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This week we explore how HOA Boards can prevent election disputes, follow state laws, and ensure a smooth, transparent voting process.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA Elections shouldn’t be stressful, but for many HOA Boards they often are. In this episode, Robert sits down with Kurtis Peterson from The Inspectors of Election to discuss how associations can avoid common pitfalls during the HOA election process. From understanding your governing documents and navigating new California election laws to preventing liability and costly challenges, you’ll learn best practices to ensure transparency and trust in every vote. Hiring election professionals can save your community time, money, and legal headaches that keep your HOA Board out of court and your elections running smoothly!

Chapters:

00:00 How can HOA Boards avoid election chaos and ensure fairness?
00:49 What are the biggest challenges HOAs face during elections?
03:53 Why should associations rely on election professionals?
06:08 How does reviewing governing documents prevent election errors?
07:25 What happens when HOAs have been doing elections wrong for years?
10:07 How can professional oversight protect HOAs from liability and lawsuits?11:19 What best practices help boards keep elections out of court?
13:23 How do inspectors manage nominations, ballots, and certifications?
16:25 How early should associations start preparing for elections?
18:03 How have HOA elections changed over the years?
19:11 How do amendments and special assessments factor into elections?
20:58 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
22:03 What are the differences between election service models?
24:34 How do costs and services vary for different-sized associations?
26:35 What’s the smallest and largest HOA election ever managed?
28:32 How can professional oversight reduce distrust in board elections?
30:39 Why should board members keep up with changing HOA laws?
31:07 How can HOA Boards contact professionals for election help?

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 speci

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Learn how mission statements & vision statements unite your HOA board and guide better decisions.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What makes an HOA board truly effective? In this episode, Robert Nordlund and Julie Adamen discuss how clear Mission Statements and Vision Statements transform how communities operate. Mission and vision statements can be guiding principles to improve communication, unify your board, and keep your HOA focused on long-term goals instead of daily chaos. We hope this conversation shows how to turn your community’s values into real results that foster connection, trust, and teamwork!

Chapters:

00:00 What is the purpose of an HOA’s mission and vision statements?
03:34 How do mission and vision statements complement governing documents?
05:40 What makes a vision statement aspirational and effective?
06:21 How does the mission statement become the roadmap to the vision?
07:21 Why should vision and mission guide community events and decisions?
09:45 How can HOAs shift from enforcing rules to fostering community?
11:27 What happens when a board develops these statements together?
14:30 How do mission and vision strengthen board cohesion and communication?18:58 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
19:27 How can a board start creating mission and vision statements?
21:43 What simple exercises help smaller HOAs get started?
23:16 How can words and phrases shape your community’s identity?
25:05 Why should these statements evolve as your HOA changes?
27:31 How do you keep mission and vision language current and relevant?
29:06 Why are slogans not enough to define your HOA’s values?
30:17 Why shouldn’t attorneys facilitate this process?
31:23 Who can help guide your board through creating these statements?
32:03 Why do mission and vision statements bring clarity and cohesion to communities?

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

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See how Florida’s new reserve funding legislation is transforming HOA law, board management, and community finances statewide.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week, Robert sits down with Marnie Dale Ragan, partner at Haber Law, to discuss the impact of Florida Reserve Funding Legislation and what every HOA board needs to know about the evolving HOA Law landscape. Marnie explains the post–Champlain Tower reforms to mandatory reserve funding, board education, and the importance of professional guidance so that Florida communities can adapt to new financial and legal realities. Learn what steps your board can take to stay compliant, protect your assets, and build trust through transparency and communication!

Get in contact with Marnie: https://www.haber.law/marnie-dale-ragan/

Chapters

00:00 What impact did the Champlain Tower South tragedy have on Florida’s HOA law?
04:11 Why does Florida’s reserve funding legislation matter for all communities?
06:13 What are structural integrity reserves and why are they mandatory?
07:54 How does Florida’s new law limit a board’s ability to waive reserve funding?
09:43 Why is conducting a reserve study now legally essential for Florida HOAs?
10:46 How can volunteer board members rely on professionals for better decisions?
12:57 Why is transparency key to reducing conflict between boards and homeowners?
14:10 How is Florida addressing fraud and restoring trust in HOA management?
18:44 How are inflation and insurance costs shaping HOA budgets in Florida?
19:09 Ad Break - Community Financials
20:40 What best practices should HOA boards follow to lead effectively?
22:58 Why is respecting other board members vital for community success?
25:42 How can boards and managers ensure fair elections and good governance?
26:12 What tools help boards improve communication and transparency with owners?
28:17 How can boards build trust and political capital with consistent transparency?
30:11 How can “floor captains” improve communication within large associations?
31:07 How did Marnie Dale Ragan become an expert in community association law?
33:54 Why should HOA boards rely on professionals for

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How one HOA Board managed a $2M Special Assessment with strategy, transparency, and teamwork.
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A small 18-unit HOA faced a $2 million special assessment that could have divided the community. Instead, their HOA Board turned it into a story of planning, transparency, and perseverance. Terri Rene and her team tackled severe exterior damage, owner resistance, and financing challenges while keeping their community united. This episode breaks down the real steps they took: assessing damage, budgeting under pressure, preparing for non-payment risks, and maintaining communication at every stage.

