HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

Hosted by Hosts: Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, Julie Adamen

Society Culture Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

171

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

We exist to help all 2 million volunteer HOA Boardmembers nationwide have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions for the future of their community association. Stay with us weekly for actionable insights that minimize stress, avoid catastrophes, and protect property values! Watch On Youtube 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! Support Our Sponsors Association Insights & Marketplace Association Reserves Community Financials Kevin Davis Insurance Services Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 10, 2026Episode 17034 min

170 | Are Lenders & Insurance Grading Your HOA Board Now?

Send us Fan MailYour HOA board may be getting graded, and not just by homeowners. HOA insurance and lenders are paying closer attention than ever.✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/In Episode 170 Robert and Kevin discuss how the landscape for community associations is changing. Decisions that once affected only an HOA's residents are now receiving greater scrutiny from insurance carriers, lenders, and the financial institutions that support community associations. As expectations continue to evolve, HOA boards are facing new challenges and greater accountability for the financial decisions they make. Robert and Kevin explain why this shift matters and how boards can better prepare for an environment where sound governance and financial planning have never been more important!Chapters: 00:00 Why are insurance companies and lenders watching HOA boards?03:59 Why are HOA expectations changing?06:28 What are every HOA board's three biggest responsibilities?10:28 How does communication build homeowner trust?14:14 What separates an A-rated HOA board from the rest?17:54 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services18:22 Why is transparency more important than ever?21:57 What's creating so much pressure on HOA boards today?23:55 How can boards rebuild homeowner confidence?26:24 How can preventive maintenance lower insurance costs?28:39 What happens when an HOA stops taking care of business?31:02 How can your HOA board stay ahead of these changes?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

August 3, 2026Episode 16937 min

169 | Is there Life After Being Recalled by a Rogue HOA Board?

Send us Fan MailOne former HOA board member shares her experience of being recalled by a rogue board and what life in her community has looked like since.✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/In Episode 169, Robert is joined once again by returning guest Helen, whom listeners may remember from Episode 112. A former HOA board member in Southern California, Helen shares her firsthand experience of being recalled during a leadership upheaval over budget decisions and what happened after her time on the board came to an unexpected end. Together, Robert and Helen discuss what an HOA recall can mean for both board members and homeowners, the challenges that can arise when leadership changes, and why transparency, communication, and sound financial decision-making are essential to protecting a community's long-term success.Chapters:00:00 What happened after the HOA board recall?03:45 Why was the HOA board recalled?07:17 What happened after the new board took over?11:33 How do you recover after being recalled from an HOA board?16:29 Why did the former board members keep attending meetings?20:15 Ad Break - OurFiPhO.com20:45 How did the new board change its leadership style?24:34 What would Helen do differently as an HOA board member?26:30 What financial responsibilities can't an HOA board avoid?29:02 How can HOA boards create better continuity?30:04 Why are homeowner committees so valuable?32:03 Would Helen ever run for the HOA board again?34:05 What should every HOA board tell homeowners about money?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

July 27, 2026Episode 16933 min

168 | HOA Loans vs Special Assessments: Which Hurts Less?

Send us Fan MailHOA loans or special assessments? Discover which option may cost your community less in the long run.✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/In Episode 168, Julie is joined by HOA industry veteran Rolf Crocker to discuss one of the toughest financial decisions community associations face: should an HOA fund major expenses with a special assessment, a loan, or a combination of both? Drawing on Rolf's experience in both community management and HOA lending, he and Julie explore the key factors that help HOA boards make informed financial decisions for the future.Chapters:00:00 Why do HOAs end up needing loans or special assessments?01:04 What causes HOA reserve funding shortfalls?05:06 Should your HOA choose a loan or a special assessment?07:48 Can an HOA combine loans and special assessments?09:44 How should boards communicate financial problems?11:05 What questions will homeowners ask first?16:37 Ad Break - Community Financials17:08 How do you prove you've chosen the best financial option?23:14 How do you prevent another financial crisis?27:53 Why should boards address funding problems even if they're unpopular?31:25 What's the biggest lesson for HOA 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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

July 20, 2026Episode 16735 min

167 | Could One Email Bankrupt Your HOA?

