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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.

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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
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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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Julie & Robert are back for a part 2 about the top traits of great HOA Boards!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What makes an HOA board truly great?, Robert and Julie continue their discussion on the top traits of successful HOA boards. From holding productive meetings and maintaining credibility with homeowners to showing appreciation for volunteers and leading with empathy, this conversation dives into the qualities that turn good boards into great ones. Learn how focus, kindness, and servant leadership can transform your community.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and recap of top HOA board traits
01:35 Why vision and mission statements keep boards focused
06:00 How to stay on track and avoid distractions
12:30 Building credibility and trust through transparency
14:20 How to hold productive, time-efficient board meetings
20:51 Ad Break- Community Financials
21:30 The importance of thanking and uplifting volunteers
25:40 Knowing when to bend rules with compassion
29:00 Fighting HOA stereotypes and leading with kindness
32:40 Servant leadership and humanizing the board
36:00 Final reflections on empathy, leadership, and community building

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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Julie Adamen

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Robert Nordlund, PE

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Today we hear from HOA Board Hero Michelle who dealt with a 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units at her community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert spotlights HOA Board Hero Michelle Mansour from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Michelle shares her journey of serving on an HOA board through a catastrophic 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units, lawsuits, management changes, and community challenges. Hear how her board built transparency, improved communication, supported neighbors in crisis, and kept their community united!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 How did an HOA board handle a devastating fire?

01:07 Who is Michelle Mansour and what is her board experience?

04:09 What makes serving on an HOA board challenging and humbling?

05:14 How do management company changes impact boards?

08:09 Why did Michelle decide to run for the HOA board?

09:28 What problems come with condo conversions and reserves?

11:00 How did the board rebuild trust and communication?

15:18 How does transparency help homeowners feel secure?

17:12 What strengths do different board members bring?

18:54 How much time does serving on an HOA board really take?

20:18 Ad Break - HOA Invest

21:17 What happened during the two-alarm fire emergency?

23:57 How did the community unite to support displaced neighbors?

27:14 How do volunteer committees strengthen an HOA board?

29:27 What makes a productive and well-run HOA board meeting?

32:09 How can clear communication prevent panic during lawsuits?

33:36 What lessons has Michelle learned from serving on the 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.

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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Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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Association Reserves

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The Inspectors of Election

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Could one bad financial mistake ruin an entire HOA? Find out!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert and Kevin explain the real costs of financial mistakes for HOAs. From missing reserve accounts to late financial reports, they show why every board member must understand their association’s numbers. Topics include transparency, teamwork, building trust, and creating defensible positions when facing owners or lawsuits. Make sure your HOA isn’t prone to financial mistakes that could cost homeowners thousands!

Chapters From Today's Episode:
00:00 Why financial mistakes erode trust in HOAs
02:20 Why every board member must understand financials
06:00 What does it mean to be in a defensible position?
08:15 How small mistakes can snowball without oversight
11:50 Why communication and transparency build trust
14:21 How teamwork keeps boards financially healthy
16:16 What hidden costs come from financial mistakes?
18:54 Ad Break - FiPho Score
19:39 What are the three key roles of every HOA board?
23:39 Why owners demand accurate and timely financials
26:12 How to learn from experts without creating distrust
28:57 What to do when financial reports arrive late or wrong
31:28 Why honesty and openness keep boards protected

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

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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Association Insights & Marketplace

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Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

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Did you know timeshare boards operate like HOAs? We explore why it’s important to know what’s going on at your timeshare!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Learn More about Jason’s Company: https://www.arda.org/

This week we welcome Jason Gamel, CEO of ARDA, to explore how timeshares function as associations. Robert and Jason discuss board responsibilities, budgeting, maintenance, and the hospitality layer that makes timeshares unique. See how major brands like Marriott and Hilton and even small self-managed resorts have boards ensure owner satisfaction, safety, and long-term success!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why are timeshares considered associations too?

00:43 Who is Jason Gamel and what is ARDA?

04:01 How do timeshare boards manage seasonal owners?

07:10 What role do major hospitality brands play in timeshare resorts?

11:17 How is governance different between fixed weeks and points systems?

15:18 What challenges come with fractional ownership boards?

18:55 How do hospitality and owner expectations add pressure?

22:35 Ad Break - FiPhO Score

23:39 Why do managers act as coaches to timeshare boards?

26:32 How does board diversity improve resort decisions?

31:23 How did the Champlain Towers collapse affect timeshare governance?

36:39 What legislative differences exist between HOAs and timeshares?

38:26 Final thoughts on timeshares as “cousins” of 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.

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

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

What makes an HOA board truly great? Learn top traits, pitfalls to avoid, and how boards build credibility, trust, and community spirit!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week we take a close look at what separates great HOA boards from the rest. Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund highlight the qualities that build strong, trustworthy leadership: clear communication, professionalism, credibility, and integrity. They also outline common missteps boards should avoid, how vision and mission statements guide decisions, why relying on experts matters, and how to keep meetings focused and productive!

Chapters:

00:00 What makes a board credible and professional?

01:33 How can communication make or break an HOA board?

04:23 What are the bottom traits of bad boards?

07:02 Why must boards speak with one voice?

11:34 How can boards rebuild credibility once it’s lost?

14:05 Do associations have natural personalities?

17:47 Why are vision and mission statements essential?

21:48 How do board goals unify homeowners?

23:54 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services

24:42 How can meetings stay focused and effective?

27:30 Why should boards rely on experts and vendors?

30:44 Why is cheap often the most expensive mistake?

33:41 How do boards avoid “weeds” and distractions?

36:25 What inspires people to serve on boards?

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

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

Can your HOA qualify for a loan? Learn why your reserve study is key to financing projects and securing better loan terms.

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA boards often wonder: Can our association qualify for a loan? This Week, Robert Nordlund talks with lending expert Walter Block about how lenders evaluate HOAs. Learn why reserve studies play a huge role in approval, what factors like delinquencies and occupancy mean, and how projects and repayment terms are structured. Water also goes over roof replacements, emergency repairs, and how how to secure financing and keep your community on track!

Get in Contact with Walter: walter.block@bancofcal.com

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 Why do HOAs sometimes need loans even with reserves?
00:39 Intro to Walter Block
03:44 What minimum size must an HOA have to qualify for a loan?
05:33 How do delinquencies and owner occupancy affect approval?
07:15 Why does the reserve study matter so much to lenders?
09:07 How are projects and loan amounts structured for HOAs?
12:26 What are typical HOA loan terms and interest rates?
14:34 Can HOAs borrow for projects not in their reserve study?
18:21 AD Break - Community Financials
18:53 How quickly can an HOA qualify and get loan approval?
21:24 What surprises can derail a loan during projects?
23:36 How are loans repaid—dues, special assessments, or both?
24:47 Why should associations use a separate account for loan funds?
27:13 How did disasters like Champlain Towers affect lending?
30:24 Why is owning real estate always expensive for HOAs?
32:40 What’s the final takeaway on HOA loans and reserve studies?

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

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election