The Uncommon Area



In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook and guest Kate Kilanowski from Cagle Pugh dive into the common mistakes made by HOA board members and how to avoid them. Whether it’s navigating governing documents, managing communication, or finding the right balance between short-term and long-term decision-making, this episode is packed with insights to help HOA boards function more effectively.

Recorded live at Hotel Swexan with a dynamic audience, this episode also features practical advice for creating a forward-thinking HOA and strategies for engaging with homeowners effectively.

About Kate Kilanowski

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn

Check out our related episode: Are HOAs a Scam?

The post Board Member Blunders: These Mistakes Can Wreck Your HOA | Ep. 64 appeared first on Action Property Management.



This episode tackles the evolving nature of the HOA industry, recorded with a live audience at the Marconi Museum in Tustin, CA.

Host Matthew Holbrook sits down with Steve Tinnelly from the Tinnelly Law Group to discuss the evolving landscape of HOAs in the U.S. With years of expertise, they explore how recent legislative trends, safety concerns, and community expectations are reshaping HOA governance, management practices, and homeowner experiences.

– Governmental shifts toward regulating HOAs as quasi-government entities

– Increasing requirements for board members and implications of safety regulations

– The impact of electronic voting and modern tech on HOA elections and engagement

– How board member responsibilities are evolving and what this means for community relations

– Managing conflicts, improving communication, and fostering a positive community culture

About Steve Tinnelly

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

Check out our related episode: Are HOAs a Scam?

The post The Evolution of HOAs: What’s Changed and Where Are We Going? | Ep. 63 appeared first on Action Property Management.

In this eye-opening episode of The Uncommon Area, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in the world of property management: Are HOAs a Scam? Joining host Matthew is attorney Jeff Beaumont, who brings over 25 years of experience working with HOAs to this lively discussion. Recorded live at The Skybox in San Diego, in front of a group of HOA board members, this episode sheds light on the complex role that Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play in modern communities.

Key Topics

• Are HOAs delivering value? The hosts explore the idea of value for assessments, how HOAs manage assets, and whether homeowners receive what they pay for.
• Common misconceptions: Many homeowners feel frustrated with HOAs, but much of this stems from a lack of understanding and education about the association’s role.
• The importance of communication: Successful HOAs are transparent and prioritize educating their members. Boards that actively engage and communicate with homeowners often achieve better results and satisfaction.
• Real-world stories: Jeff shares powerful examples of how HOAs and their management affect homeowners, from rules about water bottles on driveways to the impact of reserve funds on long-term financial health.
• Humanity in decision-making: A central theme in this episode is the need for compassion in HOA governance. Boards are encouraged to consider the human element, rather than strictly following the “rules” without thought for individual circumstances.
• The role of reserves: Properly managing an HOA’s reserve funds is critical, yet poorly run associations often find themselves in difficult financial situations, leading to special assessments or higher fees for future homeowners.
• Individual board member preferences: How do personal agendas impact the broader community? The hosts talk about managing conflicts of interest and ensuring that the board serves the community as a whole.
• The code of conduct: Jeff explains why having a code of conduct is essential for board members and how it fosters professionalism and trust within the community.

Takeaways

HOAs are not inherently a scam, but success depends heavily on how they are managed. Boards that emphasize transparency, communication, and education can deliver immense value to their communities, while poorly managed associations may leave homeowners feeling dissatisfied and undervalued.

Resources

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

Beaumont Tashjian

The post Are HOAs a Scam? | Ep. 62 appeared first on Action Property Management.



Welcome to the second episode of our HOA Management Podcast series on Reserve Studies, part of The Uncommon Area! In this episode, our host, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by Reserve Analyst Derek Eckert and Board Member J Parsons. This conversation jumps right into the deep-end, exploring the more complex details of reserve studies and how to use them in a more advanced and effective way. If you’re a board member or manager, this episode is essential for preparing your HOA for long-term financial stability.

Transitioning from basic reserve studies to advanced strategies

Effective budgeting for major repairs and replacements

The role of reserve studies in safeguarding the financial health of HOAs

Common challenges and how to avoid them

Real-life examples of the impact of reserve studies

Derek Eckert is the Northern CA President at Association Reserves. With over 20 years of experience, Derek has extensive knowledge on Reserve Study budgets and disclosures for Common Interest Developments.

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

Check out Association Reserves

J Parsons is the Board President at The Infinity San Francisco, a condominium high-rise in San Francisco. J has dealt with the challenges of running a Board first-hand and offers practical insight into what Board members regularly face.

