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What really happens when an HOA board is recalled? Hear Helen’s story and the lessons every board member should know.

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

What happens when an HOA board is recalled? In this HOA Board Heroes episode, we hear Helen’s real story about a recall the price of doing the right thing. Helen, a former board member, shared her experience dealing with the 2020 balcony inspection law. The association faced significant repairs, with initial cost estimates reaching millions. Despite the board's efforts to secure financing and a loan, homeowners resisted, leading to a recall election.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The HOA Problem That Grew and Grew…

00:52 Intro to Board Hero Helen

02:11 What law triggered the conflict in this HOA?

04:15 Why did the HOA face pushback over balcony inspections?

06:20 What is a Master Repair Plan and why was it controversial?

08:04 How did the recall campaign begin and gain traction?

10:25 What was Helen’s experience dealing with the opposition group?

12:30 How did communication (or lack of it) fuel the fire?

15:10 Why did board members start resigning?

17:00 How did the association handle financing and reserve planning?

19:15 What was the turning point in the board’s support and leadership?

22:08 What lessons did Helen learn from the recall experience?

24:52 How can other boards prepare for similar challenges?

27:35 What does it really mean to serve your community on an HOA board?

30:45 What advice does Helen offer to future 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.

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Julie Adamen
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Yes, really, there’s finally good news about HOA insurance! Robert and Kevin unpack it in this week’s episode.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

You read that right, there’s finally some good news about HOA insurance! In this episode, Robert and guest Kevin from share recent developments that might positively impact your HOA’s coverage options. They break down what’s shifting in the insurance market, how boards can take advantage, and what this means for your next renewal. It’s not all doom and gloom (Really)!

Chapters:

00:00 What’s Happening With Insurance Claims Right Now?

02:10 Why Kevin Thinks There’s “Good News” in Insurance

04:00 How Quiet Disaster Seasons Affect Premiums

05:35 Are Lower Losses Creating Insurance Stability?

07:10 Why You Should Still Expect Premium Increases

08:30 What Role Does Risk Management Play?

10:20 What Reinsurers Are Really Worried About

12:10 Why HOA Loss History Impacts Rates So Much

14:00 What Boards Need to Understand About Deductibles

16:00 What Does “Capacity” Mean in the Insurance World?

18:00 Will Insurance Rates Ever Go Down Again?

20:15 Why Preventive Maintenance Is a Powerful Tool

22:30 Can One HOA’s Loss Affect Everyone’s Premiums?

24:10 How to Have a Realistic View of Insurance Expectations

26:00 How Much Control Do HOA Boards Really Have?

28:00 What Homeowners Often Get Wrong About Coverage

30:15 Final Thoughts: Staying Proactive and Prepared

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 your HOA board financials helping or hurting your community? Learn how to read the numbers that truly matter with expert tips!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA board financials aren’t just spreadsheets you go over once a year, they’re your roadmap to transparency and trust. Russell Munz of Community Financials joins us and explains what every board member needs to know: how to read your reports, spot red flags, and communicate assessment increases with confidence. From delinquency reports to bank reconciliations, find out how accurate financials build homeowner trust and keep your board on track!

Chapters:

00:00 Why do HOA board members need to understand financials?

02:02 What role does financial transparency play in community trust?

04:10 What should you look for in a balance sheet?

06:15 How can income and expense reports reveal red flags?

08:34 What does the delinquency report tell you about cash flow?

10:40 What happens when HOAs don’t receive timely financials?

13:00 Why should boards use accrual accounting over cash?

14:51 How often should boards review financials?

16:26 What makes a solid collection policy legally sound?

19:05 How do automated systems improve financial clarity?

23:25 What should homeowners ask when reviewing financials?

26:10 How can boards better explain budget increases?

29:00 Why do some homeowners feel left in the dark?

31:42 How do reserve studies connect to financial wellness?

34:18 What’s the board’s responsibility when money is mismanaged?

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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Board Hero Nominations

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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Find out how to manage stress, avoid burnout, and keep your HOA board experience rewarding and sustainable!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Serving on an HOA board is rewarding, but let’s face it, it can be EXTREMELY stressful. In this episode Robert and Julie examine how you can manage stress, avoid burnout, and stay engaged as a board member. Learn to distinguish urgent from important tasks, how to prioritize effectively, and the value of delegation. Plus, see why strong communication strategies and personal time are key to long-term success!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why is serving on an HOA board so stressful?

01:22 How does “always being on” drain board members emotionally?

03:15 What’s the difference between urgent and important tasks?

05:40 How can new board members manage overwhelming to-do lists?

08:20 What role does triage play in reducing board stress?

10:41 How can community managers help board members prioritize?

13:09 Why is delegation essential for preventing burnout?

15:30 How do board members manage community expectations?

18:02 How can strong communication strategies defuse stress?

20:40 Why do so many board members leave before their term ends?

23:12 How do self-care and personal time keep board members effective?

25:36 What are some creative ways to manage stress on the board?

30:02 Why is having a “North Star” so important for board success?

