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HOA votes shouldn’t feel like a battle. Here’s how to run them smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

🔎 Learn More About The Inspectors of Election 👉 https://inspectorsofelection.com/

Why should a board put in long hours preparing for HOA votes of any kind and then struggle to support or defend it? There's so many types of elections and ways you can stumble setting up a vote of any kind, whether it's getting quorum or an election of new board members seeking approval for a special assessment, or any one of these different types of voting situations where you need to reach out to your ownership in an official manner. Need to get it done, and get it done in a way that there is no question of the validity the results, so you don't have to do it over again. That’s where our guest Kurtis Peterson from The Inspectors of Election comes in. He’s here to talk everything about elections in your HOA community!

Chapters

00:00 Why do HOA votes become so complicated?
00:51 What types of HOA votes can go wrong?
04:39 Why is election season so busy for associations?
06:33 What kinds of votes require member approval?
07:56 Why is online voting difficult in California?
10:25 Can HOA voting be fully digital today?
11:41 What is a hybrid HOA voting system?
13:57 What are common HOA election mistakes?
15:55 Why do many associations need outside help?
17:25 Are small or large HOAs more at risk for voting issues?
18:47 What makes an HOA vote contentious?
19:05 Ad Break - Association Reserves
20:18 Why use an independent election inspector?
22:22 Why do recalls happen after special assessments?
23:26 How does outsourcing voting reduce risk?
25:51 Why shouldn’t volunteers run HOA elections?
27:17 What role does legislation play in HOA voting?
29:04 Is online voting allowed in every state?
30:49 How early should HOAs prepare for elections?
31:46 What is election by acclimation and how does it work?
33:48 What is the biggest takeaway for HOA 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

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HOA loan approvals aren’t guaranteed. Here’s why more communities are being turned down…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Today, we have two industry professionals, former managers, both with the prestigious pcam credential, and they're both now in the banking industry, Michelle Underwood and Marcy Kravit. We asked them to join us on the show today because we had a situation where one of our clients with a lot of deferred maintenance and almost no money, didn't like the idea of a special assessment, and so they reached out to one of the more prominent Community Association financial institutions, and the deal was they were initially denied, which I understand is more and more common, and after some discussion and clarification and adjustment, they were finally approved. But it wasn't easy or straightforward, and it's a lesson that you need to hear.

Chapters:
00:00 Why are HOA loans getting denied more often?
00:55 What problem are HOAs facing when funding major projects?
03:05 Why do banks reject associations with poor planning?
06:55 Why are reserve studies now critical for loan approval?
08:23 How does deferred maintenance impact loan eligibility?
11:29 What financial documents do banks review first?
14:19 What delinquency levels make HOAs too risky?
15:49 How long does the HOA loan approval process take?
18:25 Why do loans still require special assessments?
20:21 How can insurance costs impact loan decisions?
21:24 Ad Break - OurFiPhO.com
21:55 What are the automatic disqualifications for HOA loans?
25:04 What are typical loan terms for HOAs?
26:50 Why can a loan hurt your association’s marketability?
27:56 Are HOA loans becoming harder to get approved?
29:39 Why do board decisions impact homeowners’ lives directly?
30:42 What should HOAs look for in a lending partner?
33:19 What is the most important takeaway for HOA 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.

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Every HOA board has conflict. The best ones use diversity to make better decisions. Here’s how to turn your board diversity into success…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Today, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund will be addressing a common challenge among board members: seeing the world differently from one another. The question is, will that tear your board apart, or can you use that to have success because of that diversity? And that's a question we'll tackle today!

Chapters

00:00 Why do different perspectives create tension on HOA boards?
00:48 What challenge do new board members bring to existing teams?
03:54 Why should boards avoid expecting the worst from new members?
05:41 How does change impact HOA board dynamics?
07:32 Why do different generations see HOA decisions differently?
08:48 How should new board members approach change responsibly?
10:34 What is political capital and why does it matter?
12:00 Why are HOAs like small governments with real impact?
13:55 What types of diversity affect HOA board decisions?
16:23 How do different strengths improve board performance?
19:21 How do communication and translation challenges affect boards?
20:31 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
21:00 How do you shift from defensiveness to collaboration?
23:46 How do you find common ground on difficult decisions?
25:29 How can boards align on financial decisions like repairs?
27:36 Why does consensus building take time in HOAs?
30:05 How does communication help unify diverse board members?
31:29 What is the best way to build trust on a diverse 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.

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HOA finances suffer when boards delay decisions. Learn the legal and financial risks of inaction.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA finances are at risk when boards avoid making decisions. Kevin Davis and Sherry Branson break down how “no decision” leads to legal exposure, deferred maintenance, and financial strain. Learn how fiduciary responsibility, communication, and proactive leadership help protect your community, maintain property values, and avoid costly mistakes.

