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HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas

By: Hosts: Robert Nordlund Kevin Davis Julie Adamen
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We exist to help all 2 million volunteer HOA Boardmembers nationwide have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions for the future of their community association. Stay with us weekly for actionable insights that minimize stress, avoid catastrophes, and protect property values!

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Episodes
  • 162 | Handle Conflict at HOA Board Meetings WITHOUT The Drama

    162 | Handle Conflict at HOA Board Meetings WITHOUT The Drama
    Jun 15 2026
    Send us Fan MailThe best HOA board meetings handle disagreement without creating division or drama. Learn how to handle conflict!✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/I'm here today for episode number 162 with a special guest appearing on the program for a second time. You heard him previously on our episode number seven early in the podcast, because we felt that what he had to say to our board member audience was foundational, you could say fundamental to safely and successfully guiding your association into the future, so with us today is Jim Slaughter. He's president of law firm Carolinas, which practices throughout Norther and South Carolina. He regularly speaks on issues of real estate and community association law, and has written hundreds of HOA and condo articles. He's past national president of CAI’S College of Community Association Lawyers, as well as the North Carolina chapter of the CAI Institute Community Associations Institute, but in addition, he's here today because he's a certified professional parliamentarian, he's a teacher, professional registered parliamentarian and past president of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. He served as a parliamentarian to more organizations than anyone, any you or I want to count, and they range from small HOA boards to annual meetings of 8000 delegates. Jim has written four books on running effective meetings, and today he’s with us to help you have success running orderly HOA board meetings that frames your association in a positive light.Chapters:00:00 Why should HOA board meetings sometimes become more formal?00:57 Who is Jim Slaughter and why does his experience matter?05:00 Do HOA boards really need to follow Robert’s Rules?06:07 How formal should small HOA board meetings actually be?07:18 Why do larger HOA meetings require more structure?09:43 How can small boards stay casual but still professional?11:05 What rights do homeowners have during board meetings?13:54 How can unanimous consent speed up meetings?15:58 Why do good agendas make meetings easier to manage?17:32 What should HOA meeting minutes actually include?19:21 How can chairs clearly guide motions and voting?21:37 Why does a calm chair create better meetings?22:41 How do HOA boards handle disruptive members?24:30 Ad Break - Community Financials25:20 When should a board become more formal during conflict?28:09 Should HOA rules change because of difficult personalities?30:02 How should chairs respond to disruptive behavior?31:12 Why is de-escalation better than confrontation?32:06 When should HOA meetings use security presence?33:55 Why do homeowners behave better in fair meetings?34:07 How should board members handle disagreements professionally?35:57 Can avoiding meetings become a fiduciary issue?36:28 What final advice helps HOA boards run successful meetings?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.Podcast Links:Full Episode ListWatch On YoutubeEngage in the conversation!Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.comNominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!Board Hero NominationsBoardmember Merch Store!Connect with Hosts on LinkedInJulie AdamenKevin Davis, CIRMSRobert Nordlund, PESupport Our SponsorsAssociation Insights & MarketplaceAssociation ReservesCommunity FinancialsKevin Davis Insurance ServicesStoke Light Video & MarketingThe Inspectors of Election
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • 161 | HOA Building Maintenance Tips to Avoid the Next BIG Disaster!

    161 | HOA Building Maintenance Tips to Avoid the Next BIG Disaster!
    Jun 8 2026

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    Learn the top HOA building maintenance tips that will help your board spot the dangers early and avoid costly structural repairs!
    ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

    What can HOA boards do today to prevent tomorrow's building disasters? In this episode, engineering expert Greg Batista of G. Batista Engineering & Construction shares practical HOA building maintenance strategies, including painting, waterproofing, concrete repair, maintenance logs, crack monitoring, and proactive inspections. See how these early action steps can reduce costs, improve safety, and help associations avoid major structural issues.

