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Holiday cheer can bring chaos in your community association! Learn how HOAs can cut liability, prevent fires, avoid disputes, and keep the season merry, bright, and safe!

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The holidays bring joy but also real risks for every HOA. Robert and Kevin break down the biggest liability traps of the season, from fires and slip-and-falls to parking chaos, fraud attempts, and unpredictable guests. Learn how clear guidelines, smart maintenance, better communication, and financial awareness can keep your HOA protected while still celebrating the season together!

Chapters:

00:00 What liability issues arise when HOAs lack holiday guidelines?
00:44 What holiday risks should HOAs prepare for each year?
04:02 Why does the holiday season create more unpredictable resident behavior?
05:41 How should HOAs enforce holiday rules around people, places, and paper?
07:21 How can boards communicate behavioral guidelines effectively?
08:59 How do parking areas and common spaces increase holiday exposure?
09:24 Can proactive communication reduce holiday-season disputes?
10:53 How do guidelines protect HOAs with defensible positions during claims?
11:49 How can boards both minimize risk and remain community-friendly?
12:40 Why are fires the biggest maintenance risk during the holidays?
13:24 How do dried trees, overloaded circuits, and candles increase HOA exposure?
14:51 How can slip-and-fall hazards increase during winter gatherings?
15:31 Should boards conduct holiday walk-throughs and safety checks?
17:44 Should HOA holiday events be held off-site to reduce liability?
18:19 How can boards encourage community building without adding exposure?
19:04 What security and package-theft risks rise during the holidays?
21:07 Should HOAs increase security hours during the holiday season?
22:33 Ad Break - Community Financials
23:04 What financial responsibilities must boards watch closely in December?
25:22 How can misuse of association funds create liability and accusations?
28:35 How can HOAs verify contractor payments and avoid scams?
30:08 Are paper checks becoming unsafe for HOAs during the holiday season?
32:45 Why should every HOA establ

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Learn how HOA insurance is shifting in 2025, why premiums are stabilizing, and how boards can lower risk and costs!
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What’s really happening with HOA insurance in 2025? Robert & Kevin break down the latest trends shaping premiums, risks, and reinsurance markets across the country. From the impact of billion-dollar wildfires to the rise of “thermonuclear” you’ll learn what’s driving insurance costs and how your association can position itself as a lower-risk community. Kevin shares how reinsurance stability is finally bringing balance back to the market, and why your board’s maintenance, rule enforcement, and financial discipline are key to getting better rates.

Chapters
00:00 Why 2025 has been a turning point for HOA insurance
04:17 What does it mean that we’ve “crossed the Rubicon” for insurance stability?
06:58 How reinsurance markets shape HOA insurance premiums
08:41 Are insurance rates finally flattening out for associations?
09:50 Why weather-related claims are still driving losses
12:17 How tariffs and inflation impact rebuilding costs and coverage
15:04 What are “nuclear” and “thermonuclear” verdicts—and why they matter?18:15 Ad Break - Association Reserves
18:47 What can HOA boards do to become lower-risk associations?
21:32 Why maintenance, funding, and enforcement lower your insurance risk
24:18 How reserve studies and strong finances help protect your community
26:11 How “social pessimism” affects board performance and trust
30:55 Why culture, optimism, and diligence are key for strong associations
33:02 Why 2026 could bring better insurance rates for prepared HOAs

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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This week we explore how HOA Boards can prevent election disputes, follow state laws, and ensure a smooth, transparent voting process.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA Elections shouldn’t be stressful, but for many HOA Boards they often are. In this episode, Robert sits down with Kurtis Peterson from The Inspectors of Election to discuss how associations can avoid common pitfalls during the HOA election process. From understanding your governing documents and navigating new California election laws to preventing liability and costly challenges, you’ll learn best practices to ensure transparency and trust in every vote. Hiring election professionals can save your community time, money, and legal headaches that keep your HOA Board out of court and your elections running smoothly!