Connect with J on LinkedIn

If you missed the first episode of the series, check it out here. It covers the fundamentals of reserve studies and sets the foundation for this episode.

The post Reserve Studies Pt. 2: The Build-Out | Ep. 61 appeared first on Action Property Management.



Welcome to another episode of The Uncommon Area with your host, Matthew Holbrook! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of reserve studies—a crucial aspect of managing homeowner associations (HOAs). Joining us is Mark Smith from Advanced Reserve Solutions, who brings extensive expertise in the field. Mark explains the importance of reserve studies and how they function as a financial plan for associations. He details how to build a reserve study, covering the essential components such as asset evaluation, cost estimation, and budgeting. Whether you’re a new board member or a seasoned manager, understanding these concepts will help you maintain and enhance your community’s financial health.

Mark Smith is the San Diego Regional VP of Advanced Reserve Solutions, Inc. He has over 15 years of professional reserve analysis experience and has personally prepared over 3,000 reserve analyses for communities throughout the State of California.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Check out more about Advanced Reserve Solutions

The post Reserve Studies Pt. 1: The Blueprint | Ep. 60 appeared first on Action Property Management.

Description (SEO-Optimized):

HOA and homeowners association repair projects are getting more complex and more expensive. In this episode, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney Dirk Petchul of Whitney | Petchul to explore how boards can navigate major repairs, comply with the Balcony Bill, and plan financially for aging infrastructure. Learn practical strategies for assessments, loans, and communication that keep your community on track.

Key Topics:

• Aging Infrastructure and rising repair needs
• The Balcony Bill and HOA inspection requirements
• Financial Planning through assessments and loans
• Emotional and Political Realities during major repairs
• Communication Strategies for HOA boards

Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Join us as we dive into the crucial topic of neighborhood safety with Phil McMullin from Orange PD. From spotting red flags of criminal activity to the power of neighborhood watch, we uncover the key elements to keeping your community safe. Matthew and Phil explore the unique advantages of living in an HOA and how it fosters a culture of vigilance and security. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your home and strengthen your neighborhood bonds!

Key Topics

• The impact of the Broken Window Theory on community safety
• How maintaining property can deter criminal activity
• The role of lighting and cameras in crime prevention
• The effectiveness of neighborhood watch programs
• Practical tips for preventing package theft and car break-ins

Episode Takeaways

• Even small acts of maintenance can prevent larger crimes.
• Good lighting and surveillance are crucial in deterring criminal behavior.
• Community engagement through neighborhood watch programs can significantly reduce crime rates.

Check out our episode with former MLB player Matt Luke about the pros and cons of HOA living!

The post Is Your Home a Criminal Target? | Ep. 58 appeared first on Action Property Management.

Join host Matthew Holbrook and HOA expert Mike Perlof as they explore the changing landscape of HOA and homeowners association management. Learn why manager and client turnover is rising, how community managers can avoid burnout, and the impact of Zoom and virtual meetings on board relationships. Mike and Matthew also share educational resources and strategies for improving service quality and client retention in today’s evolving HOA industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Challenges and opportunities in HOA management
• Emerging trends shaping the HOA industry
• Coping with burnout and maintaining work-life balance for managers
• Effects of remote work and virtual board meetings on communities
• Strategies for improving client retention and service quality

Key Takeaways:

• How HOA management is adapting to technological and cultural changes
• Practical tips for avoiding burnout and staying motivated
• Understanding the impact of virtual communication on community relationships
• Insights into enhancing client retention and service delivery in a competitive market

Mike is a fellow HOA podcaster and the Director of Client Services at Fenton Grant Law Firm. His insight includes the collective knowledge of 130+ guests he has interviewed on The HOA Pros Podcast, and you will not want to miss it! Subscribe now to hear more conversations with Mike: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.



In this episode of The Uncommon Area, we discuss the relationship between real estate and homeowners associations. Our guest, Matt Luke, shares his unique perspective as a former professional baseball player turned real estate professional. With a background beyond real estate, Matt offers a unique perspective on strategic planning that applies to baseball players and homebuyers alike. Matt tells of the importance of well-managed HOAs and offers valuable insights into what homebuyers and sellers should consider when dealing with HOAs.

Check Out More on Matt Luke: https://majorleaguesocal.com/agents/matt-luke

The post Do Homebuyers See HOAs as a Strikeout or Home Run? | Ep. 56 appeared first on Action Property Management.



Katie Quesada sheds light on the importance of storytelling in every industry, including HOA management.

The post Stop Telling Boring Stories | Ep. 55 appeared first on Action Property Management.