Send us Fan MailCould your HOA survive a cyberattack? Learn the HOA cybersecurity mistakes that can lead to costly consequences.✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/In Episode 167, Kevin Davis and Sherry Branson tackle one of the fastest-growing risks facing community associations: cybersecurity. As AI, connected devices, and digital platforms become a bigger part of HOA operations, many boards are struggling to keep pace with the technology and the threats that come with it. Learn what every HOA board should know to better protect community data and make more informed technology decisions before a cyber incident becomes a costly mistake!Chapters: 00:00 Could one email bankrupt your HOA?00:43 Why are HOA boards falling behind on cyber security?03:04 Why are cyber criminals targeting HOA communities?05:04 How do phishing emails and social engineering scams work?07:39 How can your HOA stop a phishing attack before it starts?08:11 Why has technology become a hidden risk for HOAs?09:59 What happens when HOA technology suddenly stops working?12:17 Why does every HOA need a cyber backup plan?13:49 What is the Internet of Things and why should HOA boards care?16:44 How can outdated technology expose your HOA to hackers?19:27 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services19:55 Why is protecting homeowner data becoming more difficult?23:53 Why can trusted HOA vendors become cyber security risks?26:33 Who is responsible after an HOA cyber attack?28:16 What fiduciary duties do HOA boards have for cyber security?30:27 Should every HOA carry cyber insurance?32:15 How can your HOA prepare before a cyber attack happens?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

July 13, 2026Episode 16633 min

166 | Champlain Towers & How Ignored Repairs Destroy HOAs

Send us Fan MailThe tragedy of Champlain Towers changed HOAs forever. What lessons should every board member remember today?✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/Episode 166 marks the anniversary of an event that eventually led our host, Robert Nordlund, to start this podcast in the hope of educating board members so that we never experience a tragedy like this again. A reflection on the fifth anniversary of the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South and the lasting impact it has had on the community association industry. A heartbreaking tragedy that claimed 98 lives, largest structural failure, and modern residential tragedy in U.S. history. For HOA board members and community leaders, it became an important reminder of the responsibility associations have regarding maintenance, repairs, and future planning. Robert shares his thoughts on why preparing reserve studies is so important and how proper financial planning helps protect communities.Chapters:00:00 Why do HOA board decisions impact the future of a community?01:04 What lessons did HOAs learn from the Champlain Towers tragedy?03:44 What happened when Champlain Towers South collapsed?05:37 Why did the Champlain Towers collapse affect the entire HOA industry?07:06 What caused the Champlain Towers South tragedy?08:32 Why is deferred maintenance dangerous for HOAs?10:18 How did Champlain Towers change the way HOA boards think?11:37 Why do HOA board members need long-term thinking?13:11 What responsibilities do HOA board members have?15:11 Why can't HOAs ignore the cost of deterioration?17:11 Ad Break - Association Reserves 17:42 How can HOA boards prevent another Champlain Towers tragedy?18:43 How much should HOAs contribute to reserves?20:14 Why did Fannie Mae change HOA reserve requirements?22:30 How can transparency help HOA boards make better decisions?23:33 Why does preventive maintenance save HOAs money?24:51 How often should an HOA update their reserve study?27:11 Why is reserve funding like a usage fee for homeowners?28:10 What resources help HOAs maintain aging buildings?29:18 Why are inspections important for older HOA communities?30:48 What is the biggest lesson from Champlain Towers?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