Chapters:

00:00 How can HOA Boards avoid election chaos and ensure fairness?
00:49 What are the biggest challenges HOAs face during elections?
03:53 Why should associations rely on election professionals?
06:08 How does reviewing governing documents prevent election errors?
07:25 What happens when HOAs have been doing elections wrong for years?
10:07 How can professional oversight protect HOAs from liability and lawsuits?11:19 What best practices help boards keep elections out of court?
13:23 How do inspectors manage nominations, ballots, and certifications?
16:25 How early should associations start preparing for elections?
18:03 How have HOA elections changed over the years?
19:11 How do amendments and special assessments factor into elections?
20:58 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
22:03 What are the differences between election service models?
24:34 How do costs and services vary for different-sized associations?
26:35 What’s the smallest and largest HOA election ever managed?
28:32 How can professional oversight reduce distrust in board elections?
30:39 Why should board members keep up with changing HOA laws?
31:07 How can HOA Boards contact professionals for election help?

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 speci

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Learn how mission statements & vision statements unite your HOA board and guide better decisions.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What makes an HOA board truly effective? In this episode, Robert Nordlund and Julie Adamen discuss how clear Mission Statements and Vision Statements transform how communities operate. Mission and vision statements can be guiding principles to improve communication, unify your board, and keep your HOA focused on long-term goals instead of daily chaos. We hope this conversation shows how to turn your community’s values into real results that foster connection, trust, and teamwork!

Chapters:

00:00 What is the purpose of an HOA’s mission and vision statements?
03:34 How do mission and vision statements complement governing documents?
05:40 What makes a vision statement aspirational and effective?
06:21 How does the mission statement become the roadmap to the vision?
07:21 Why should vision and mission guide community events and decisions?
09:45 How can HOAs shift from enforcing rules to fostering community?
11:27 What happens when a board develops these statements together?
14:30 How do mission and vision strengthen board cohesion and communication?18:58 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
19:27 How can a board start creating mission and vision statements?
21:43 What simple exercises help smaller HOAs get started?
23:16 How can words and phrases shape your community’s identity?
25:05 Why should these statements evolve as your HOA changes?
27:31 How do you keep mission and vision language current and relevant?
29:06 Why are slogans not enough to define your HOA’s values?
30:17 Why shouldn’t attorneys facilitate this process?
31:23 Who can help guide your board through creating these statements?
32:03 Why do mission and vision statements bring clarity and cohesion to communities?

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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See how Florida’s new reserve funding legislation is transforming HOA law, board management, and community finances statewide.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week, Robert sits down with Marnie Dale Ragan, partner at Haber Law, to discuss the impact of Florida Reserve Funding Legislation and what every HOA board needs to know about the evolving HOA Law landscape. Marnie explains the post–Champlain Tower reforms to mandatory reserve funding, board education, and the importance of professional guidance so that Florida communities can adapt to new financial and legal realities. Learn what steps your board can take to stay compliant, protect your assets, and build trust through transparency and communication!

Get in contact with Marnie: https://www.haber.law/marnie-dale-ragan/

Chapters

00:00 What impact did the Champlain Tower South tragedy have on Florida’s HOA law?
04:11 Why does Florida’s reserve funding legislation matter for all communities?
06:13 What are structural integrity reserves and why are they mandatory?
07:54 How does Florida’s new law limit a board’s ability to waive reserve funding?
09:43 Why is conducting a reserve study now legally essential for Florida HOAs?
10:46 How can volunteer board members rely on professionals for better decisions?
12:57 Why is transparency key to reducing conflict between boards and homeowners?
14:10 How is Florida addressing fraud and restoring trust in HOA management?
18:44 How are inflation and insurance costs shaping HOA budgets in Florida?
19:09 Ad Break - Community Financials
20:40 What best practices should HOA boards follow to lead effectively?
22:58 Why is respecting other board members vital for community success?
25:42 How can boards and managers ensure fair elections and good governance?
26:12 What tools help boards improve communication and transparency with owners?
28:17 How can boards build trust and political capital with consistent transparency?
30:11 How can “floor captains” improve communication within large associations?
31:07 How did Marnie Dale Ragan become an expert in community association law?
33:54 Why should HOA boards rely on professionals for

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How one HOA Board managed a $2M Special Assessment with strategy, transparency, and teamwork.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

A small 18-unit HOA faced a $2 million special assessment that could have divided the community. Instead, their HOA Board turned it into a story of planning, transparency, and perseverance. Terri Rene and her team tackled severe exterior damage, owner resistance, and financing challenges while keeping their community united. This episode breaks down the real steps they took: assessing damage, budgeting under pressure, preparing for non-payment risks, and maintaining communication at every stage.

