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See how Community Financials bridges the gap between self-managed and fully managed HOAs, offering tools to improve financial transparency and reduce board member burnout!
Get in Contact With Community Financials: https://communityfinancials.com/
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you struggling with the challenges of self-managing your HOA? In this episode, Robert has on guest Russell Munz  from Community Financials—a game-changing service designed to lighten the load for self-managed associations. Discover how they provide seamless financial management, transparency, and tools that empower board members without the high costs of full professional management.From electronic financial access to streamlined systems for collections and reporting, Community Financials makes self-management manageable. Plus, learn how they support associations with training resources and efficient solutions, ensuring you never have to go it alone

Chapters from today's episode:

00:00 The feeling of serving on an HOA board is a “life sentence” 
00:40 Introduction to Russell Munz & 088 recap 
04:12 Why Russell started Community Financials 
07:42 The role of self-managed associations and financial literacy
12:09 The benefits of electronic access for financials
15:14 Supporting board members and reducing volunteer burnout
21:44 Ad break - Community Financials
22:15 Training for HOA board members on Community Financials 
24:40 How Community Financial has software and tools to help HOA management & recruiting
30:48 How Community Financials can help full time professional HOA managers 

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Learn how to shield your HOA from cyber threats like ransomware and data breaches with essential tips and insurance strategies.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Cyber threats are on the rise, and community associations are prime targets. Don’t let your HOA fall victim! In this must-listen episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund expose the surprising vulnerabilities in HOA cybersecurity and reveal simple, powerful steps to protect your community. Learn how hackers use social engineering to exploit weaknesses, why ransomware attacks are skyrocketing, and how multi-factor authentication can be your first line of defense. Plus, discover the critical role of cyber insurance in safeguarding your association’s finances and reputation.

Chapters from Today's Episode

00:00 Social Engineering Is Like Stealing Candy From an HOA Baby
00:52 Looking at Cyber Threats in the HOA Landscape
03:21 Why HOAs of Any Size Are Vulnerable to Cyber Threats
06:55 The Role of Property Managers and AI in Cyber Attacks
10:20 How Cyber Criminals Trick People
18:48 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
19:16 Ransomware Risks for HOAs
22:45 How to Eliminate Cyber Threats to Your HOA Through Multi-Factor Authentication
29:20 Insurance Solutions and Cyber Policies to Fight Social Engineering

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HOA Board Hero Paula DiPaola shares her strategies for increasing revenue for her Timeshare HOA!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Paula DiPaola, a volunteer board member at Magic Tree resort for over 24 years, shares her secrets to managing a successful Timeshare HOA. Paula explains how she has kept maintenance fees steady for decades by implementing smart cost-saving measures, leveraging vendor relationships, and introducing innovative revenue strategies like the $150 weekly resort fee that generates $150,000 annually. From fostering community engagement to handling emergencies and building strong vendor partnerships, Paula highlights the importance of transparency, consistency, and hard work in HOA leadership

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 If You’re Running for the Board, You’re Running to Work
00:50 Introduction to HOA Board Hero Paula DiPaola
01:59 An Unusual HOA - Timeshare Resort 
02:48 How Paula Hasn’t Upped Her HOA’s Maintenance Fees in 24 Years 
06:24 How Paula Counteracted Inflation Prices for Her HOA
10:16 Where Paula Gets Her Ideas to Increase Revenue for Her HOA
12:12 What Motivated Paula to Join the Timeshare Board of the Directors 
16:01 Ad Break - HOA Invest
16:38 How Paula Fosters Community on Her HOA Board 
18:59 Paula’s Advice for Those Who Running for an HOA Board 
21:07 Paula’s Relationship With Her HOA Vendors
23:12 Paula’s ONLY Special Assessment for Her HOA
24:05 How Paula Maintains the HOA Board Culture 
25:21 Paula’s Advice to HOA Board Members

