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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@bancofca.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.

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HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren sits down to explains why fairness & listening matter most for effective HOA leadership!

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

HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren shares this week with Julie how fairness, listening, and ethics guide her approach to leadership. Dulce shares how she was tested leading on her HOA Board with tough issues like parking disputes and snow removal. She also explains how living and serving in the same place can lead to tricky situations where board members MUST balance boundaries and community harmony. These attributes allow HOA boards to be built on respect and service for your entire community!

Chapters From This Episode:

00:00 What responsibilities do HOA board members take on?

00:57 Introduction to this week’s HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren

02:15 Why did Dulce say yes to becoming a board member?

03:40 How did communication improve when Dulce set up direct contact with owners?

05:32 How did her nursing background shape her HOA leadership style?

07:29 Why does Dulce emphasize peace, privacy, and respect for homeowners?

09:19 How does her HOA handle rules, documents, and fairness?

10:11 How did she address parking complaints fairly?

12:57 What are some of the toughest issues her HOA faced?

14:47 Ad Break - HOA Invest

15:24 How did switching management companies improve service?

18:13 What professional experiences taught Dulce fairness and boundaries?

21:15 What advice does Dulce give new or potential board members?

25:09 Why should homeowners join their HOA board?

27:02 What happens if no one serves on the board?

27:38 Why does Dulce see board service as an ethical obligation?

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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Lower the temperature at your HOA Board meetings! Kevin Davis shares his mindfulness tools to pause, breathe, and respond with clarity!

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

HOA Board tensions don’t have to run the show. This week Kevin Davis shares that he has special training as a mindfulness facilitator at UCLA. He shares practical ways to slow reactivity and make better decisions. Learn the STOP technique (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed), a short pre-meeting meditation, and simple kindness practices that de-escalate conflict and protect your board culture. Show up present, focused, and calm so your community gets your best!

Show Notes:

Mindfulness is being present on purpose. Our bodies are always in the present—but our minds often drift to:

The past, which can bring worry or regret r r the future, which can trigger anxiety or fear. When we’re grounded in the present, we are less reactive and more responsive—especially in challenging situations.

Mindfulness Tool: The STOP Practice: A simple tool for staying present in moments of uncertainty: S – Stop, T – Take a breath, O – Observe what’s happening (inside and out), P – Proceed with intention. This short pause helps you respond—not react.

Mindfulness for Board Meetings: Begin meetings with a few minutes of breathing. This settles the body and calms the mind—leading to: Better focus, better conversations and more productive meetings.

End the meditation with a moment of kindness, such as silently wishing others: May you be well. May we work with ease and calm.

Podcast Links:
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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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Association Reserves

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The Inspectors of Election

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CAI President Melissa Ramsey shares emotional intelligence tools for calmer HOA boards and healthier communities!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Emotions run hot in HOAs, but they don’t have to run the show. CAI National President Melissa Ramsey joins Robert Nordlund to unpack emotional intelligence for boards and managers. Learn how to pause, set boundaries, depersonalize conflict, align around mission and vision, and prevent burnout with simple daily resets. Practical takeaways for communities of every size, plus a nudge to “spin the good” and share wins across your association.

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa’s company: Mosaic Community Consulting

• If you’re stressed/hurting – address where the hurt is coming from.

• Be true to who you are

• Do what keeps you’re healthy

• Be honest about if you’re not feeling good, and make the necessary adjustments

• At your association – have a guiding Mission (and Values), to keep everyone headed the same direction and minimize distracting and “toxic soup” personal agendas.

• Spin the good news at your association

• Recognize your positive impact, and feel good about it.

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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New Florida HOA laws in 2025 impact reserves, inspections, and budgets! Learn what needs to be done to be in compliance.

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

Major updates are coming for Florida HOAs in 2025! Reserve specialist Will Simons explains House Bill 913, detailing new rules for Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), mandatory milestone inspections, and financial compliance. All these things WILL affect HOAs in Florida through board responsibilities, reserve funding, special assessments, and even property values. You can start proactively planning for your Florida HOA now by listening to this episode!