Chapters

00:00 How did this HOA Board handle a massive special assessment?
01:13 Who is Terri Rene and what makes her an HOA Board Hero?
05:11 How did the $2M special assessment come about?
07:28 What compromises did owners make to fund this project?
09:17 How did the Board plan for non-paying owners?
11:18 What led to the need for such a large assessment?
13:05 What did early inspections reveal about structural damage?
15:01 How did board turnover impact project leadership?
16:39 How did communication rebuild owner trust and support?
20:44 What strategies helped the special assessment finally pass?
22:49 Ad Break - Association Reserves
23:21 How did the HOA manage budgeting and owner voting?
25:50 What steps were taken to prepare for construction?
27:24 Was the project on budget and on schedule?
30:11 How will this project impact home values and the reserve fund?
32:59 What lessons can other HOA boards learn from this experience?

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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Older HOAs face unique challenges that you might not be used to dealing with. Learn how aging associations can rebuild trust, handle rising costs, and plan for the future!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are older HOAs facing bigger problems? In this episode of HOA Insights, Robert Nordlund and Kevin Davis discuss the realities of aging associations. Older HOAs can face rising insurance rates and special assessments to trust issues between boards and homeowners. Learn how, as a board, clear communication, transparency, and attitude can restore confidence and help navigate the financial and structural challenges of aging communities!

Chapters:

00:00 Why are older HOAs facing bigger problems today?
00:47 What inspired this discussion on aging associations?
03:50 What challenges do older HOAs face with insurance and maintenance?
06:49 How do low assessments create long-term issues?
08:20 What is the “badge of honor” mentality for HOA boards?
10:49 How has trust between boards and homeowners changed since COVID?
15:11 How do recalls and board conflicts affect associations?
19:22 Why do costs and inflation hit older HOAs harder?
22:05 Ad Break - PiPhO Score
22:36 How can boards rebuild trust through communication?
24:10 Why is kindness and empathy key in board communication?
27:02 How do generational differences affect HOA culture?
29:25 What can HOAs do if members can’t afford repairs?
30:33 Why are board transitions important for healthy associations?
33:55 How does new leadership renew a community’s direction?
35:13 What’s the most important word for aging HOAs to remember?

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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Learn how choosing the right bank can save your HOA time, money, and frustration!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert talks with Gavin Nelson from Merchants Bank about how the right banking partner can simplify community finances. Learn how modern technology, check scanning, electronic payments, and integrated HOA software help streamline operations and boost transparency. Plus, discover how proper reserve management, FDIC coverage, and smart lending solutions can save your HOA money and safeguard your community’s future!

Get in contact with Gavin: gnelson@bankmerchants.com

Chapters

00:00 How HOAs can streamline banking headaches
00:41 Robert Nordlund introduces guest Gavin Nelson from Merchants Bank
03:32 Sandy’s HOA banking question sparks the discussion
04:39 Why HOAs should review their current bank setup regularly
05:37 How modern technology improves HOA financial management
06:07 Making HOA life easier with real-time banking tools
08:41 How check scanners save time and reduce risks for HOAs
09:46 Setting up electronic payments and online portals for members
11:56 How automation improves efficiency and transparency
15:11 Transitioning your HOA banking system in 30 days
18:11 Earning interest on reserves and maximizing returns
19:31: Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
20:38 Merchants Bank’s high-yield rates and why it matters
23:34 FDIC coverage explained for HOA reserve accounts
26:13 Lending options and bridging shortfalls for large projects
28:23 Choosing banks that understand community associations
30:00 How Gavin entered the HOA banking industry
31:48 Expanding HOA banking services in Florida and nationwide
33:02 Why personal service still matters in a digital world
34:45 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Merchants Bank

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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Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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The Inspectors of Election