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Learn from special guest Steve Horvath how to build trust, improve communication, and lead your HOA with strength and transparency!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert Nordlund welcomes longtime homeowner advocate Steve Horvath to share hard-won wisdom from the boardroom. Steve, co-founder of HOA United, unpacks how board members can go beyond the bare minimum and truly advocate for their communities. They explore why open meetings matter, how to ask better questions, and why blind trust in experts can lead to costly mistakes.

Some Key Takeaways for viewers and listeners:

• Advocate, Participate, Escalate

• “Satisficing” – a choice made to accept an imperfect or incomplete outcome, out of expediency

• Trust, but verify

• Seek expert counsel, but don’t just take them at their word

• Don’t be satisfied with achieving minimum standards

• Book: “Privatopia” by Evan McKenzie

• Book: “Decision Making in Communities: Why Groups of Smart People Sometimes Make Bad Decisions” by Jasmine Martirossian"

Learn more about HOA United here

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100 episodes in, we’re sharing the biggest HOA board lessons on civility, communication, and running better communities. Here's what we’ve learned
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What have 100 HOA podcast episodes taught us about building better boards, improving communication, and avoiding legal pitfalls? Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, and Julie Adamen reflect on the most important lessons learned from years of supporting volunteer HOA board members. Learn how to lower the temperature in your community, avoid common HOA lawsuits, and foster stronger connections between boards and residents! And THANK YOU to everyone who has listened for 100 episodes!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why is the HOA industry a never-ending snowball of challenges?

03:47 Why do insurance and reserve experts love these conversations?

04:30 What do board members need most?

05:47 Why is learning from board heroes so inspiring?

16:11 How do personality shifts on a board impact its effectiveness?

17:49 Why does education make the biggest difference for board success?

18:15 How do better-run communities reduce risk and increase peace?

22:54 What happens when boards fail to communicate or take action?

26:00 What does running a board have in common with running a city?

28:37 What do the most popular podcast episodes tell us about board needs?

29:27 How is this podcast different from webinars or typical education?

30:02 Why are HOA issues timeless and why do these episodes still matter?

31:02 Final reflections. What keeps this podcast going strong?

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Struggling with HOA rules? Learn how one board member handled parking chaos, dumpster drama, and real accountability.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA rules are meant to protect the community, but what happens when no one follows them? In this HOA Board Heroes episode, board member Calvin shares how his HOA tackled parking abuse, dumpster dumping, and the tricky line between enforcement and empathy. Learn how strong leadership, documentation, and consistency can restore trust and order (even when state laws fall short).

Chapters from This Episode: 

0:00 What Makes an HOA Board Hero?

01:58 Who Is Calvin, and How Did He Step Up for His Community?

06:30 How Should Boards Handle Parking Abuse, Trash Issues, and Rule-Breakers?

11:05 What Does Fair and Consistent Enforcement Really Look Like?

16:45 Why Is Documentation So Critical in HOA Decision-Making?

19:50 What Happens When Real Estate Agents Don’t Disclose HOA Rules?

23:40 Are State Laws Failing to Support HOAs Effectively?

27:15 How Can Boards Build Accountability Without Losing Their Cool?

32:30 What Are the Key Takeaways for HOA Board Success?

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Learn how to handle complaints before they escalate into HOA lawsuits!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are nuisance complaints creating tension in your HOA? In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund explain how board members can manage complaints fairly and avoid costly HOA lawsuits. Learn why labeling homeowners as “nuisances” is dangerous and how proper documentation, communication, and consistency are key to preventing legal action. From noise disputes to late assessments, discover how to defuse situations before they explode! 