00:00 What's New in Florida's 2025 HOA Legislation?
04:08 What Prompted House Bill 913?
05:18 How Does HB 913 Change Reserve Study Requirements?
06:42 What Exactly is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)?
09:23 Why Do HOAs Need Both Structural and Non-Structural Reserve Studies?
10:49 How Do Florida's HOA Reserve Funding Rules Work?
14:18 What's the Impact of Underfunded HOAs on Property Values?
16:43 Are All Reserve Components Now Mandatory to Fund?
19:41 Ad Break
20:12 Key Highlights and Changes from House Bill 913
21:50 Has the Dollar Threshold for Reserve Funding Increased?
22:37 Why Did So Many HOAs Delay Reserve Compliance?
24:32 How Will Florida Enforce These New HOA Rules?
26:32 Can Special Assessments Replace Reserve Funding?
27:53 Are Florida HOAs Financially Prepared for New Legislation?
30:35 What Are Milestone Inspections and Who Needs One?
32:32 Final Advice for HOA Boards on Compliance and Preparation

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!
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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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Experienced HOA board members are the key to strong, harmonious communities! Learn from real-life board hero, Lynn Ochberg and her years of experience!

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

What makes an HOA board truly effective? Experience. Lynn Ochberg shares how her extensive background shapes her successful leadership in Florida. She shares with Robert her stories of navigating special assessments and infrastructure repairs to building community unity through open communication. Lynn hopes to pass on her extensive knowledge to other like-minded HOA Board members tuning it!

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 What makes a good HOA board member?

01:01 Introduction to this week’s HOA Board Hero - Lynn Ochberg

04:23 How is Lynn's condo board structured?

05:57 Why is professional management crucial for HOA success?

09:45 What inspired Lynn to become a board member?

11:32 How did Florida legislation change HOA responsibilities after Surfside?

13:24 Is Lynn's board united on important decisions?

14:46 Why is pet policy such a challenging issue for HOAs?

16:49 How do HOA subcommittees help board decision-making?

19:05 Ad Break - FiPhO

19:59 What qualities make someone an excellent board member?

24:22 How did Lynn handle a significant unexpected expense?

30:50 What's Lynn’s proudest accomplishment as a board leader?

32:10 How did Lynn’s board achieve unanimous approval for a major project?

33:59 What's Lynn’s advice for other HOA 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!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

...

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Board member incivility is rising, and it's costing your HOA! Learn how to reduce insurance claims & protect your community!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

You might have noticed, but lately Incivility is rising in community associations. This, in turn, is leading to more liability claims with higher premiums and denied insurance coverage. Robert Nordlund and Kevin Davis join us this week to break down how board member behavior impacts the financial stability of HOAs. From increased anxiety after COVID to growing legal settlements, they explain how simple steps like rule enforcement, communication, and confidence can make a real difference.

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 What role do insurance companies play in HOA board performance?

01:08 Why are insurance companies pushing board members to do their jobs?

02:55 How has incivility among HOAs increased since the pandemic?

05:36 What are the consequences of board members acting from fear?

08:50 How does rule enforcement impact insurance and community stability?

12:10 What is social inflation and how does it affect liability claims?

16:42 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services

17:16 What are some real-world examples of expensive HOA claims?

18:30 How can board members avoid high deductibles and rejected claims?

21:44 How does better communication lower the risk of insurance claims?

25:00 Why should HOA boards treat their roles like a business?

28:16 What strategies can help reduce future insurance costs?

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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

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Does Self Managing an HOA take a toll on you? HOA Assist is here to help struggling board members!

✅ Learn More About HOA Assist! 👉 https://www.hoa-assist.com/

HOA Assist helps self-managed associations reduce board burnout, improve continuity, and save money without switching to full-service management. In this episode, Robert speaks with Mitch Gassen about how their hybrid solution empowers volunteer boards to lead without the overwhelm!

Chapters From Today:

00:00 Should HOA Board Members be Compensated?
00:33 Introduction to Mitch Gassen of HOA Assist
03:02 How to get HOA Board Member Candidates on a Self-Running Association?
06:47 Why is burnout so common in volunteer HOA boards?
09:06 What are the real responsibilities of board members?
12:07 How can HOAs balance rule enforcement with community?
14:22 What do new homeowners often misunderstand about HOAs?
17:18 What does HOA Assist offer and where do they work?
19:33 Ad Break - Community Financials
20:25 Who benefits most from HOA Assist’s services?
21:18 What’s Mitch Gassen’s background in HOA management?
22:26 Why are so many associations still self-managed?
24:35 What are the three pillars of HOA Assist's services?
27:13 How does HOA Assist ensure continuity and consistency?
28:47 What kind of cost savings can HOAs expect?
30:29 When is HOA Assist a better choice than full service?
34:27 How can boards reach out and get started with HOA Assist?

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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

...