Got code violations in your HOA? You’re not alone. And that’s a good thing.

In today’s episode, we talk to covenant control attorney, David Graf, on why HOA enforcement is a necessary evil to maintain property value and thriving communities. We also explore the love-hate relationship between homeowners, boards, and HOA compliance.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Challenges and misconceptions in HOA management

(06:27) The importance of community standards

(28:04) The power of responsibility in HOA leadership

(28:55) Building credibility and transparency

(34:16) Effective covenant enforcement

(38:25) Handling homeowner concerns with empathy

(50:32) Neighbor-to-neighbor tip

Connect with our guest:

David Graf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-graf-7976b08/

Learn more about Moeller Graf: https://www.moellergraf.com/

Connect with me:

Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/

Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/

In this inaugural episode of Hey Neighbor, Denise Haas sits down with Dawn Bauman, Chief Strategy Officer of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Association Research.

Dawn shares why the HOA model is misunderstood, how COVID and shifting social norms are still reshaping neighborhood life in 2025, and what it really means to be a “good neighbor” today. She dives into why enforcement shouldn’t be about fines, how modern board members need to think more like CEOs, and why understanding the financial and emotional cost of community living is key to a healthier future.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) Community challenges in 2025

(02:45) Covenant enforcement issues

(06:11) Economic, social, and environmental shifts post-COVID

(15:38) The origin and value of HOAs

(26:24) A developer's perspective on condominiums vs. apartments

(28:28) Future of community living

(29:39) Neighborly tips

Connect with our guest:

Dawn Bauman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbauman/

Learn more about the Foundation for Community Association Research: https://foundation.caionline.org/

Connect with me:

Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/

Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/

HOA life isn’t just about bylaws and board meetings, it’s about building something real.

Welcome to Hey Neighbor, the podcast for homeowners, board members, and community leaders who want more than just rules. They want connection, clarity, and a community that actually works.

Our mission is to help you unlock the full potential of your neighborhood, whether you’re navigating conflict, leading with purpose, or just trying to figure out what those HOA fees actually cover. If you care about where you live, and who you live next to, this is your space.

Hosted by community expert Denise Haas, Hey Neighbor dives into the real stories and behind-the-scenes truths of HOA life. Each episode, we explore the issues no one talks about but everyone deals with, from neighbor disputes and boardroom drama to financial transparency and shared wins.

Whether you're new to HOA life or a seasoned board member ready for change, this is where real talk meets real solutions - with just enough laughs along the way.

Subscribe now, and let’s build better communities together.