20:14 Can AI Help Fix HOA Communication?
25:40 The Problem With HOA Rule Enforcement
28:22 How HOAs Can Actually Improve Satisfaction

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 to invest HOA reserves wisely! Maximize returns, avoid risk, and make smart financial decisions for your community’s future.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Managing HOA reserve funds is more than just setting money aside, it’s about investing wisely to protect your community’s future. In this episode, guest Mark Thatcher & Jessica McConnell from HOA Invest discuss how to maximize reserves, avoid inflation losses, and increase earnings with safe investments. Learn how HOA Invest’s software simplifies tracking bonds, maturities, and FDIC compliance, ensuring boards stay proactive. Plus, discover how a 1% interest increase can reduce future dues by 6-7%!

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The Best Software for Managing Reserves
00:35 Intro to Episode 96 & Robert’s Question from His Niece
04:29 What Are Fiduciary Responsibilities?
07:05 Challenges in Managing Reserves
12:39 Importance of Compounding Interest
14:44 Impact of Inflation on Reserves
19:37 Ad Break - HOA Invest
20:14 How One Point of Interest Can Make a Big Difference
25:40 Role of Financial Advisors / Triggers for Seeking Professional Help
28:22 Benefits of Using 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!
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

Carol Laurence shares info on generational HOA leadership on community management, budgeting, and engagement!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What does it take to be a successful HOA board leader? In this episode, Carol Laurence shares her years of experience managing a 75-unit condominium with a $400,000 budget, tackling challenges like miscommunication, rising costs, and homeowner engagement. Learn the essential skills HOA board members need to build strong communities, handle budgeting concerns, and create real impact.

Chapters From This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to HOA Board Heroes
01:25 Carol Laurence’s Community Service Journey
03:10 Managing a 75-Unit Condominium & Budget Challenges
05:45 The Role of HOA Board Members in Leadership
07:30 Challenges with New Homeowners & Miscommunication
10:15 The Rising Cost of Insurance & Financial Management
12:40 Advice for New HOA Board Members13:34 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
14:55 The Importance of Networking & Community Engagement
17:30 The Federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) & HOA Risks
19:20 Impact of Rising Living Costs on Homeownership
21:05 Encouraging Homeowner Involvement in HOA
23:40 Future HOA Projects & Improvements
26:10 Final Advice for Homeowners & Board Members

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...