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CAI just released free HOA Board Member Training that could change how your board leads. Learn more!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

We’re here today for episode 149 to share news about a new free course from CAI, the National Community Associations Institute. If you're not familiar with it, they're a trade organization. It's called Community Association Living and in their words, it's meant to be an accessible introduction for anyone wanting to know more about living in a community association. This can range from seasoned board members looking for more formal knowledge, which is you our audience, to homeowners thinking about volunteering, and this is your pipeline of new board members, all the way to folks thinking about buying in a community association for the first time. So today, we have two staff members from CAI to help describe and promote this course. Alden Michaels is the instructional design manager at CAI & Sean Coffers is their director of learning, and is relatively new after joining the CAI team in September of 2025 he's currently developing a variety of new educational programming for CAI membership, like this new course!

Chapters

00:00 What Is the Free HOA Board Member Training From CAI?
00:42 What Is the Community Association Living Course?
03:57 Who Is the Free CAI Course Designed For?
05:06 Why Do Many Homeowners Not Understand HOAs?
06:27 Is the CAI HOA Course Really Free and Accessible?
06:58 What Does the Online HOA Training Course Look Like?
07:49 How Is the Course Structured for Learning?
09:08 Why Did CAI Create This HOA Training Program?
10:19 Why Are Educated HOA Volunteers So Important?
11:50 What Makes This Course a Good Foundation for New Board Members?
13:19 What Training Comes After the Intro Course?
14:15 How Does CAI Train Community Managers?
15:39 What Is the Board Leader Certificate Program?
16:42 How Do People End Up Serving on HOA Boards?
17:26 How Long Does the HOA Training Course Take?
18:36 Why Should Homeowners Learn HOA Basics?
20:32 What Topics Does the Course Cover About Community Living?
21:08 Why Is Civility Important in HOA Communities?
21:30 Ad Break - Association Reserves
22:02 Do You Get a Certificate After Completi

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Can your HOA save money without cutting corners? Here’s what smart boards are doing right now…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This episode was inspired by Jeff from Lake Tahoe, who wrote in: “money is always tight at our association. What can we do to limit our assessment increases?” Well, that's a hard one. Jeff, I don't think we have the power to stop inflation, but indeed, it's questions like this that made me think that we need Russell back on the program. Russell Munz of community financials, one of our podcast sponsors, Community Financials, provides condo and HOA accounting and other remote services. So he's our go to guy for financial tips for our HOA Insights program here. Now, to be clear, Russell and I don't have a magic wand, and we don't believe you save money by simply not spending owning and maintaining real estate is expensive, so today's program will be Russell explaining, from his vast experience, how to take good care of your associations, physical and financial well being without making mistakes that end up costing you extra money!

Chapters

00:00 Why Poor Collections Can Hurt Your HOA’s Financial Health
00:44 What Are Smart Ways to Save Money at Your HOA?
03:59 Why Are Homeowners Feeling Financial Pressure Right Now?
05:38 How Do HOA Fees Impact Property Values?
08:22 Why Is Collecting Dues So Critical to Your Budget?
12:15 How Can Delinquencies Prevent Loan Approval?
14:10 Why Must Boards Review Financial Reports Monthly?
17:53 Why Fixing Problems Right the First Time Saves Money
20:46 Ad Break - Association Reserves
21:17 Why does pressures create poor decisions for reserves?
23:33 Why Reserve Funding Is Not Optional
25:17 How Are Insurance Costs Impacting HOAs?
27:52 What Insurance “Recommendations” Should Boards Take Seriously?
30:00 How Do You Ensure Vendors Deliver What You Pay For?
33:25 What Fraud Prevention Controls Should Every HOA Have?
35:50 What Final Steps Help Reduce Financial Pressure on Homeowners?

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 a

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How did one HOA Board Hero win support for a 20% dues hike without backlash? Here’s what they did right…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Association Reserves finished a reserve study for a 66‑unit townhome association in Las Cruces, New Mexico, earlier this year. It was their first engagement with this property, and they ended up recommending a significant increase in the association's reserve funding and a special assessment. That’s not unusual for a first-time client. Then they received a long email from the secretary of the board, Tim Long. In his email, Tim described how the reserve study got their attention, how they engaged the homeowners with this news, made some adjustments to customize the reserve plan, and then pitched the increase to their association at their annual meeting. Listen to this: at that annual meeting, the board passed the plan to increase assessments, and the news was greeted with a round of applause. That’s what got Association Reserves' attention, and why host, Robert Nordlund, asked Tim to be on the program today as our HOA Board Hero. What the board did to engage the homeowners, to help them understand the needs of the property, and to show how the board was going to lead them forward with the best interests of the association in mind was nothing short of fantastic.