July 6, 2026Episode 16537 min

165 | Make Your HOA a Hard Target for Fraud & Embezzlement

Send us Fan MailHOA fraud happens more often than most boards realize. Here's how to make your community a harder target!✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/In Episode 165, we're joined once again by repeat guest Russell Munz of Community Financials. Serving associations nationwide, Community Financials provides financial management and a variety of remote services to help HOA boards operate more effectively. One of Russell's recent newsletters focused on preventing fraud & embezzlement within HOA boards, and after reading it, we knew it was a message worth sharing with our podcast audience! Chapters:00:00 What financial red flags should every HOA board notice?00:44 Why HOA fraud is more common than most boards realize03:30 Should homeowners have access to HOA financial reports?05:40 What financial reports should every HOA board review?07:10 Can finance committees help prevent HOA fraud?07:48 Why every board member—not just the treasurer—must review finances09:16 Which financial reports matter most each month?11:23 How did an HOA lose $11 million to fraud?13:30 Is HOA fraud caused by bad people or bad systems?15:04 Why transparency is your best defense against fraud17:01 How simple mistakes allow fraud to happen18:43 What three conditions make fraud possible?19:49 Ad Break - Community Financials20:20 What internal controls should every HOA implement?22:48 How can vendor oversight prevent embezzlement?24:22 What financial reports should boards question every month?26:29 Why bank statements and reconciliations matter29:22 What oversight habits catch fraud before it grows?32:13 Why reserve accounts need the same protection as operating funds33:00 What final steps make your HOA a hard target for fraud?35:00 Why "trust but verify" is every board's best policyThe 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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

June 29, 2026Episode 16437 min

164 | "Preferred" HOA Vendors May Not Be Your Friend

Send us Fan MailAre your HOA vendors truly serving your community or just benefiting from a trusted relationship? Listen to find out the signs that might be costing your association! ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/This week, Robert sits down with Board Hero, Peter Isakovic, a homeowner and board member from Colorado. He serves on the board of the CAI Rocky Mountain Chapter, and came to our attention as the author of a recent article for Common Interest, “Are ‘Preferred’ Contractors Preferred?”. The cautionary article discussed the importance of upholding the standard and integrity of your HOA’s vendors, while creating the best outcome for your community’s health and financial future. HOA Insights continues to set you up for success, ensuring you make the best financial decisions for your community by understanding blind spots that could be costing you money. Chapters:00:00 Why homeowner trust matters in HOA leadership00:52 Introducing Peter Isakovic and the HOA vendor problem03:41 How Peter got involved with his HOA board06:21 Why homeowner voices matter in community associations08:27 Running your HOA like a business10:00 Why board members need to question vendors12:25 When a management company relationship goes wrong14:10 Death by a thousand paper cuts: hidden HOA costs16:52 The $28,000 front door that raised red flags18:18 Facing HOA financial reality and homeowner pushback21:23 The importance of transparency with homeowners22:48 Sponsor Break - Association Reserves23:19 Reviewing invoices and finding costly mistakes25:12 Curiosity, courage, and effective HOA leadership27:18 Building trust through visibility and communication28:01 Why proper licensing and insurance matter29:27 Contract language can make or break your HOA31:10 Building your own trusted vendor network34:21 Final lessons for protecting HOA finances35:41 Closing thoughts and key takeawaysThe 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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

June 22, 2026Episode 16325 min

163 | How a Florida HOA Lost 2 MILLION to Fraud

Send us Fan MailA Florida HOA lost $2 million to HOA board fraud. Learn the warning signs before it happens to you.✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/Episode #163 might just be our craziest story yet, and in a new fashion! Kevin Davis tells a story of how an unchecked board president can put you and your community in grave financial danger. This episode covers how a Florida HOA lost nearly $2 million when a small group on the inside used shell companies, hidden records, and control of the board to drain the association’s funds. When we learned what happened, we knew our listeners needed to hear this story so you can recognize the red flags early and protect your own community.Chapters: 00:00 How did the HOA hide records from homeowners and investigators?01:01 How did a Florida HOA lose $2 million to fraud?02:05 How did the fraud scheme begin before the president took office?03:09 How were shell companies used to siphon HOA funds?04:33 Why did homeowners begin questioning the HOA board?05:49 How did commingling funds help conceal the fraud?07:12 How were records hidden from homeowners and police?08:17 How did election fraud help keep the scheme alive?09:17 What happened after the board members were convicted?10:29 How did the HOA begin rebuilding after the fraud?11:57 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services 12:29 What insurance coverage should every HOA carry?14:26 Why is directors and officers insurance so important?15:36 How does board training prevent fraud and liability?17:54 Why should HOAs have a fraud prevention policy?19:10 Why is independent oversight critical for HOA finances?20:08 How does transparency help stop fraud before it grows?21:20 Why should boards always trust but verify?22:18 How can conflicts of interest create major HOA risks?23:24 What final lessons can HOA boards learn from this case?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

