The Uncommon Area

Action Property Management

The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.

  1. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    For Better or For Worse: The AI Revolution | Ep. 103 Condensed

    Is AI changing business for better or for worse? In this condensed edition of Episode 103 of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with Chris Lema and Brad Perry to explore the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of business. Covering the first 15 minutes of their conversation, this shorter edition explores how quickly AI is advancing, the opportunities it's creating, and the questions businesses should be asking as technology continues to reshape the way we work. Is AI opening the door to new possibilities, or are we overlooking some of the risks that come with it? 🎧 Want to hear more? Watch the full episode, "For Better or For Worse: The AI Revolution | Ep. 103," on our YouTube channel, or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to The Uncommon Area for more conversations about technology, leadership, business, and the future of community management. #TheUncommonArea #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BusinessInnovation #Podcast

  2. Oct 20

    For Better or For Worse: The AI Revolution | Ep. 103

    AI is making it easier than ever to analyze data, automate work, and even build custom software. But easier doesn't always mean better, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. Matthew Holbrook welcomes Chris Lema, CEO of Motivation Code, and Brad Perry, CIO of Action Property Management, for a conversation about what the AI revolution actually means for businesses and the customers who depend on them. They explore why industry expertise still matters when building with AI, how companies can turn their data into something useful, and what customers should look for when evaluating AI-powered services. Chris also shares why a surprisingly positive experience with his own HOA changed his perspective on what great service can look like. The discussion ultimately raises a question for every service business: When AI gives your employees more time, what will you do with it? Listen to The Uncommon Area for a practical look at the opportunities, risks, and decisions shaping the future of AI in business. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Chapters 00:00 – Why most people shouldn't build software with AI 00:54 – Introducing Chris Lema and Brad Perry 03:28 – The evolution of AI and the rise of AI agents 05:11 – How the AI revolution compares to the early internet 12:23 – What will differentiate companies in an AI-driven world? 18:50 – Why owning and understanding your data matters 24:28 – Making data accessible to the right people 29:37 – The importance of context and accuracy in AI 37:25 – AI, business judgment, and the economics of service 41:53 – Should companies build their own software with AI? 47:30 – How AI is changing software development 53:25 – The hidden risks of AI-generated software 1:02:19 – Turning AI prototypes into enterprise applications 1:07:31 – Connecting business systems with APIs and AI agents 1:12:43 – Chris Lema's HOA experience and the value of great service 1:17:01 – Using AI to create more meaningful human interactions 1:18:41 – Closing thoughts

    For Better or For Worse: The AI Revolution | Ep. 103

  3. Oct 6

    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Rules Every Condo Board Must Know | Ep. 102

    Can a homeowner with a perfect credit score still lose their mortgage? Yes, if their condominium association does not meet Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, HOA attorney Clint Brown joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender letter that is reshaping condominium loan approvals nationwide. Clint explains why the limited review process is gone, why every condo loan application now goes through a full review, and what HOA boards and community association managers must do to stay compliant. Topics covered include the shift from actual cash value to 100% replacement cost insurance coverage, the $50,000 per unit insurance deductible cap, the 36 month reserve study requirement, what it actually means for an association to be fully funded, and the increase in required reserve contributions from 10% to 15% of annual assessment income. Whether you serve on an HOA board, manage condominium associations, or are a condo owner preparing to sell, this episode gives you a practical compliance roadmap to avoid loan denials and protect your community's fair market value. 0:00 Introduction: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Condo Guidelines 1:29 Why HOA Boards Should Care About Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 3:19 The Cost of a Denied Condo Loan 4:16 The March Lender Letter Ends the Limited Review 7:52 Three Compliance Criteria Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Changed 8:46 Condo Insurance Requirements: Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value 12:03 Reserve Study Requirements and What Fully Funded Means 15:59 Reserve Contribution Rules: 10% to 15% of Assessment Income 18:22 Does the HOA Blacklist Still Exist? 21:19 What to Do When a Condo Loan Is Denied 22:28 Accurate Reporting and Fraud Risk for HOA Boards 24:27 Closing Thoughts Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Rules Every Condo Board Must Know | Ep. 102