Chapters:

00:00 What challenges did this HOA face before the reserve study?
00:31 What is a HOA Board Hero and why does it matter?
01:03 How did this board successfully pass a 20% dues increase?
04:07 Why did Tim decide to join the HOA board?
05:37 What sparked the need for a reserve study?
09:04 What was the board’s reaction to the reserve study results?
12:19 How did the board create a plan to move forward?
12:59 Why was community engagement critical to success?
16:23 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
16:54 How did involving homeowners change the outcome?
18:32 Why were small group meetings so effective?
20:44 How did the board validate and adjust the reserve study?
22:21 How did they build a 30-year funding plan?
23:24 How did homeowners help shape the funding strategy?
25:09 How did the board present the 20% dues increase?
27:19 What happened when the board voted on the increase?
28:34 What made

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Great HOA board meetings build trust. Bad ones create frustration, conflict, and doubt. Which does your association have?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Today, we'll be continuing our early 2026 series on top HOA trends that we expect you'll be dealing with this year. In this episode, we'll be addressing rebuilding trust by running HOA Board Meetings that are organized and informative. Good meetings, and the message they give of trustworthy leadership, they don't happen by accident. They're intentional, and we want to arm you to be your best here in 2026 The result is an aura of confidence and transparency and trust, and that's good for every Association!

Chapters:

00:00 Why Is Follow-Up Critical After HOA Board Meetings?
00:44 What Do Homeowners Learn From HOA Board Meetings?
03:52 Why Do Disorganized Meetings Damage Trust?
06:31 Why Is an Agenda Essential for HOA Board Meetings?
07:58 Are HOA Board Meetings a “Production”?
09:08 How Long Should HOA Board Meetings Last?
12:57 Why Must Board Members Come Prepared?
14:37 How Can Committees Improve Decision-Making?
17:25 Why Is Homeowner Open Forum Important?
18:40 Should Boards Respond During Open Forum?
21:00 Why Must Boards Follow Up After Meetings?
23:10 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
23:55 What Is the Chair’s Role in Running Meetings?
26:03 How Should Boards Handle Conflict in Meetings?
28:44 When Should You Hold an Information Meeting Instead?
29:10 How Can Boards Prepare for Major Community Issues?
30:21 How Do Meetings Build Future Board Leadership?
31:23 What Makes a Board Meeting Feel Professional?

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

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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

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Rogue HOA Board Members can expose your association to liability. Learn how boards should respond before damage is done.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

When HOA Board Members act alone, bully others, or ignore proper process, the entire association can be exposed to serious legal and financial risk. In this episode, HOA attorney Tom Ware explains fiduciary duty, agency authority, the business judgment rule, and what boards must do when a rogue director creates liability. Learn how to protect your association, your fellow board members, and yourself.

Get in contact with Tom Ware at: http://kgswlaw.com/

Chapters:

00:00 How Can a Rogue HOA Board Member Create Liability?

00:46 What Is the Difference Between Fiduciary Duty and Agency?

04:06 When Does a Board Member Act Outside Their Authority?

06:01 Why Must Boards Make Decisions as a Group?

08:26 What Authority Can Be Delegated in Emergencies?

10:06 What Is a Director’s Duty of Loyalty and Confidentiality?

12:18 What Can Minority Board Members Safely Say?

14:17 When Does a Strong Personality Become a Bully?

17:32 Why Can’t Board Members Abdicate Responsibility?

19:11 Ad Break - Community Financials

19:42 How Can Third-Party Actions Create Legal Exposure?

23:21 What Happens When Directors Ignore Corporate Formalities?

26:35 Why Must Minority Directors Stand Up to Bullying?

27:30 When Should Boards Involve Legal Counsel?

30:39 How Does Rogue Behavior Impact Property Values?

34:04 Why Doesn’t Insurance Always Protect the Association?

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

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

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The Inspectors of Election

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Cyber scams are quietly draining HOA funds. Learn how to spot fraud, stop phishing, and protect your community before it’s too late!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Cyber scams are one of the fastest-growing threats facing HOAs today. From fake invoices to AI-powered voice fraud, boards and managers are being targeted like never before. Kevin and Julie break down how cyber scams happen, why insurance often doesn’t cover losses, and what your HOA must do now to protect its money, data, and fiduciary duty!