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KC Holland reflects on his 18 years of service on the Seneca Ridge HOA board, offering valuable insights on transparency, leadership, and fostering a strong HOA community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Serving on an HOA board can be challenging, but KC Holland’s 18 years with the Seneca Ridge HOA show how leadership grounded in transparency and care can make all the difference. From engaging renters in HOA matters to navigating emergencies and managing budgets, KC’s approach highlights the importance of communication and community-first decision-making. He shares how staggered board terms maintain institutional knowledge, why staying accessible to residents is key.
Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 Making Adjustments for Residents in Your HOA 
00:59 Introduction to HOA Board Hero KC Holland
02:08 What Motivated KC to Join His HOA Board
03:39 KC’s Board’s Election Process 
05:17 HOW KC Entered and Exited as his HOA’s President
07:28 What Motivated KC to be President of His Board for 10 Years
10:07 What KC’s Definition of a Successful Board is
11:04 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services 
11:50 How KC Resolved Contention Among His HOA Board
13:03 KC’s Board’s Accessibility to Meetings
15:40 Keeping Renters in the Loop
18:37 KC’s Tips for Running a Community Without Professional Managers 
19:23 KC’s HOA Board Transparency Between the Board & Residents
23:00 How KC’s Community Handles Communication During Emergency 
25:11 KC on His HOA’s Budget 
28:40 KC’s Advice to HOA Board Members 

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Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund share how HOA board members can avoid common pitfalls!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Effective HOA board member behavior is the cornerstone of a thriving community. In this episode, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund emphasize the importance of transparency, accessibility, and consistent communication to build trust with residents. They explore the benefits of ethics codes, conduct policies, and operational guidelines for boards. Learn why board members should embrace the “4 C’s”—caring, curious, courageous, communicative—with an added bonus: consistency. This episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to handle challenging situations, maintain trust, and avoid the dreaded “no comment” response. If you're on a board or considering joining one, this conversation will help you lead with confidence and clarity.
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Chapters

00:00 When HOA Board Members Don’t Communicate 
03:29 Ethics Code for HOA Board Members 
06:22 Why Board Job Descriptions Should be a Requirement
07:17 Ethics Pledge & Conduct Policy for HOA Board Members
08:51 Board Members Are Public Figures 
11:26 Transparency in HOA Board Member Communication is Key 
21:45 Ad Break - Community Financials
22:39 The Four C's and Bonus C of Effective Board 

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Engineer, Greg Batista, shares what you need to know about HOA building maintenance and inspections to prevent tragedies like Champlain Tower!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Preventing another Champlain Towers disaster is every HOA board member's responsibility. In this episode, engineer Greg Batista sheds light on critical building maintenance practices. Learn about the dangers of spalling, the importance of regular inspections, and how to safeguard the building envelope—including roofs, paint, and waterproofing. Greg shares his real-life experience with Champlain Tower South and emphasizes why acting promptly on warnings and budgeting for repairs are crucial. Protect your HOA and its residents from structural issues and potential disasters!

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Preventing Another Champlain Tower DISASTER at Your HOA
01:11 Get a FREE HOA Mug!
02:49 Meet Greg Batista - Engineering & Construction Expert
05:11 How Buildings Fall Apart & Prevention
12:15 Every State Has It’s Building Issues
14:04 What You Need to Protect & Maintain
17:00 Association Reserves - Ad Break
18:00 Getting Help From Experts for Your HOA
22:18 Preventative Maintenance & Inspections
27:37 Building Components to Keep An Eye On
31:57 Connect with G Batista Engineering & Construction

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Are you having issues with navigating HOA Insurance requirements with lenders? This episode is for you!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Navigating HOA insurance requirements can be overwhelming, especially when lenders demand full 100% replacement cost coverage. In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund tackle this challenge, sharing actionable insights to help community associations secure the coverage they need. Learn how inflation, climate change, and nuclear verdicts affect insurance costs and why working with experienced professionals is vital. Discover the role of state laws, governing documents, and reserve studies in meeting these requirements and protecting your HOA’s financial future! 