Chapters from This Episode:
00:00 You have to hear “nuisance” complaints in your HOA 
00:57 Intro & Recap on Ep 097 
03:34 Listener Q: What to do With Angry HOA Neighbors?
04:30 Understanding 'Nuisance' Complaints in Community Associations
11:30 When Boards Cross the Line: The Risk of Labeling Owners
17:50 The Financial & Legal Fallout from Poor HOA Communication
22:00 How to Build Trust While Enforcing Rules
25:00 Creating a Culture of Fairness and Transparency
27:00 The Role of Empathy in HOA Leadership
29:30 Using Common Sense to Reduce Conflict

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A shocking survey says 70% of homeowners wouldn’t buy in an HOA again. What’s causing the frustration, and how can boards fix it?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

A new survey reveals that 70% of homeowners regret buying in an HOA, with complaints about high assessments, poor communication, and confusing rules. But is it really that bad, or can HOAs turn things around? Today, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund break down the biggest homeowner frustrations and share real strategies to make HOAs better for everyone. They cover financial transparency, fair rule enforcement, and how AI can improve communication.Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change!

Survey that we quoted

Chapters:

00:00 20% of People Cause 80% of Your Problems
00:35 The Survey That Exposed Homeowner Dissatisfaction
04:29 Why HOA Assessments Feel Too High
07:05 The Real Reason People Complain About HOAs
12:39 How Financial Transparency Can Change Everything
20:14 Can AI Help Fix HOA Communication?
25:40 The Problem With HOA Rule Enforcement
28:22 How HOAs Can Actually Improve Satisfaction

Podcast Links:
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Learn how to invest HOA reserves wisely! Maximize returns, avoid risk, and make smart financial decisions for your community’s future.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Managing HOA reserve funds is more than just setting money aside, it’s about investing wisely to protect your community’s future. In this episode, guest Mark Thatcher & Jessica McConnell from HOA Invest discuss how to maximize reserves, avoid inflation losses, and increase earnings with safe investments. Learn how HOA Invest’s software simplifies tracking bonds, maturities, and FDIC compliance, ensuring boards stay proactive. Plus, discover how a 1% interest increase can reduce future dues by 6-7%! 

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The Best Software for Managing Reserves
00:35 Intro to Episode 96 & Robert’s Question from His Niece
04:29 What Are Fiduciary Responsibilities?
07:05 Challenges in Managing Reserves
12:39 Importance of Compounding Interest
14:44 Impact of Inflation on Reserves
19:37 Ad Break - HOA Invest
20:14 How One Point of Interest Can Make a Big Difference
25:40 Role of Financial Advisors / Triggers for Seeking Professional Help
28:22 Benefits of Using HOA Invest

Podcast Links:
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Carol Laurence shares info on generational HOA leadership on community management, budgeting, and engagement!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What does it take to be a successful HOA board leader? In this episode, Carol Laurence shares her years of experience managing a 75-unit condominium with a $400,000 budget, tackling challenges like miscommunication, rising costs, and homeowner engagement. Learn the essential skills HOA board members need to build strong communities, handle budgeting concerns, and create real impact. 

Chapters From This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to HOA Board Heroes
01:25 Carol Laurence’s Community Service Journey
03:10 Managing a 75-Unit Condominium & Budget Challenges
05:45 The Role of HOA Board Members in Leadership
07:30 Challenges with New Homeowners & Miscommunication
10:15 The Rising Cost of Insurance & Financial Management
12:40 Advice for New HOA Board Members13:34 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
14:55 The Importance of Networking & Community Engagement
17:30 The Federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) & HOA Risks
19:20 Impact of Rising Living Costs on Homeownership
21:05 Encouraging Homeowner Involvement in HOA
23:40 Future HOA Projects & Improvements
26:10 Final Advice for Homeowners & Board Members

Podcast Links:
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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 [email protected]

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Julie Adamen

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Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

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HOA board members, breach of fiduciary duty is the #1 claim against associations. Learn how to protect yourself and your community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Breach of HOA Fiduciary Duty is the #1 legal claim against board members—costing millions in legal fees. In this episode, Kevin Davis & Robert Nordlund explain how HOA boards can stay compliant, protect their association, and avoid costly lawsuits. Learn the four key principles of fiduciary duty: duty of care, loyalty, obedience, and transparency—and how failing to follow them could land your board in legal trouble. Plus, discover why Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance is a must-have for every association.

