HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

Hosts: Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, Julie Adamen
  • 5.0 (33)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. 18h ago

    174 | Why HOA Elections Feel So Complicated

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to run HOA elections correctly? Go behind the scenes with the professionals who manage them every day. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ 🔎 Learn More About The Inspectors of Election 👉 https://inspectorsofelection.com/ In Episode 174, Robert welcomes back Kurtis & Andrea Peterson of Inspectors of Election. HOA elections have changed dramatically over the years, with more scrutiny, greater skepticism, and a much higher risk of disputes when the process is not handled correctly. Kurtis and Andrea share what goes on behind the scenes at an electronic election support company and how today’s associations can approach elections with greater  transparency and professionalism! Chapters: 00:00 Why have HOA Elections become so complicated? 04:16 What actually goes into administering an HOA election? 05:28 Is there an HOA election season? 07:05 Why can combining multiple HOA votes create problems? 10:35 What happens when someone votes online and by paper? 13:07 Who is actually eligible to cast an HOA ballot? 14:08 Why do associations use an independent inspector of election? 16:03 How does independent election administration protect the board? 17:36 Ad Break - Community Financials 18:08 How did COVID change the HOA election process? 20:39 Why is every HOA election different? 22:25 How can online voting simplify a hybrid election? 25:02 How does an inspector keep HOA Elections fair and accurate? 26:57 How quickly can an HOA receive election results? 28:32 Can online voting help an HOA reach quorum? 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

  2. Aug 31

    173 | Why Wise Counsel Keeps Your HOA Thriving

    Send us Fan Mail What keeps an HOA thriving for the long haul? Wise counsel may be one of the biggest advantages a board can have. ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ In Episode 173, Robert is joined by Don Boswell, a longtime community association volunteer and recipient of CAI’s 2026 Byron Hanke Award. Drawing from more than a decade of experience with the Twin Hickory Association in Virginia, Don talks about what it really means to step up and serve a community well. He shares how his board approaches leadership, why outside expertise matters, and what he’s learned about making decisions that serve the community as a whole. Chapters: 00:00 What can longtime HOA volunteers teach us about leadership?  03:53 What does a well-run 1,500-home community look like?  06:31 How did Don Boswell become an HOA Board member?  07:49 How does a stable board preserve institutional knowledge?  10:01 What creates a strong long-term board culture?  15:41 Why should HOA Boards rely on professional expertise?  17:22 How do volunteers know when to seek wise counsel?  19:04 Ad Break - FiPhO Health Score  20:00 What can law enforcement ethics teach HOA leaders?  24:04 How do you build a community that lasts beyond your term?  26:26 Why does HOA service extend beyond your own community?  28:11 What makes board service rewarding instead of exhausting?  29:00 Why can serving others make HOA leadership meaningful? 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

    173 | Why Wise Counsel Keeps Your HOA Thriving

  3. Aug 24

    172 | Stop the Denial & Save Your HOA!

    Send us Fan Mail Your HOA may already know what needs to be done. The real problem is whether anyone is willing to admit it… ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/ Robert and Julie are back in Episode 172, this time to talk about a challenge that can quietly hold HOAs back: denial! Even when the path forward seems clear, boards and homeowners can struggle to accept what needs to be done. Learn how denial can delay critical decisions, allow problems to grow, and ultimately make difficult situations even harder and more costly to resolve. Chapters: 00:00 Why does authenticity matter on an HOA Board? 00:46 Why can denial stop an HOA from moving forward? 03:36 Where does denial show up in community associations? 05:58 Why is denial such a natural response to hard problems? 08:51 What happens when board members avoid reality? 11:45 Why does authenticity earn homeowner respect? 13:21 What does fiduciary responsibility really require? 16:36 Why is admitting mistakes better than denying them? 18:55 Ad Break - Association Reserves 19:27 How do you turn an HOA around after years of denial? 20:12 What happens when assessments stay artificially low? 21:58 How should boards communicate difficult financial realities? 24:04 Why do “we” and “our” change the conversation? 26:58 How does honesty build trust with homeowners? 27:29 How can board members face problems without burning out? 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

    172 | Stop the Denial & Save Your HOA!

  4. Aug 17

    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?

  5. 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?

  6. 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?

  7. 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?

  8. 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?
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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
    175
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas
  • Show Website
    HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

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