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Deferred maintenance doesn’t happen overnight. Learn where HOA boards get stuck and how to start fixing problems before they explode!

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Deferred maintenance quietly destroys HOAs long before anyone admits there’s a problem. HOA Board Hero Lisa Pieropan shares what happens when boards delay repairs, underestimate risk, and lose political capital with homeowners. Her community’s crumbling infrastructure & recall elections exposed the real cost of waiting and how strong HOA boards decide where to begin before deferred maintenance turns into a crisis!

Chapters:

00:00 How can deferred maintenance expose an HOA to legal risk?
00:59 How can an HOA ignore problems for decades?
05:08 What finally forces boards to confront deferred maintenance?
06:13 Why does trying to fix everything overwhelm HOA boards?
07:14 How does lack of board training make problems worse?
08:01 Why don’t most HOA boards understand their legal duties?
09:34 How did surveying homeowners reveal the real issues?
10:46 Why weren’t owners asking for upgrades, just basics?
12:06 What happens when repairs finally require more money?
12:46 How can backlash and recalls stop progress cold?
14:13 Why does HOA infighting freeze maintenance projects?
15:48 How do personal agendas violate fiduciary duty?
16:31 When do assessment increases become unavoidable?
19:23 Why does political capital matter more than money?
20:58 How does proactive communication soften resistance?
23:32 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
24:03 How did turf reduction become a financial strategy?
27:05 How can edible landscaping build goodwill and savings?
28:29 Why did fruit trees become the HOA’s most loved amenity?
33:09 Why is homeowner engagement so hard for boards?
33:47 How did visual updates change owner perception?
35:05 How does transparency protect the HOA long term?
36:40 What responsibility do most HOA owners misunderstand?

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

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What happens when an HOA board leads with purpose? Learn how vision and mission statements transform decisions, trust, and community culture.
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Most HOA Boards rely on rules and governing documents. The strongest ones rely on a clear Vision & Mission Statement. Paul Butler, board member and business consultant, shares how his newly formed HOA created a clear vision statement and mission statement to guide decisions, lower friction, and build trust from day one. This is what intentional leadership looks like when a board knows who it is and where it’s going!

Chapters

00:00 Why should boards measure decisions against vision and values?
00:55 Why do HOAs need a vision and mission beyond governing documents?
04:29 Why would someone choose to serve on an HOA board?
05:18 How does setting foundations early shape an HOA’s future?
06:07 Why is communication essential to HOA culture?
07:26 How do business and hotel management principles apply to HOAs?
09:14 What inspired this board to act on vision and mission right away?
10:39 How did the board collaborate without outside consultants?
11:33 Why was Slack effective for developing mission and vision?
13:49 How do boards avoid making decisions outside formal meetings?
15:50 How long should it take to create a mission and vision?
16:36 How do mission, vision, and values work together?
18:53 Ad Break - Association Reserves
19:24 How does vision apply to older associations?
21:47 Why should boards revisit vision and values annually?
22:45 How will homeowners respond to a mission and vision?
24:23 How can boards actively use vision in meetings?
26:02 What does a strong HOA mission sound like?
28:02 How can compassion and accountability coexist in HOAs?
30:04 Why does transparency build trust with homeowners?
31:34 What advice should every HOA board take from this episode?

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

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Is recruiting new HOA board members seeming harder than ever? Learn in this podcast some practical tools to engage volunteers, reduce burnout, and build a stronger community pipeline!

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Struggling to recruit new HOA board members? You’re not alone. In this episode, Robert and guest Cathleen Dunn reveal practical strategies for outreach, engagement, volunteer progression, and preventing toxic candidates from taking over your board. Learn how to build community spirit, create a volunteer pipeline, reduce dissident behavior, and all while inspiring homeowners to step into leadership with confidence!

Chapters:

00:00 Why does homeowner connection matter for recruiting board members?
00:44 What sparked this episode and why are boards struggling to fill seats?
03:41 Why is volunteerism down across HOAs of all sizes?
06:02 How has post-pandemic homebody culture affected HOA involvement?
07:35 Why is recruitment a process of engagement, not just announcements?
08:28 How do recruitment challenges differ in small vs. large associations?
09:43 Why does community spirit matter for volunteer turnout?
10:45 How can branding and volunteer shirts help generate engagement?
11:56 Why is volunteer progression critical before joining the board?
13:15 How do you ease homeowners into small volunteer roles first?
15:55 How does slow, long-term nurturing create strong future board members?
17:33 How do kindness and acknowledgement inspire reluctant volunteers?
18:53 What simple community activities help build a volunteer pipeline?
21:02 How can local business connections strengthen board recruitment?
22:23 Ad Break - Our FiPho
22:53 How do you screen for good candidates and avoid toxic ones?
24:35 How can education and transparency calm upset or misinformed owners?
27:40 How do you avoid letting dissidents gain control of the board?
29:51 How can transparency and open financial review reduce conflict?
32:10 How do you encourage dissidents to participate constructively?
33:15 Can the democratic process keep HOAs stable despite conflict?
36:38 How do you unify the board even when votes are split?
38:32 What final advice helps HOAs grow involvement

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When should an HOA retire a committee? Robert and Julie show you how to learn the signs, best practices, and communication tips to keep your community thriving!