Chapters:

00:00 Why does avoiding decisions create bigger HOA problems?
01:45 What does “no decision is a decision” really mean?
03:05 Why are HOA boards often afraid to make decisions?
04:48 Why do financial decisions cause the most indecision?
06:52 What is fiduciary duty and how can boards violate it?
08:15 How does deferred maintenance turn into legal risk?
10:06 Why do boards become defensive instead of proactive?
11:42 How does inconsistent enforcement create liability?
14:28 Why should HOA boards act like a business?
16:01 Ad Break - Community Financials
16:32 What are the three biggest areas affected by indecision?
18:10 How do delays lead to lawsuits and financial loss?
20:27 What makes a decision seem “reckless” to homeowners?
22:12 Why should boards rely on expert advice?
23:39 How does communication reduce conflict with homeowners?
25:29 How do decisions protect long-term property value?
27:18 Why does tone and kindness matter in board leadership?

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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Julie Adamen

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What does a reserve study tell you about your HOA? See how it predicts costs, reserve funding needs, and financial risks.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

A reserve study shows more than numbers. It lays out your HOA’s financial health, future expenses, and risk of special assessments. Learn how to read your HOA reserve study, understand what your percent funded, and how to use it to plan ahead with confidence. Stop guessing and start making smarter decisions for your community association’s future.

CHAPTERS

00:00 What does a reserve study really tell you?
04:30 How much does a reserve study cost for an HOA?
05:27 How long is a reserve study good for?
09:38 How can you trust long-term reserve study estimates?
13:32 Why does an HOA need a reserve study if we cant afford assessments?
15:52 Why should HOAs get a reserve study?
17:38 How to save HOA homeowners money?
19:48 Ad Break - Association Reserves
21:28 What are the three parts of a reserve study?
22:10 What is percent funded and why does it matter for HOAs?
24:55 Is your HOA funding enough in reserves?
27:33 What happens if you ignore your reserve study?
30:10 Who can answer your HOA reserve study questions?
30:32 Who should do your reserve study?

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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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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Most underfunded HOAs stay stuck. This HOA Board Heroes story shows you how to break the cycle!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Struggling with underfunded reserves, deferred maintenance, or the chaos of a self-managed HOA? In this episode, board hero Hal Hovey shares how his association went from $89 in the bank and no reserves to a healthier, professionally run community. Hal and Robert discuss the hidden risks of low dues and self-managed boards, how training and CAI resources can transform a board, communicating with homeowners about increases, projects, and transparency and also practical steps to move from survival mode to long-term stability!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Why do HOA vendors need to understand HOA processes?
00:28 What makes someone a true HOA Board Hero?
00:58 How did deferred maintenance start this leadership journey?
04:20 What was wrong with the HOA’s financial planning?
05:30 How did poor financial oversight impact the community?
06:08 Why do many homeowners avoid board involvement?
07:54 Is lack of training the biggest HOA problem?
09:01 Why don’t board members realize they need training?
10:53 How can HOA boards access training and resources?
13:11 What free expert resources are available to HOAs?
14:51 How do boards begin to professionalize operations?
15:52 When does an HOA crisis force real change?
17:28 Why should HOAs hire experienced industry contractors?
17:55 How long does it take to fix a struggling HOA?
19:43 Ad Break - FiPhO Health Score
20:12 Why do underfunded HOAs struggle nationwide?
22:25 What challenges make serving on an HOA board difficult?
23:20 Why is transparency critical for HOA trust?
25:39 How does communication improve homeowner relationships?
27:03 How do you create unity between boards and homeowners?
28:32 What role does CAI play in supporting HOA leaders?
31:25 What resources can help HOA board members succeed?

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

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Support Our Sponsors

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The Inspectors of Election

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Every HOA Board decision impacts home values and risk. Are you making the right ones?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Kevin and Robert started this podcast in response to the tragic Champlain tower South collapse. They wanted to create another pathway where board members could be encouraged and equipped for the hard work they do, leading their associations into the future. So why take their advice? Why are they doing this? What's in it for you and your association? To make good HOA Board decisions that raise home values & lower risk!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Why Do HOA Board Decisions Matter for Property Values?
00:28 What Is HOA Insights and Why Was This Podcast Created?
00:52 Why Should Board Members Care About Training and Education?
02:10 What Is the Real Goal of HOA Board Leadership?
03:39 What Happens When Boards Make No Decisions at All?
05:15 Why Do Board Members Feel Overwhelmed by Responsibility?
06:25 Why Do HOAs Avoid Raising Assessments When They Should?
08:21 What Does It Mean to “Stumble Forward” as a Board Member?
09:39 What Happens When Rules Are Not Enforced Consistently?
10:22 How Should Boards Handle Difficult or “Nuisance” Members?
11:20 Can Problem Members Become Valuable Contributors?
12:29 What Happens When Boards Delay Maintenance Responsibilities?
14:55 Why Should Boards Avoid Escalating Conflict with Residents?
16:17 Why Do Good Board Members Sometimes Burn Out and Quit?
18:06 What Happens When a Board Member Tries to Control Everything?
20:26 How Can Boards Work Together Instead of Dividing?
21:26 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
21:55 How Do Well-Run HOAs Increase Property Values?
23:31 What Happens When Associations Ignore Small Maintenance Issues?
26:11 What Does “Taking Your Eye Off the Ball” Cost an HOA?
28:36 How Do Small Daily Decisions Impact Long-Term HOA Success?
31:02 How Do Consistent Good Decisions Build Strong Communities?
32:41 What Final Advice Helps HOA 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

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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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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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

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

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Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election