32:15 Final thoughts on managing stress while serving your community

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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What can years of experience on an HOA board teach you? Learn the long-term lessons behind great governance and thriving communities.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week on the show we have HOA Board Hero guest Jan Newcomb, a dedicated homeowner who’s served her HOA board for a number of years. From budget battles to community culture, she shares what it really takes to build long-term success.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

01:01 Who is Jan Newcomb and why is she a board hero?
03:20 How did Jan get started serving on her HOA board?
05:18 What has Jan learned from serving on and off for 39 years?
07:06 How do homeowner dynamics affect long-term board service?
09:11 What are the top challenges board members consistently face?
11:29 How can board members educate themselves on key topics?
13:40 Why is maintenance planning critical for community trust?
16:02 How do rental properties change HOA board priorities?
18:55 What’s the balance between emotional input and logical decisions?
20:40 Ad Break - Association Reserves
21:10 How do good boards prevent financial struggles and assessments?
23:27 What role does a sense of duty play in long-term service?
25:48 How can boards improve communication with their homeowners?
28:02 What motivates someone to return to the board again and again?
30:20 What advice does Jan have for future board heroes?

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

HOA Insurance is skyrocketing. Learn how tariffs, wildfires, and lawsuits are pushing your premiums higher than ever.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Why is HOA insurance getting so expensive? Robert and Kevin break down the 3 biggest reasons: wildfires, tariffs, and jaw-dropping liability verdicts. With rebuilding costs spiking and global supply chain issues driven by tariffs, your HOA is likely to feel the squeeze. Kevin explains why rates are rising and how boards can respond. Our goal is to make sure YOU don’t get blindsided. understand what’s driving HOA insurance hikes and what you can do to prepare!

Chapters From This Episode:
00:00 What happened in the LA wildfire that shocked the insurance industry?
01:24 Why are HOA insurance rates becoming unsustainable?
03:39 What does "stability" in the insurance market actually mean right now?
05:08 How are tariffs and global supply chains driving up rebuilding costs?
07:36 Why are insurers panicking over 2025 first-quarter losses?
09:19 How are insurance premiums affected by unpredictable material prices?
11:24 What are “thermonuclear verdicts” and why do they scare insurers?
13:00 Why are HOA liability claims now potentially in the billions?
17:22 Are boards prepared to raise dues again for insurance costs?
22:50 What’s the 4-step process for navigating rising insurance costs?
27:32 Why does deferred maintenance open your association up to lawsuits?
31:08 How important is clear communication with homeowners right now?
33:04 Final takeaway: Why “maintain, maintain, maintain” is the new HOA mantra

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

Attorney Rob Webb gets down to the hard truths of HOA leadership. Are you ready to hear them?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you ready to face the hard truths of HOA leadership? In this episode, Attorney Rob Webb and Robert break down the key challenges board members face, from familiarity blindness to zombie resorts. Learn how to navigate boardroom politics, build real trust, and lead your association with integrity. This is the unfiltered truth about what it takes to serve your community right!

Get in contact with Rob Webb: bakerlaw.com

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 How Does Trust Impact HOA Leadership?
00:30 Why Familiarity Blindness Hurts Board Decision-Making
04:46 Why Do Short-Term Board Members Struggle?
07:08 How Do HOA Politics Affect Decision-Making?
08:44 What Can We Learn from Condo Deconversions?
11:20 How Should Boards Think About Different Perspectives?
14:10 What Are Zombie Resorts and Why Are They Dangerous?
15:46 Why Is "Trust But Verify" Critical in HOA Leadership
18:08 How Should HOAs Manage Service Providers and Vendors?
21:22 How Can Better Communication Lower Boardroom Tension?
22:51 Why Is It So Hard to Find Great HOA Board Members?
25:42 What Are the True Costs of Poor Leadership?
28:07 How Do Different Perspectives Create Stronger HOAs?
30:01 What Should HOAs Consider About Termination?
31:26 Where Can You Reach Out to Rob Webb for More Insights?

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 HOA boards can navigate priorities, politics, and community differences with better communication and proactive decision-making.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Navigating the complexities of HOA board management requires balancing priorities, understanding community differences, and communicating clearly. In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss how boards can overcome political divides, bridge cultural differences, and set priorities that reflect the needs of their communities. Julie explains why proactive communication, clear goals, and community events are key to reducing conflict and building trust!

Chapters:

00:00 How do community priorities shape HOA board decisions?

01:24 Why is enforcing rules for the sake of it a mistake?

03:10 Can cultural differences create tension in HOAs?

04:40 How do newcomers' expectations clash with established HOA norms?

06:22 Why is communicating board priorities so important?

08:14 What happens when boards fail to share their long-term goals?

09:47 How do property values depend on clear communication and priorities?

11:33 Why do homeowners sometimes feel left out of decision-making?

17:22 How can setting clear priorities reduce community conflicts?

19:08 What are the dangers of keeping assessments low without reserve planning?

21:30 Why is it risky for boards to ignore long-term maintenance?

23:00 Ad Break - Community Financials

25:01 What role does cultural diversity play in HOA expectations?

32:14 How can board members manage cultural clashes with grace?

35:11 Final thoughts on communication, community unity, and peaceful management

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...