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When is the right time to retire an HOA committee? Robert and Julie break down how to evaluate committees, set charters, boost productivity, and transition members with appreciation and transparency. Learn how to refresh your HOA structure, improve communication, and strengthen community engagement!

Chapters:

00:00 What starts the conversation about retiring HOA committees?
00:30 What sponsors support this HOA Insights episode?
00:45 What is today’s topic on retiring committees?
03:10 What problems arise when committees overstay their purpose?
05:32 What’s the difference between ad hoc and standing committees?
07:08 Why do committees need charters and clear direction?
10:19 How does community age diversity affect committee needs?
12:29 How do communication and transparency help committee transitions?
14:48 Why should HOA boards frame committee changes positively?
17:07 How can technology committees support modern HOA needs?
19:33 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
20:02 How do you retire a committee but retain great people?
21:49 How should boards thank retiring committee members?
24:30 How does kindness and appreciation strengthen the community?
27:14 What signs indicate a committee is no longer needed?
29:14 How can proactive committees improve community operations?
30:07 What final advice does Julie give to HOA boards?

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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Holiday cheer can bring chaos in your community association! Learn how HOAs can cut liability, prevent fires, avoid disputes, and keep the season merry, bright, and safe!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

The holidays bring joy but also real risks for every HOA. Robert and Kevin break down the biggest liability traps of the season, from fires and slip-and-falls to parking chaos, fraud attempts, and unpredictable guests. Learn how clear guidelines, smart maintenance, better communication, and financial awareness can keep your HOA protected while still celebrating the season together!

Chapters:

00:00 What liability issues arise when HOAs lack holiday guidelines?
00:44 What holiday risks should HOAs prepare for each year?
04:02 Why does the holiday season create more unpredictable resident behavior?
05:41 How should HOAs enforce holiday rules around people, places, and paper?
07:21 How can boards communicate behavioral guidelines effectively?
08:59 How do parking areas and common spaces increase holiday exposure?
09:24 Can proactive communication reduce holiday-season disputes?
10:53 How do guidelines protect HOAs with defensible positions during claims?
11:49 How can boards both minimize risk and remain community-friendly?
12:40 Why are fires the biggest maintenance risk during the holidays?
13:24 How do dried trees, overloaded circuits, and candles increase HOA exposure?
14:51 How can slip-and-fall hazards increase during winter gatherings?
15:31 Should boards conduct holiday walk-throughs and safety checks?
17:44 Should HOA holiday events be held off-site to reduce liability?
18:19 How can boards encourage community building without adding exposure?
19:04 What security and package-theft risks rise during the holidays?
21:07 Should HOAs increase security hours during the holiday season?
22:33 Ad Break - Community Financials
23:04 What financial responsibilities must boards watch closely in December?
25:22 How can misuse of association funds create liability and accusations?
28:35 How can HOAs verify contractor payments and avoid scams?
30:08 Are paper checks becoming unsafe for HOAs during the holiday season?
32:45 Why should every HOA establ

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Learn how HOA insurance is shifting in 2025, why premiums are stabilizing, and how boards can lower risk and costs!
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What’s really happening with HOA insurance in 2025? Robert & Kevin break down the latest trends shaping premiums, risks, and reinsurance markets across the country. From the impact of billion-dollar wildfires to the rise of “thermonuclear” you’ll learn what’s driving insurance costs and how your association can position itself as a lower-risk community. Kevin shares how reinsurance stability is finally bringing balance back to the market, and why your board’s maintenance, rule enforcement, and financial discipline are key to getting better rates.

Chapters
00:00 Why 2025 has been a turning point for HOA insurance
04:17 What does it mean that we’ve “crossed the Rubicon” for insurance stability?
06:58 How reinsurance markets shape HOA insurance premiums
08:41 Are insurance rates finally flattening out for associations?
09:50 Why weather-related claims are still driving losses
12:17 How tariffs and inflation impact rebuilding costs and coverage
15:04 What are “nuclear” and “thermonuclear” verdicts—and why they matter?18:15 Ad Break - Association Reserves
18:47 What can HOA boards do to become lower-risk associations?
21:32 Why maintenance, funding, and enforcement lower your insurance risk
24:18 How reserve studies and strong finances help protect your community
26:11 How “social pessimism” affects board performance and trust
30:55 Why culture, optimism, and diligence are key for strong associations
33:02 Why 2026 could bring better insurance rates for prepared HOAs

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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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

Podcast Links:
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Julie Adamen

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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.

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