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Don’t wait for a lawsuit to find an HOA attorney. Building that relationship early can save your board from much bigger problems later.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In Episode 176, Robert welcomes back condominium leader and attorney Roger Minch to discuss why every association should build a relationship with an HOA attorney before a serious problem arises. Too often, boards wait until they are facing a lawsuit, a major dispute, or another costly issue before seeking legal guidance. Roger explains why having trusted legal counsel involved early can help HOA boards better understand their fiduciary responsibilities and address problems while they are still manageable.

Chapters:
00:00 Why should HOA Boards think about legal counsel before trouble starts?
04:18 What fiduciary responsibilities fall on HOA Board members?
07:24 Why are experienced HOA Attorneys difficult to find in some markets?
09:43 What should an HOA look for in a younger attorney?
12:13 How can attorney client privilege protect an HOA Board?
16:17 Why does a volunteer HOA Board need a professional team?
20:36 What happens when a board relies too heavily on its manager?
23:09 Ad Break - Association Reserves
23:40 Why is a professional HOA team worth the cost?
24:51 How should an HOA evaluate the professionals it hires?
25:44 How can a board find the right HOA Attorney?
27:51 When should an HOA call its attorney?
31:30 Why should HOA Legal Disputes be addressed while they are still small?
33:52 What can happen when an HOA waits too long to build the right team?

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.

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Are you making one of these common HOA board mistakes? Erik Davis breaks down what boards should do differently.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
📋 Get in contact with Erik Davis 👉 Erik.Davis@amwins.com

In Episode 175, Robert welcomes first-time guest Erik Davis of Kevin Davis Insurance Services to talk about some of the biggest HOA board mistakes he sees and what boards can do differently. Through his work in the community association industry, Erik has gained a unique perspective on the decisions, behaviors, and missteps that can create unnecessary problems for an association. Learn how HOA boards can recognize these issues earlier, make better decisions, and avoid turning small mistakes into much bigger ones.

Chapters:
00:00 Why do HOA Board Mistakes keep repeating?
03:41 How did Erik Davis find his way into HOA insurance?
07:28 What surprised Erik about the community association industry?
10:00 Are some homeowners a poor fit for HOA living?
11:45 What recurring problems show up in HOA insurance claims?
15:53 What are the biggest mistakes HOA Boards keep making?
17:54 Why do homeowners clash with association rules?
22:32 Why does cooperation matter in HOA living?
23:15 Ad Break - Our FiPhO.com
23:46 What can HOA Boards change right now?
26:52 What five habits can make an HOA Board stronger?
30:23 Should HOA Board members receive more training?
34:24 What does the future of HOA leadership look like?
37:16 How can education improve community association living?

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.

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What does it really take to run HOA elections correctly? Go behind the scenes with the professionals who manage them every day.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
🔎 Learn More About The Inspectors of Election 👉 https://inspectorsofelection.com/

In Episode 174, Robert welcomes back Kurtis & Andrea Peterson of Inspectors of Election. HOA elections have changed dramatically over the years, with more scrutiny, greater skepticism, and a much higher risk of disputes when the process is not handled correctly. Kurtis and Andrea share what goes on behind the scenes at an electronic election support company and how today’s associations can approach elections with greater transparency and professionalism!

Chapters:
00:00 Why have HOA Elections become so complicated?
04:16 What actually goes into administering an HOA election?
05:28 Is there an HOA election season?
07:05 Why can combining multiple HOA votes create problems?
10:35 What happens when someone votes online and by paper?
13:07 Who is actually eligible to cast an HOA ballot?
14:08 Why do associations use an independent inspector of election?
16:03 How does independent election administration protect the board?
17:36 Ad Break - Community Financials
18:08 How did COVID change the HOA election process?
20:39 Why is every HOA election different?
22:25 How can online voting simplify a hybrid election?
25:02 How does an inspector keep HOA Elections fair and accurate?
26:57 How quickly can an HOA receive election results?
28:32 Can online voting help an HOA reach quorum?

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.

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What keeps an HOA thriving for the long haul? Wise counsel may be one of the biggest advantages a board can have.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In Episode 173, Robert is joined by Don Boswell, a longtime community association volunteer and recipient of CAI’s 2026 Byron Hanke Award. Drawing from more than a decade of experience with the Twin Hickory Association in Virginia, Don talks about what it really means to step up and serve a community well. He shares how his board approaches leadership, why outside expertise matters, and what he’s learned about making decisions that serve the community as a whole.


Chapters:

00:00 What can longtime HOA volunteers teach us about leadership?
03:53 What does a well-run 1,500-home community look like?
06:31 How did Don Boswell become an HOA Board member?
07:49 How does a stable board preserve institutional knowledge?
10:01 What creates a strong long-term board culture?
15:41 Why should HOA Boards rely on professional expertise?
17:22 How do volunteers know when to seek wise counsel?
19:04 Ad Break - FiPhO Health Score
20:00 What can law enforcement ethics teach HOA leaders?
24:04 How do you build a community that lasts beyond your term?
26:26 Why does HOA service extend beyond your own community?
28:11 What makes board service rewarding instead of exhausting?
29:00 Why can serving others make HOA leadership meaningful?

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:
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Your HOA may already know what needs to be done. The real problem is whether anyone is willing to admit it…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert and Julie are back in Episode 172, this time to talk about a challenge that can quietly hold HOAs back: denial! Even when the path forward seems clear, boards and homeowners can struggle to accept what needs to be done. Learn how denial can delay critical decisions, allow problems to grow, and ultimately make difficult situations even harder and more costly to resolve.


Chapters:

00:00 Why does authenticity matter on an HOA Board?
00:46 Why can denial stop an HOA from moving forward?
03:36 Where does denial show up in community associations?
05:58 Why is denial such a natural response to hard problems?
08:51 What happens when board members avoid reality?
11:45 Why does authenticity earn homeowner respect?
13:21 What does fiduciary responsibility really require?
16:36 Why is admitting mistakes better than denying them?
18:55 Ad Break - Association Reserves
19:27 How do you turn an HOA around after years of denial?
20:12 What happens when assessments stay artificially low?
21:58 How should boards communicate difficult financial realities?
24:04 Why do “we” and “our” change the conversation?
26:58 How does honesty build trust with homeowners?
27:29 How can board members face problems without burning out?

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 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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Can an HOA recover from years of chaos? One board member shares the leadership lessons that changed everything.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In Episode 171, Robert is joined by a special guest he met at the recent CAI National Conference: Rose Walker. Rose is a former vice president of a 106-unit condominium association who experienced firsthand the challenges of leading a community through uncertainty and change. From navigating aging infrastructure and difficult HOA board decisions to helping restore stability, she shares her journey from chaos to calm!

Chapters:

00:00 What does it really take to lead an HOA through chaos?
01:07 How did Rose Walker become an HOA Board member?
04:18 What inspired her to step up and serve?
06:05 How did Hurricane Ian change the community?
08:13 Why did the hurricane expose deeper problems?
10:13 What was it like joining a board already in crisis?
12:56 Why isn't every HOA Board truly a team?
16:22 What challenges had to be solved before the community could recover?18:19 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
18:48 How did the board begin turning chaos into calm?
20:31 Why do different leadership styles matter?
22:47 How did teamwork finally change the association?
25:00 What victories showed the board was making progress?
26:45 Why should board members protect their own well-being?
29:02 What advice does Rose have for future HOA leaders?

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 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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Julie Adamen

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Your 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 Services
18:22 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 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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One 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.com
20:45 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 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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Julie Adamen

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Robert Nordlund, PE

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The Inspectors of Election