Chapters

00:00 How did this HOA Board handle a massive special assessment?
01:13 Who is Terri Rene and what makes her an HOA Board Hero?
05:11 How did the $2M special assessment come about?
07:28 What compromises did owners make to fund this project?
09:17 How did the Board plan for non-paying owners?
11:18 What led to the need for such a large assessment?
13:05 What did early inspections reveal about structural damage?
15:01 How did board turnover impact project leadership?
16:39 How did communication rebuild owner trust and support?
20:44 What strategies helped the special assessment finally pass?
22:49 Ad Break - Association Reserves
23:21 How did the HOA manage budgeting and owner voting?
25:50 What steps were taken to prepare for construction?
27:24 Was the project on budget and on schedule?
30:11 How will this project impact home values and the reserve fund?
32:59 What lessons can other HOA boards learn from this experience?

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

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Older HOAs face unique challenges that you might not be used to dealing with. Learn how aging associations can rebuild trust, handle rising costs, and plan for the future!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are older HOAs facing bigger problems? In this episode of HOA Insights, Robert Nordlund and Kevin Davis discuss the realities of aging associations. Older HOAs can face rising insurance rates and special assessments to trust issues between boards and homeowners. Learn how, as a board, clear communication, transparency, and attitude can restore confidence and help navigate the financial and structural challenges of aging communities!

Chapters:

00:00 Why are older HOAs facing bigger problems today?
00:47 What inspired this discussion on aging associations?
03:50 What challenges do older HOAs face with insurance and maintenance?
06:49 How do low assessments create long-term issues?
08:20 What is the “badge of honor” mentality for HOA boards?
10:49 How has trust between boards and homeowners changed since COVID?
15:11 How do recalls and board conflicts affect associations?
19:22 Why do costs and inflation hit older HOAs harder?
22:05 Ad Break - PiPhO Score
22:36 How can boards rebuild trust through communication?
24:10 Why is kindness and empathy key in board communication?
27:02 How do generational differences affect HOA culture?
29:25 What can HOAs do if members can’t afford repairs?
30:33 Why are board transitions important for healthy associations?
33:55 How does new leadership renew a community’s direction?
35:13 What’s the most important word for aging HOAs to remember?

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
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Learn how choosing the right bank can save your HOA time, money, and frustration!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert talks with Gavin Nelson from Merchants Bank about how the right banking partner can simplify community finances. Learn how modern technology, check scanning, electronic payments, and integrated HOA software help streamline operations and boost transparency. Plus, discover how proper reserve management, FDIC coverage, and smart lending solutions can save your HOA money and safeguard your community’s future!

Get in contact with Gavin: gnelson@bankmerchants.com

Chapters

00:00 How HOAs can streamline banking headaches
00:41 Robert Nordlund introduces guest Gavin Nelson from Merchants Bank
03:32 Sandy’s HOA banking question sparks the discussion
04:39 Why HOAs should review their current bank setup regularly
05:37 How modern technology improves HOA financial management
06:07 Making HOA life easier with real-time banking tools
08:41 How check scanners save time and reduce risks for HOAs
09:46 Setting up electronic payments and online portals for members
11:56 How automation improves efficiency and transparency
15:11 Transitioning your HOA banking system in 30 days
18:11 Earning interest on reserves and maximizing returns
19:31: Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
20:38 Merchants Bank’s high-yield rates and why it matters
23:34 FDIC coverage explained for HOA reserve accounts
26:13 Lending options and bridging shortfalls for large projects
28:23 Choosing banks that understand community associations
30:00 How Gavin entered the HOA banking industry
31:48 Expanding HOA banking services in Florida and nationwide
33:02 Why personal service still matters in a digital world
34:45 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Merchants Bank

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
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Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

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Julie & Robert are back for a part 2 about the top traits of great HOA Boards!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What makes an HOA board truly great?, Robert and Julie continue their discussion on the top traits of successful HOA boards. From holding productive meetings and maintaining credibility with homeowners to showing appreciation for volunteers and leading with empathy, this conversation dives into the qualities that turn good boards into great ones. Learn how focus, kindness, and servant leadership can transform your community.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and recap of top HOA board traits
01:35 Why vision and mission statements keep boards focused
06:00 How to stay on track and avoid distractions
12:30 Building credibility and trust through transparency
14:20 How to hold productive, time-efficient board meetings
20:51 Ad Break- Community Financials
21:30 The importance of thanking and uplifting volunteers
25:40 Knowing when to bend rules with compassion
29:00 Fighting HOA stereotypes and leading with kindness
32:40 Servant leadership and humanizing the board
36:00 Final reflections on empathy, leadership, and community building

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
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Today we hear from HOA Board Hero Michelle who dealt with a 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units at her community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert spotlights HOA Board Hero Michelle Mansour from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Michelle shares her journey of serving on an HOA board through a catastrophic 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units, lawsuits, management changes, and community challenges. Hear how her board built transparency, improved communication, supported neighbors in crisis, and kept their community united!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 How did an HOA board handle a devastating fire?

01:07 Who is Michelle Mansour and what is her board experience?

04:09 What makes serving on an HOA board challenging and humbling?

05:14 How do management company changes impact boards?

08:09 Why did Michelle decide to run for the HOA board?

09:28 What problems come with condo conversions and reserves?

11:00 How did the board rebuild trust and communication?

15:18 How does transparency help homeowners feel secure?

17:12 What strengths do different board members bring?

18:54 How much time does serving on an HOA board really take?

20:18 Ad Break - HOA Invest

21:17 What happened during the two-alarm fire emergency?

23:57 How did the community unite to support displaced neighbors?

27:14 How do volunteer committees strengthen an HOA board?

29:27 What makes a productive and well-run HOA board meeting?

32:09 How can clear communication prevent panic during lawsuits?

33:36 What lessons has Michelle learned from serving on the board?

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. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
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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 podcast@reservestudy.com

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Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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The Inspectors of Election