  4. Sep 29

    HOA Reserve Funding: Is 70% a Myth? | Ep. 101

    Is 70% funded really the gold standard for HOA reserves? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Andrew Stoutenburg of Reserve Advisors to take a closer look at what percent funded actually measures, where it falls short, and why many well-run communities never climb above 30% funded. As Andrew puts it, the goal is having the right money at the right time. Matthew and Andrew cover why even brand-new communities need a reserve study, how percent funded is calculated, and what it really means to be adequately funded. Andrew also breaks down the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac move from 10% to 15% of condo assessments going to reserves, the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 reserve studies, and how boards should handle repairs, upgrades and aging systems like plumbing. In this episode: - Why reserves matter from day one - How percent funded works and where it can mislead - Reserve rules in Texas and California - New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo requirements - The three levels of reserve studies - Repairs vs. replacements vs. upgrades - The five or six assets that drive your reserve funding Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Uncommon Area 00:24 Why every association needs a reserve study 01:11 New communities and owners who plan to move 04:16 What percent funded means 08:30 Where percent funded falls short 09:56 What "safe" and adequately funded really mean 12:29 Baseline threshold and full funding plans 18:07 Reserve rules in Texas and California 18:55 New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo requirements 22:49 When lenders expect a reserve study 25:29 Level 1 reserve studies 27:01 Level 2 updates with a site visit 29:05 Assets that were never reserved for 31:19 Why maintenance records matter 33:32 Major repairs vs operating expenses 39:01 Upgrades vs capital improvements 43:31 The 30 to 40 year funding horizon 45:21 Focus on your five or six biggest assets 48:10 Level 3 updates without a site visit 50:17 Portfolio managers and reserve study data 53:46 Closing thoughts More on Andrew at Reserve Advisors: https://www.reserveadvisors.com/who-we-are/our-team/andrew-stoutenburg-pe-rs/ Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

    HOA Reserve Funding: Is 70% a Myth? | Ep. 101

  5. Sep 15

    Do HOAs Still Need to Comply with the Corporate Transparency Act? | Ep. 100

    What does the Corporate Transparency Act mean for HOA and condominium association boards? In Episode 100 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Phoebe Neseth, Vice President of Government Relations for Community Associations Institute, to discuss the Corporate Transparency Act and the important updates surrounding its application to community associations. The conversation explores why the CTA raised concerns for volunteer HOA board members, including personal information requirements, ongoing administrative responsibilities, potential penalties, and the possibility that federal compliance requirements could make it even harder to encourage homeowners to serve on their boards. Phoebe also explains CAI's advocacy efforts, including work with Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department, and federal litigation. She shares the current regulatory status discussed in this episode, pending legislation, and why community association leaders should continue paying attention to this issue. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 01:03 Introducing Phoebe Neseth and the Corporate Transparency Act 01:52 What is the Corporate Transparency Act? 02:20 What beneficial ownership reporting requires 03:17 What is FinCEN? 04:08 Why the Corporate Transparency Act affects HOAs 04:48 Why homeowners associations were included 05:29 Why CAI opposed applying the CTA to community associations 06:28 How HOA boards differ from corporate boards 07:28 Privacy concerns and administrative requirements 08:20 Why the CTA could make volunteer recruitment harder 09:47 CAI's three-pronged approach 10:13 Working with Congress on an exemption 11:02 Meeting with the U.S. Treasury Department 11:30 Filing a federal lawsuit 12:47 The Treasury Department pauses CTA filing requirements 13:35 The major update for HOAs and U.S. corporations 14:28 Is the Corporate Transparency Act still law? 15:11 H.R. 425 and Senate Bill 100 16:00 Why CAI supports repeal legislation 17:21 Why this update matters for HOA board members 18:33 What community associations should watch next 20:14 Final thoughts and advocacy update

    Do HOAs Still Need to Comply with the Corporate Transparency Act? | Ep. 100

  6. Sep 1

    HOA Budgeting Basics | The Uncommon Area Ep. 99

    Most HOA boards read the budget every month. Almost none read the balance sheet, and that is where financial trouble actually shows up first. Host Matthew Holbrook talks with Stacie Donnelly, CFO of Condominium Financial Management, and Bob Spillar, a longtime HOA board member and California Legislative Action Committee member, about what to check on a balance sheet before approving next year's budget, including unfunded reserves, prepaid insurance, cash basis versus accrual basis budgeting, budget surpluses, reserve funding, California's budget mailing deadline, and how to read an accounts receivable aging report. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 00:00 Cold open and welcome 00:25 Framing the topic: budgeting and financial planning 00:38 The number one red flag: the balance sheet 01:46 Balance sheet 101: what board members should actually look at 03:15 Educating newer board members on financial reporting 05:05 Case study: how a prepaid insurance policy should behave 07:21 Accounts receivable and how to read an aging report 13:10 Cash basis vs. accrual basis budgeting 14:10 Why accrual still matters at year end audit 14:59 Should a surplus reduce next year's assessments 19:58 Common mistakes in reserve funding 22:17 The deferred maintenance analogy 23:21 A real world reserve percentage example 24:28 The five assets that drive most reserve funding 26:10 The most frustrating part of the annual budget process 27:20 Key data points that move next year's budget 28:35 Why timeliness makes or breaks a budget cycle 29:34 California's budget mailing deadline explained 31:11 The cost of missing the deadline: the 20 percent cap 32:53 Advice for an incoming board member 34:22 Where boards make their biggest financial mistakes 35:16 Wrap up and final thoughts