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 You Lied to Your HOA? 
00:44 Intro to episode, last week recap, and merch store
03:21 Someone Accused You of Breaching Fiduciary Duty… What Do I Do? 
05:15 The #1 Claim Against HOA Boards & How to Avoid It
08:45  Duty of Care: Acting Reasonably & Competently
11:20 Duty of Loyalty: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
13:50 Duty of Obedience: Following HOA Governing Documents
16:30 Duty of Transparency: The Role of Open Communication
19:15 Legal Consequences of Breaching Fiduciary Duty
21:02 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
22:00 How to Protect Yourself: Directors & Officers Insurance
25:10 Common Pitfalls That Get HOA Boards Sued
28:45 Final Advice: Best Practices for HOA Board Members

Podcast Links:
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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 [email protected]

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Julie Adamen

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The Inspectors of Election

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Delinquent homeowners can sink your HOA’s budget. Learn how to recover dues, enforce policies, and protect your community’s financial health.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Delinquent homeowners in your HOA can cause serious financial strain on your community. Mitch Drimmer from Axela Technologies shares proven strategies to recover unpaid dues, enforce policies, and protect your HOA’s budget—without jumping straight to foreclosure. Learn how to use consistent communication, amenity restrictions, bank notifications, and late fees to encourage payments. Plus, discover why budgeting for doubtful debt is essential to maintaining financial health. Don't let unpaid assessments jeopardize your community—take control today!

Mitch Drimmer’s Company: http://axela-tech.com/

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 Don’t Play Around with Budgets for Your HOA 
01:30 The Rising Costs & Financial Pressure on HOAs
03:15 The Biggest Challenges in Collecting Payments
05:00 Why Foreclosure Should Be the Last Resort
07:20 How to Ensure Accurate Contact Information
09:45 Importance of Early & Frequent Communication
12:30 Late Fees & Interest: Enforcing HOA Payment Rules
15:10 Restricting Amenities for Delinquent Owners
18:00 The Power of Bank Demand Letters
20:48 Ad Break - Community Financials
23:30 Why Boards Must Budget for Delinquencies
27:00 Common Mistakes HOAs Make With Collections
30:15 Raising Assessments: Tough but Necessary
34:00 When Selling is the Best Option for Owners
37:30 Final Thoughts & Best Practices for HOAs

Podcast Links:
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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 [email protected]

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Julie Adamen

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The Inspectors of Election

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HOA insurance rates are shifting in 2025! Learn how to protect your HOA board’s fiduciary duty and secure the best coverage with expert tips.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Big changes are coming to HOA insurance in 2025! Are you prepared?  Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund break down everything your HOA board needs to know about fiduciary duty, rising insurance rates, deductibles, and key strategies to save money. Learn how deferred maintenance, climate catastrophes, and inflation are impacting the HOA insurance landscape—and why some boards will secure better rates than others. Don't get caught off guard! 

Chapter's From This Week's Episode:

00:00 Why Your HOA Board’s Insurance Account Matters
03:13 What HOA Insurance Will Look Like in 2025
08:11 How Climate Catastrophes & Inflation Impact HOA Insurance
12:39 Good HOA Insurance Accounts Get Better Rates in 2025
17:12 Ad Break - HOA Invest
17:49 How to Know If Your HOA Is a “Good” Insurance Account
21:12 Why Internal Maintenance Lowers HOA Insurance Costs
25:50 How Different Types of Natural Disasters Affect HOA Insurance Premiums28:17 Future Outlook for HOA Insurance Rates
33:59 Final Thoughts from Kevin & Robert

Podcast Links:
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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 [email protected]

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

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Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election