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Chapters

00:00 Why Some HOAs get a 100% Replacement for Insurance & Some Others Don’t 
03:51 Listener Question - How to Resolve the Conflict Between a Lender's Insurance Requirements and What Their Insurance Provider Was Able to Provide?
10:23 The Role of Insurance Professionals in Meeting Lender Requirements
15:38 The Importance of Replacement Costs for Lenders 
20:21 Ad Break - FiPhO Health Score 
20:58 Having Compliance with State Laws and Governing Documents so You Can Have Lower Insurance Rates 
23:52 Do You Have to Comply With Every Requirement for Insurance? 
28:05 Getting the Right Insurance Is GOING to be Expensive 
30:21 The Importance of Working with Specialty Insurance Brokers for Your HOA

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Pam Home, a dedicated HOA board member, shares creative ways to save money, engage homeowners, and protect investments
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Pam Home, an exemplary HOA board member at Union Terrace Cooperative, proves what it means to be a true board hero. In this episode, Pam dives into the importance of reserve studies and explains how following them can help avoid special assessments. She shares innovative methods she’s used to save money for the community, including acquiring free plants and decorative fencing from nearby construction sites. Pam also discusses the challenges of engaging homeowners, her experience with hybrid board meetings, and the value of professional property management. Union Terrace Cooperative operates with a $300,000 annual budget and a reserve fund currently at 30%, and Pam is on a mission to improve those numbers.

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Chapters

00:00 PAY ATTENTION to Your Reserve Study
01:25 Introduction to HOA Board Hero Pam Home
02:25 What First Motivated Pam to Join Her HOA & Her First Experiences
05:35 The Special Talents Pam Brings to Her HOA Board
09:17 Pam’s Experience Recruiting Board Members
11:34 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
12:03 How Pam’s HOA Conducts Their Meetings
15:20 What’s Keeping Pam’s HOA Motivated
18:04 How She Communicates With Her Board to Resolve Conflicts
19:33 Pam’s HOA Annual Budget
22:16 Pam’s Thoughts on the Value of a Professional Property Manager
24:47 Pam’s Closing Thoughts for Board Members

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Think HOAs are carefree & inexpensive? Join Robert & Julie as they course-correct this common HOA myth, highlighting communication tips & financial realities.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you under the impression that HOAs are inexpensive and carefree? Think again. In this episode, we challenge this common HOA myth and provide practical strategies for board members and homeowners to improve understanding and engagement.

Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund emphasize the importance of consistent communication, tools like welcome packets, and new homeowner orientation sessions. They discuss strategies for promoting transparency, educating homeowners about association finances, and using AI-powered short videos to enhance community communication. Learn why board member visibility and accessibility are key to fostering trust and why consistent communication is essential to bridge gaps in understanding.

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Chapters
00:00 The HOA Stereotype Isn’t True 
03:18 Listener Question - How to Curb Homeowner’s Thoughts That HOAs are Inexpensive
04:40 Clarifying the Non-Profit Nature of Community Associations
08:50 Effective Communication and New Homeowner Orientation
14:02 The Tradeoffs of Being in a “Carefree” HOA That Isn’t “Free”
21:58 Ad Break - Community Financials 
22:29 What Board Members Can Do to Help New Owners Understand the Costs of Associations 
29:20 Long-Term Efforts to Change Perceptions

Podcast Links:
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The Inspectors of Election

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See how HOA Invest simplifies management of your HOA reserves and boosts your financial security!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
Get in Contact with HOA Invest: https://hoainvest.com/

Investing in your HOA reserves doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Jessica McConnell and Mark Thatcher from HOA Invest share how their innovative service helps community associations manage and grow their reserve funds effortlessly. From opening a Schwab brokerage account to optimizing investment strategies, HOA Invest takes on fiduciary responsibility to ensure your funds are safe and generating the best possible returns. Whether you're a small self-managed association or a large community, learn how to avoid FDIC limits, streamline financial management, and make the most of every dollar. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to maximize your HOA’s reserve fund investments!
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Chapters

00:00 Having Someone on Your Side 
02:30 Introduction to Jessica McConnell & Mark Thatcher From HOA Invest 
04:02 Why Jessica and Mark started HOA Invest
07:00 How HOA Invest shares the fiduciary responsibility with board members 
08:23 Two risks when buying fixed income 
10:34 HOA Invest’s Team 
11:58 How to open an account with HOA invest 
19:04 HOA Invest’s ease of use for the busy managers 
21:42 Ad Break - HOA Invest
22:20 The Safety of HOA Invest
24:26 How HOA Invest keeps you under the FDIC insured limits
26:18 Can small HOAs work with HOA Invest?

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The Inspectors of Election