Chapters:

00:00 What Happens When an HOA Loses Money to Cyber Scams?

00:53 Why Are HOAs Becoming Cyber Crime Targets?

03:35 What Does Cyber Risk Really Mean for Associations?

04:50 Why Do Hackers Target HOA Money and Data?

06:03 How Do Fake Invoices and Phishing Emails Work?

07:54 Why Do Smart People Still Fall for Scams?

10:12 Does Insurance Cover Social Engineering Fraud?

14:21 How Is AI Being Used for Voice and Video Scams?

16:25 Can AI Create New Legal and Fiduciary Risks?

17:37 Ad Break - Association Reserves

18:09 How Do Management Company Breaches Happen?

19:32 Should Boards Ask About Cyber Coverage in Contracts?

22:52 Why Do HOAs Need Their Own Cyber Insurance?

25:13 How Fast Is Technology Outpacing Protection?

27:09 What Are the Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes Boards Make?

29:22 How Can HOAs Protect Themselves Starting Today?

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

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

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The Inspectors of Election

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Great HOA Boards don’t happen by accident. Learn how education and persistence protect association communities from costly mistakes!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Strong HOAs are built by board members who are willing to learn, ask questions, and stay persistent even when decisions are difficult. In this Board Heroes episode, Robert Nordlund interviews Candice Scanlon about how education, training, and steady leadership helped her association navigate insurance risks, deferred maintenance, major repairs, and financial challenges. Learn why informed boards make safer choices, how persistence prevents disasters, and how everyday volunteers quietly protect their communities!

Chapters:

00:00 Why does education matter for HOA board members?
00:31 What makes someone a true HOA Board Hero?
01:01 How did Candice first get involved in HOA leadership?
04:19 Why did earthquake insurance become her first mission?
06:19 How does research help boards make better decisions?
08:17 What happens when experts give conflicting advice?
09:58 Why does deferred maintenance cost more later?
11:13 How can boards reduce internal friction?
12:06 Why is patience essential for major projects?
14:50 How does persistence change board outcomes?
15:17 How did training reveal hidden electrical dangers?
17:15 Was replacing panels worth the cost?
19:00 How do safety risks affect insurance decisions?
20:37 Ad Break - FiPhO Credit Score
21:08 How do boards communicate major expenses to homeowners?
24:33 Why is transparency critical during special assessments?
25:56 Why should boards see repairs as investments?
27:43 How can homeowners prepare for wildfire and loss?
29:19 Why must boards plan for unexpected repairs?
31:22 How does community outreach strengthen leadership?
33:20 What final advice helps boards succeed long term?

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

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
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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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Board Hero Nominations

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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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HOA incivility can spread fast in your community. Learn when tension becomes toxic and how boards can lead with clarity, kindness, and control!

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

Incivility inside an HOA is more than bad behavior. It’s contagious, corrosive, and can quietly undermine leadership and decision-making. Robert and Kevin explore how disrespect escalates, why tone matters during tough decisions like special assessments, and how board members can reset community culture. Remember: kindness is not weakness!

Chapters:

00:00 Why does incivility feel worse in HOAs than anywhere else?
03:56 What exactly counts as incivility in a community association?
04:56 Why is incivility contagious while nuisance behavior is not?
06:07 How does disrespect lower the emotional temperature of a community?
08:02 Why does kindness change assessment collection and enforcement?
08:45 How does tone shape how homeowners receive bad news?
09:41 Why do special assessments amplify incivility?
11:05 How can boards communicate bad news with compassion?
11:50 Why does leadership tone start inside the board room?
13:43 How does compassion reset HOA culture?
14:38 Why does simply acknowledging concerns calm conflict?
15:47 Why is assuming good intent a leadership skill?
16:59 How does fiduciary duty override personal disagreement?
18:36 Why do professional opinions defuse board conflict?
20:29 What is the communication stop sign and why does it matter?
21:12 When should boards pause meetings to cool things down?
22:40 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
23:09 How do boards proactively set expectations for kindness?
24:36 Why do vision and mission statements influence behavior?
25:55 How does celebrating small wins improve community culture?
26:53 Why does kindness make collaboration possible?
27:42 How can boards make kindness contagious again?
28:10 Why is civility ultimately a choice for leaders?

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 or

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