    Chapters:
    00:00 What happens when HOA building problems get ignored?
    02:35 Where can HOA board members find resources?
    03:45 What maintenance systems help HOAs track building issues?
    06:25 Are most HOA service companies proactive with maintenance?
    07:43 Why should HOAs start building maintenance planning early?
    09:23 Can basic maintenance technology help HOAs catch problems early?
    10:05 Why is this one of the best HOA building maintenance investments?
    11:22 How does familiarity blindness affect HOAs?
    13:24 What hidden issues can painting reveal in HOA buildings?
    14:22 Do small proactive tasks really help HOA building maintenance?
    15:26 How do financial pressures impact HOA building maintenance?
    16:44 Why should HOAs act quickly when they spot building problems?
    17:34 What lessons can HOAs learn from real disasters & concrete neglect?
    18:56 Our FiPhO - Ad Break
    19:53 What is concrete spalling and why is it dangerous for buildings?
    23:10 Why is waterproofing critical for HOA building maintenance?
    25:08 When should HOA boards call a structural engineer?
    26:15 What can help monitor structural concerns in HOA buildings?
    28:30 What are the 4 C’s of effective HOA leadership for building care?
    33:20 What is the key takeaway for proactive HOA building care?

    Podcast Links:
    Full Episode List
    Watch On Youtube

    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

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

    Boardmember Merch Store!

    Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

    Julie Adamen

    Kevin Davis, CIRMS

    Robert Nordlund, PE

    Support Our Sponsors

    Association Insights & Marketplace

    Association Reserves

    Community Financials

    Kevin Davis Insurance Services

    Stoke Light Video & Marketing

    The Inspectors of Election
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 160 | What Fannie Mae’s 2027 Reserve Change Means for HOAs

    160 | What Fannie Mae’s 2027 Reserve Change Means for HOAs
    Jun 1 2026

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    Fannie Mae’s 2027 changes could impact HOA lending standards nationwide. Here’s what boards need to know.
    ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

    🏠 Condo Status Finder: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/condo-status-finder

    ✉️ Fannie Mae's March 18th Lending Letter: http://www.reservestudy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LL-2026-03-Project-Standards_Insurance-03-18-26.pdf

    Today we have on the show Jodi Horne, she's principal of single family collateral risk management at Fannie Mae, and that's a long title, but what that all means is that she's the one at Fannie Mae ultimately responsible for lending standards affecting community associations and their latest lending standard update in particular, so at any time Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac make an adjustment to their lending standards. It sends ripples throughout the community association and the entire lending industry. So, to lower your anxiety and to hear what's really going on, we have Jodi here on the program today, speaking publicly on this issue.

    Chapters:
    00:00 Why is Fannie Mae changing reserve requirements?
    00:51 Who is Jodi Horne and why does this update matter?
    04:03 What role does Fannie Mae play in HOA lending standards?
    05:05 Why did Fannie Mae decide to make this change?
    07:45 Why should HOA homeowners care about these requirements?
    08:42 What are the two major reserve policy changes?
    12:24 When do the new reserve requirements take effect?
    14:22 Is this a national standard or a regional change?
    15:24 Ad Break - Association Reserves
    15:56 Why was the reserve threshold increased from 10% to 15%?
    17:58 Who reviews reserve studies and reserve funding levels?
    19:06 What qualifies as an acceptable reserve study?
    20:45 Why is baseline funding no longer acceptable?
    24:05 How do associations support mortgage financing eligibility?
    25:23 How long did it take to develop these changes?
    27:00 Was the Champlain Towers collapse the reason for this update?
    28:59 What should HOA boards do next to prepare?
    30:49 Where can boards find the Fannie Mae resources discussed today?

    Podcast Links:
    Full Episode List
    Watch On Youtube

    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

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

    Boardmember Merch Store!

    Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

    Julie Adamen

    Kevin Davis, CIRMS

    Robert Nordlund, PE

    Support Our Sponsors

    Association Insights & Marketplace

    Association Reserves

    Community Financials

    Kevin Davis Insurance Services

    Stoke Light Video & Marketing

    The Inspectors of Election
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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