June 15, 2026Episode 16238 min

162 | Handle Conflict at HOA Board Meetings WITHOUT The Drama

Send us Fan MailThe best HOA board meetings handle disagreement without creating division or drama. Learn how to handle conflict!✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/I'm here today for Episode #162 with a return special guest, Jim Slaughter, who joined us in the early days of the podcast for Episode #7. He is the President of Law Firm Carolinas, practicing throughout North and South Carolina. He regularly speaks on issues of real estate and community association law, and has written hundreds of HOA and condo articles. He has served as the National President of CAI’S College of Community Association Lawyers, President of the North Carolina Chapter of CAI, and President of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. Jim is nothing short of an expert; he is certified as a professional parliamentarian, professional registered parliamentarian, educator, and has written four books on running effective meetings. He holds a special position as the person to serve on the most parliamentarian organizations, from small HOA boards to annual meetings of 8,000 delegates. Today Jim joins us to help you successfully run orderly HOA board meetings that frame your association in a positive light, guiding your association into the future.Chapters:00:00 Why should HOA board meetings sometimes become more formal?00:57 Who is Jim Slaughter and why does his experience matter?05:00 Do HOA boards really need to follow Robert’s Rules?06:07 How formal should small HOA board meetings actually be?07:18 Why do larger HOA meetings require more structure?09:43 How can small boards stay casual but still professional?11:05 What rights do homeowners have during board meetings?13:54 How can unanimous consent speed up meetings?15:58 Why do good agendas make meetings easier to manage?17:32 What should HOA meeting minutes actually include?19:21 How can chairs clearly guide motions and voting?21:37 Why does a calm chair create better meetings?22:41 How do HOA boards handle disruptive members?24:30 Ad Break - Community Financials25:20 When should a board become more formal during conflict?28:09 Should HOA rules change because of difficult personalities?30:02 How should chairs respond to disruptive behavior?31:12 Why is de-escalation better than confrontation?32:06 When should HOA meetings use security presence?33:55 Why do homeowners behave better in fair meetings?34:07 How should board members handle disagreements professionally?35:57 Can avoiding meetings become a fiduciary issue?36:28 What final advice helps HOA boards run successful meetings?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

June 8, 2026Episode 16135 min

161 | HOA Building Maintenance Tips to Avoid the Next BIG Disaster!

Send us Fan MailLearn the top HOA building maintenance tips that will help your board spot the dangers early and avoid costly structural repairs!✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/What can HOA boards do today to prevent tomorrow's building disasters? In this episode, engineering expert Greg Batista of G. Batista Engineering & Construction shares practical HOA building maintenance strategies, including painting, waterproofing, concrete repair, maintenance logs, crack monitoring, and proactive inspections. See how these early action steps can reduce costs, improve safety, and help associations avoid major structural issues.Chapters:00:00 What happens when HOA building problems get ignored?02:35 Where can HOA board members find resources?03:45 What maintenance systems help HOAs track building issues?06:25 Are most HOA service companies proactive with maintenance?07:43 Why should HOAs start building maintenance planning early?09:23 Can basic maintenance technology help HOAs catch problems early?10:05 Why is this one of the best HOA building maintenance investments?11:22 How does familiarity blindness affect HOAs?13:24 What hidden issues can painting reveal in HOA buildings?14:22 Do small proactive tasks really help HOA building maintenance?15:26 How do financial pressures impact HOA building maintenance?16:44 Why should HOAs act quickly when they spot building problems?17:34 What lessons can HOAs learn from real disasters & concrete neglect?18:56 Our FiPhO - Ad Break19:53 What is concrete spalling and why is it dangerous for buildings?23:10 Why is waterproofing critical for HOA building maintenance?25:08 When should HOA boards call a structural engineer?26:15 What can help monitor structural concerns in HOA buildings?28:30 What are the 4 C’s of effective HOA leadership for building care?33:20 What is the key takeaway for proactive HOA building care?Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing