HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

Hosts: Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, Julie Adamen

We exist to help all 2 million volunteer HOA Boardmembers nationwide have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions for the future of their community association. Stay with us weekly for actionable insights that minimize stress, avoid catastrophes, and protect property values! Watch On YoutubeShop!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! Support Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

  1. 3d ago

    171 | How Do You Lead an HOA from Chaos to Calm?

    Send us Fan Mail Can an HOA recover from years of chaos? One board member shares the leadership lessons that changed everything. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 171, Robert is joined by a special guest he met at the recent CAI National Conference: Rose Walker. Rose is a former vice president of a 106-unit condominium association who experienced firsthand the challenges of leading a community through uncertainty and change. From navigating aging infrastructure and difficult HOA board decisions to helping restore stability, she shares her journey from chaos to calm! Chapters: 00:00 What does it really take to lead an HOA through chaos? 01:07 How did Rose Walker become an HOA Board member? 04:18 What inspired her to step up and serve? 06:05 How did Hurricane Ian change the community? 08:13 Why did the hurricane expose deeper problems? 10:13 What was it like joining a board already in crisis? 12:56 Why isn't every HOA Board truly a team? 16:22 What challenges had to be solved before the community could recover?18:19 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services 18:48 How did the board begin turning chaos into calm? 20:31 Why do different leadership styles matter? 22:47 How did teamwork finally change the association? 25:00 What victories showed the board was making progress? 26:45 Why should board members protect their own well-being? 29:02 What advice does Rose have for future HOA 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 organization. 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    171 | How Do You Lead an HOA from Chaos to Calm?

  2. Aug 10

    170 | Are Lenders & Insurance Grading Your HOA Board Now?

    Send us Fan Mail Your HOA board may be getting graded, and not just by homeowners. HOA insurance and lenders are paying closer attention than ever. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 170 Robert and Kevin discuss how the landscape for community associations is changing. Decisions that once affected only an HOA's residents are now receiving greater scrutiny from insurance carriers, lenders, and the financial institutions that support community associations. As expectations continue to evolve, HOA boards are facing new challenges and greater accountability for the financial decisions they make. Robert and Kevin explain why this shift matters and how boards can better prepare for an environment where sound governance and financial planning have never been more important! Chapters: 00:00 Why are insurance companies and lenders watching HOA boards? 03:59 Why are HOA expectations changing? 06:28 What are every HOA board's three biggest responsibilities? 10:28 How does communication build homeowner trust? 14:14 What separates an A-rated HOA board from the rest? 17:54 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services 18:22 Why is transparency more important than ever? 21:57 What's creating so much pressure on HOA boards today? 23:55 How can boards rebuild homeowner confidence? 26:24 How can preventive maintenance lower insurance costs? 28:39 What happens when an HOA stops taking care of business? 31:02 How can your HOA board stay ahead of these changes? 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    170 | Are Lenders & Insurance Grading Your HOA Board Now?

  3. Aug 3

    169 | Is there Life After Being Recalled by a Rogue HOA Board?

    Send us Fan Mail One former HOA board member shares her experience of being recalled by a rogue board and what life in her community has looked like since. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 169, Robert is joined once again by returning guest Helen, whom listeners may remember from Episode 112. A former HOA board member in Southern California, Helen shares her firsthand experience of being recalled during a leadership upheaval over budget decisions and what happened after her time on the board came to an unexpected end. Together, Robert and Helen discuss what an HOA recall can mean for both board members and homeowners, the challenges that can arise when leadership changes, and why transparency, communication, and sound financial decision-making are essential to protecting a community's long-term success. Chapters: 00:00 What happened after the HOA board recall? 03:45 Why was the HOA board recalled? 07:17 What happened after the new board took over? 11:33 How do you recover after being recalled from an HOA board? 16:29 Why did the former board members keep attending meetings? 20:15 Ad Break - OurFiPhO.com 20:45 How did the new board change its leadership style? 24:34 What would Helen do differently as an HOA board member? 26:30 What financial responsibilities can't an HOA board avoid? 29:02 How can HOA boards create better continuity? 30:04 Why are homeowner committees so valuable? 32:03 Would Helen ever run for the HOA board again? 34:05 What should every HOA board tell homeowners about money? 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    169 | Is there Life After Being Recalled by a Rogue HOA Board?

  4. Jul 27

    168 | HOA Loans vs Special Assessments: Which Hurts Less?

    Send us Fan Mail HOA loans or special assessments? Discover which option may cost your community less in the long run. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 168, Julie is joined by HOA industry veteran Rolf Crocker to discuss one of the toughest financial decisions community associations face: should an HOA fund major expenses with a special assessment, a loan, or a combination of both? Drawing on Rolf's experience in both community management and HOA lending, he and Julie explore the key factors that help HOA boards make informed financial decisions for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Why do HOAs end up needing loans or special assessments? 01:04 What causes HOA reserve funding shortfalls? 05:06 Should your HOA choose a loan or a special assessment? 07:48 Can an HOA combine loans and special assessments? 09:44 How should boards communicate financial problems? 11:05 What questions will homeowners ask first? 16:37 Ad Break - Community Financials 17:08 How do you prove you've chosen the best financial option? 23:14 How do you prevent another financial crisis? 27:53 Why should boards address funding problems even if they're unpopular? 31:25 What's the biggest lesson for 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. 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    168 | HOA Loans vs Special Assessments: Which Hurts Less?

  5. Jul 20

    167 | Could One Email Bankrupt Your HOA?

    Send us Fan Mail Could your HOA survive a cyberattack? Learn the HOA cybersecurity mistakes that can lead to costly consequences. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 167, Kevin Davis and Sherry Branson tackle one of the fastest-growing risks facing community associations: cybersecurity. As AI, connected devices, and digital platforms become a bigger part of HOA operations, many boards are struggling to keep pace with the technology and the threats that come with it. Learn what every HOA board should know to better protect community data and make more informed technology decisions before a cyber incident becomes a costly mistake! Chapters: 00:00 Could one email bankrupt your HOA? 00:43 Why are HOA boards falling behind on cyber security? 03:04 Why are cyber criminals targeting HOA communities? 05:04 How do phishing emails and social engineering scams work? 07:39 How can your HOA stop a phishing attack before it starts? 08:11 Why has technology become a hidden risk for HOAs? 09:59 What happens when HOA technology suddenly stops working? 12:17 Why does every HOA need a cyber backup plan? 13:49 What is the Internet of Things and why should HOA boards care? 16:44 How can outdated technology expose your HOA to hackers? 19:27 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services 19:55 Why is protecting homeowner data becoming more difficult? 23:53 Why can trusted HOA vendors become cyber security risks? 26:33 Who is responsible after an HOA cyber attack? 28:16 What fiduciary duties do HOA boards have for cyber security? 30:27 Should every HOA carry cyber insurance? 32:15 How can your HOA prepare before a cyber attack happens? 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    167 | Could One Email Bankrupt Your HOA?

  6. Jul 13

    166 | Champlain Towers & How Ignored Repairs Destroy HOAs

    Send us Fan Mail The tragedy of Champlain Towers changed HOAs forever. What lessons should every board member remember today? ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ Episode 166 marks the anniversary of an event that eventually led our host, Robert Nordlund, to start this podcast in the hope of educating board members so that we never experience a tragedy like this again. A reflection on the fifth anniversary of the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South and the lasting impact it has had on the community association industry. A heartbreaking tragedy that claimed 98 lives, largest structural failure, and modern residential tragedy in U.S. history. For HOA board members and community leaders, it became an important reminder of the responsibility associations have regarding maintenance, repairs, and future planning. Robert shares his thoughts on why preparing reserve studies is so important and how proper financial planning helps protect communities. Chapters: 00:00 Why do HOA board decisions impact the future of a community? 01:04 What lessons did HOAs learn from the Champlain Towers tragedy? 03:44 What happened when Champlain Towers South collapsed? 05:37 Why did the Champlain Towers collapse affect the entire HOA industry? 07:06 What caused the Champlain Towers South tragedy? 08:32 Why is deferred maintenance dangerous for HOAs? 10:18 How did Champlain Towers change the way HOA boards think? 11:37 Why do HOA board members need long-term thinking? 13:11 What responsibilities do HOA board members have? 15:11 Why can't HOAs ignore the cost of deterioration? 17:11 Ad Break - Association Reserves 17:42 How can HOA boards prevent another Champlain Towers tragedy? 18:43 How much should HOAs contribute to reserves? 20:14 Why did Fannie Mae change HOA reserve requirements? 22:30 How can transparency help HOA boards make better decisions? 23:33 Why does preventive maintenance save HOAs money? 24:51 How often should an HOA update their reserve study? 27:11 Why is reserve funding like a usage fee for homeowners? 28:10 What resources help HOAs maintain aging buildings? 29:18 Why are inspections important for older HOA communities? 30:48 What is the biggest lesson from Champlain Towers? 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    166 | Champlain Towers & How Ignored Repairs Destroy HOAs

  7. Jul 6

    165 | Make Your HOA a Hard Target for Fraud & Embezzlement

    Send us Fan Mail HOA fraud happens more often than most boards realize. Here's how to make your community a harder target! ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 165, we're joined once again by repeat guest Russell Munz of Community Financials. Serving associations nationwide, Community Financials provides financial management and a variety of remote services to help HOA boards operate more effectively. One of Russell's recent newsletters focused on preventing fraud & embezzlement within HOA boards, and after reading it, we knew it was a message worth sharing with our podcast audience! Chapters: 00:00 What financial red flags should every HOA board notice? 00:44 Why HOA fraud is more common than most boards realize 03:30 Should homeowners have access to HOA financial reports? 05:40 What financial reports should every HOA board review? 07:10 Can finance committees help prevent HOA fraud? 07:48 Why every board member—not just the treasurer—must review finances 09:16 Which financial reports matter most each month? 11:23 How did an HOA lose $11 million to fraud? 13:30 Is HOA fraud caused by bad people or bad systems? 15:04 Why transparency is your best defense against fraud 17:01 How simple mistakes allow fraud to happen 18:43 What three conditions make fraud possible? 19:49 Ad Break - Community Financials 20:20 What internal controls should every HOA implement? 22:48 How can vendor oversight prevent embezzlement? 24:22 What financial reports should boards question every month? 26:29 Why bank statements and reconciliations matter 29:22 What oversight habits catch fraud before it grows? 32:13 Why reserve accounts need the same protection as operating funds 33:00 What final steps make your HOA a hard target for fraud? 35:00 Why "trust but verify" is every board's best policy 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    165 | Make Your HOA a Hard Target for Fraud & Embezzlement

  8. Jun 29

    164 | "Preferred" HOA Vendors May Not Be Your Friend

    Send us Fan Mail Are your HOA vendors truly serving your community or just benefiting from a trusted relationship? Listen to find out the signs that might be costing your association! ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ This week, Robert sits down with Board Hero, Peter Isakovic, a homeowner and board member from Colorado. He serves on the board of the CAI Rocky Mountain Chapter, and came to our attention as the author of a recent article for Common Interest, “Are ‘Preferred’ Contractors Preferred?”. The cautionary article discussed the importance of upholding the standard and integrity of your HOA’s vendors, while creating the best outcome for your community’s health and financial future. HOA Insights continues to set you up for success, ensuring you make the best financial decisions for your community by understanding blind spots that could be costing you money.  Chapters: 00:00 Why homeowner trust matters in HOA leadership 00:52 Introducing Peter Isakovic and the HOA vendor problem 03:41 How Peter got involved with his HOA board 06:21 Why homeowner voices matter in community associations 08:27 Running your HOA like a business 10:00 Why board members need to question vendors 12:25 When a management company relationship goes wrong 14:10 Death by a thousand paper cuts: hidden HOA costs 16:52 The $28,000 front door that raised red flags 18:18 Facing HOA financial reality and homeowner pushback 21:23 The importance of transparency with homeowners 22:48 Sponsor Break - Association Reserves 23:19 Reviewing invoices and finding costly mistakes 25:12 Curiosity, courage, and effective HOA leadership 27:18 Building trust through visibility and communication 28:01 Why proper licensing and insurance matter 29:27 Contract language can make or break your HOA 31:10 Building your own trusted vendor network 34:21 Final lessons for protecting HOA finances 35:41 Closing thoughts and key takeaways 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 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 Stoke Light Video & Marketing The Inspectors of Election

    164 | "Preferred" HOA Vendors May Not Be Your Friend
See All (172)

Trailer

5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

We exist to help all 2 million volunteer HOA Boardmembers nationwide have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions for the future of their community association. Stay with us weekly for actionable insights that minimize stress, avoid catastrophes, and protect property values! Watch On YoutubeShop!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! Support Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election

Information

  • Creator
    Hosts: Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, Julie Adamen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas
  • Show Website
    HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

You Might Also Like