    HOA Budgeting Basics | The Uncommon Area Ep. 99

  7. Aug 18

    Is Your HOA Ready for El Niño? | Ep. 98

    Is your HOA's roofing ready for El Niño? Before the rain arrives, HOA boards and community managers have a window of opportunity to find problems, complete maintenance and prepare their communities for a potentially very wet winter. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook talks with Charles Antis of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing about El Niño, roof leaks, maintenance, inspections, reserves and the decisions boards should be making before the storms arrive. Charles shares the story that shaped his career in roofing, including the first leak he thought he'd successfully solved and the lesson that changed how he approached every roof afterward. He also explains: • Why clogged drainage can cause some of the most expensive leaks • The three areas where most roof leaks occur • How often HOA roofs should be cleaned • Why maintenance can extend the life of a roof • When a targeted repair could make more sense than replacement • Why boards should track their community's leak history • How roofing should factor into reserve studies • When a third-party roofing consultant can be valuable • What boards should understand about total systems warranties • Why now may be the time to prepare for the next rainy season For HOA boards and managers, the message is simple: don't wait for the first leak to tell you there's a problem. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 00:00 Why HOA Roof Maintenance Matters 02:42 Charles Antis: How He Got Into Roofing 04:34 The Roof Leak That Changed Charles Antis' Career 05:53 How Antis Roofing Started Solving Difficult Roof Leaks 09:00 Why Roofing Is About Keeping Families Safe and Dry 15:29 El Niño and California: Why HOAs Should Pay Attention 17:59 How Roofers Predict Weather and Prepare for Rain 19:34 How to Find a Difficult Roof Leak: The Drop of Water Method 22:14 Is California Heading Into a Wet Winter? 23:31 HOA Roof Maintenance: What Boards Should Do Before the Rain 25:09 The #1 Cause of Major HOA Roof Leaks 27:13 The 90/10 Rule: Where Most Roof Leaks Actually Happen 29:34 When Should an HOA Clean Its Roof? 31:44 Why Your HOA Roof Needs Maintenance Like a Car 33:49 Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: How to Extend Roof Life 36:55 HOA Roofing Records: Why Leak History Matters 40:31 Should Your HOA Hire a Third-Party Roofing Consultant? 42:40 Roofing Warranties: What HOA Boards Need to Know 45:02 HOA Reserve Studies: Why Roofing Costs Matter 48:21 Rising Roofing Costs: What HOAs Should Prepare For 50:24 How Two Leaves Caused a Major Condo Roof Leak 52:34 HOA Storm Preparation: Why the Time to Act Is Now

    Is Your HOA Ready for El Niño? | Ep. 98

  8. Aug 4

    What Really Happens at an HOA Board Meeting? | Ep. 97

    In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney John MacDowell of Fiore Racobs & Powers to unpack how HOA board meetings actually work under California law. They cover the difference between executive session and general session, the four categories that belong in executive session (legal matters, personnel, contract formation, and member discipline), and why the intent of the statute matters more than what a board can technically get away with. The conversation moves into notice requirements, agenda specificity, and disclosure obligations after an executive session concludes. In the second half, John and Matthew get practical, covering how to run an orderly meeting, how to manage open forum without letting it take over the agenda, Zoom meeting settings, and how boards can plan ahead for meetings that go sideways. Key Takeaways: - Executive session is for legal matters, personnel, contract formation, and member discipline, not for anything a board finds uncomfortable - Assessment delinquency issues must be discussed in executive session; other member discipline issues should be - Attorney client privilege protects communications about what to tell your attorney, even without the attorney present, but not every conversation held in executive session - Contract formation exists to protect vendor bidding information, not to shield decisions that affect the homeowner experience - Regular board meetings require four days notice; executive session requires two days notice, and both require a posted agenda - Open forum must have a mandatory time limit, and boards should set that expectation early and enforce it consistently - The board president, not the manager, is generally the best person to keep meetings on track Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode? Subscribe to our YouTube channel or go to our page. Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. 01:45 Welcoming attorney John MacDowell 03:29 The two types of board meetings 04:07 The risk of moving hard conversations into executive session 07:28 Civility clauses and codes of conduct for boards 09:44 The four categories that belong in executive session 10:55 Member discipline: delinquency versus rule violations 12:33 When a homeowner can demand a public hearing 13:28 Legal matters and attorney client privilege 19:20 Personnel matters and management company staff 20:34 Contract formation and protecting vendor bids 22:46 Case study: buying new fitness equipment 26:31 Why budget discussions belong in general session 30:20 Notice requirements for board meetings 35:50 Notice and agenda rules for executive session 39:56 Running an orderly meeting: the board president's role 43:26 Open forum: time limits and best practices 50:45 Zoom meeting settings and homeowner visibility 52:59 The most memorable (and dangerous) board meetings

    What Really Happens at an HOA Board Meeting? | Ep. 97
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.

Information

  • Creator
    Action Property Management
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Action Property Management
  • Show Website
    The Uncommon Area

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