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Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund share how HOA board members can avoid common pitfalls!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Effective HOA board member behavior is the cornerstone of a thriving community. In this episode, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund emphasize the importance of transparency, accessibility, and consistent communication to build trust with residents. They explore the benefits of ethics codes, conduct policies, and operational guidelines for boards. Learn why board members should embrace the “4 C’s”—caring, curious, courageous, communicative—with an added bonus: consistency. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to handle challenging situations, maintain trust, and avoid the dreaded “no comment” response. If you're on a board or considering joining one, this conversation will help you lead with confidence and clarity.
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Chapters

00:00 When HOA Board Members Don’t Communicate
03:29 Ethics Code for HOA Board Members
06:22 Why Board Job Descriptions Should be a Requirement
07:17 Ethics Pledge & Conduct Policy for HOA Board Members
08:51 Board Members Are Public Figures
11:26 Transparency in HOA Board Member Communication is Key
21:45 Ad Break - Community Financials
22:39 The Four C's and Bonus C of Effective Board

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.

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Julie Adamen
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Engineer, Greg Batista, shares what you need to know about HOA building maintenance and inspections to prevent tragedies like Champlain Tower!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Preventing another Champlain Towers disaster is every HOA board member's responsibility. In this episode, engineer Greg Batista sheds light on critical building maintenance practices. Learn about the dangers of spalling, the importance of regular inspections, and how to safeguard the building envelope—including roofs, paint, and waterproofing. Greg shares his real-life experience with Champlain Tower South and emphasizes why acting promptly on warnings and budgeting for repairs are crucial. Protect your HOA and its residents from structural issues and potential disasters!

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Preventing Another Champlain Tower DISASTER at Your HOA
01:11 Get a FREE HOA Mug!
02:49 Meet Greg Batista - Engineering & Construction Expert
05:11 How Buildings Fall Apart & Prevention
12:15 Every State Has It’s Building Issues
14:04 What You Need to Protect & Maintain
17:00 Association Reserves - Ad Break
18:00 Getting Help From Experts for Your HOA
22:18 Preventative Maintenance & Inspections
27:37 Building Components to Keep An Eye On
31:57 Connect with G Batista Engineering & Construction

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
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Are you having issues with navigating HOA Insurance requirements with lenders? This episode is for you!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Navigating HOA insurance requirements can be overwhelming, especially when lenders demand full 100% replacement cost coverage. In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund tackle this challenge, sharing actionable insights to help community associations secure the coverage they need. Learn how inflation, climate change, and nuclear verdicts affect insurance costs and why working with experienced professionals is vital. Discover the role of state laws, governing documents, and reserve studies in meeting these requirements and protecting your HOA’s financial future!

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Chapters

00:00 Why Some HOAs get a 100% Replacement for Insurance & Some Others Don’t
03:51 Listener Question - How to Resolve the Conflict Between a Lender's Insurance Requirements and What Their Insurance Provider Was Able to Provide?
10:23 The Role of Insurance Professionals in Meeting Lender Requirements
15:38 The Importance of Replacement Costs for Lenders
20:21 Ad Break - FiPhO Health Score
20:58 Having Compliance with State Laws and Governing Documents so You Can Have Lower Insurance Rates
23:52 Do You Have to Comply With Every Requirement for Insurance?
28:05 Getting the Right Insurance Is GOING to be Expensive
30:21 The Importance of Working with Specialty Insurance Brokers for Your HOA

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!

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Julie Adamen
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Pam Home, a dedicated HOA board member, shares creative ways to save money, engage homeowners, and protect investments
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Pam Home, an exemplary HOA board member at Union Terrace Cooperative, proves what it means to be a true board hero. In this episode, Pam dives into the importance of reserve studies and explains how following them can help avoid special assessments. She shares innovative methods she’s used to save money for the community, including acquiring free plants and decorative fencing from nearby construction sites. Pam also discusses the challenges of engaging homeowners, her experience with hybrid board meetings, and the value of professional property management. Union Terrace Cooperative operates with a $300,000 annual budget and a reserve fund currently at 30%, and Pam is on a mission to improve those numbers.

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Chapters

00:00 PAY ATTENTION to Your Reserve Study
01:25 Introduction to HOA Board Hero Pam Home
02:25 What First Motivated Pam to Join Her HOA & Her First Experiences
05:35 The Special Talents Pam Brings to Her HOA Board
09:17 Pam’s Experience Recruiting Board Members
11:34 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
12:03 How Pam’s HOA Conducts Their Meetings
15:20 What’s Keeping Pam’s HOA Motivated
18:04 How She Communicates With Her Board to Resolve Conflicts
19:33 Pam’s HOA Annual Budget
22:16 Pam’s Thoughts on the Value of a Professional Property Manager
24:47 Pam’s Closing Thoughts for 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!

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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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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:
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!

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

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

Send us a text

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!
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 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

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

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!
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...