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Learn how Ed O’Connell and his HOA narrowly avoided a catastrophe and took action for the safety of their community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Ed O’Connell to uncover how his HOA board averted a structural crisis in their 60-year-old condominium in Falls Church, Virginia. Ed walks us through how proactive management, quick decision-making, and clear communication with homeowners prevented a catastrophe like the one seen in Florida. From identifying structural issues to evacuating residents and securing funding for repairs, Ed and his team expertly navigated the situation, ensuring their HOA stayed out of the news. Tune in to hear about the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and the strategies that allowed them to handle financial and insurance aspects effectively.

Contact Ed O'Connell: eoconnell@whitefordlaw.com

Chapters
00:00 A crises was averted thanks to the HOA
00:50 Introduction to Ed O'Connell
04:03 How Ed’s HOA spotted a potential structural disaster
06:29 Immediate actions and evacuation of the building
11:39 How Ed’s HOA dealt with rehousing people in his HOA
13:14 AD Break - Community Financials
13:56 How Ed’s HOA handled communication & coordination with owners
21:52 How Ed’s HOA handled the financial and insurance aspects
26:52 Final outcome and future considerations

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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Julie Adamen
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Feel like you’re treated differently by home owners in your community while you’re serving on an HOA board? You’re not alone
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week we get a listener question from Jennifer talking about how she felt HOA board members are looked down upon like “the bad guys”. Kevin and Robert tackle this question by reminding HOA board members it’s your fiduciary duty to make sure your community is financially healthy and is complying will all the rules. HOAs are a business and not a social club!

Chapters from the episode:

00:00 - A Big Problem Kevin Sees in HOA Insurance Claims
03:23 - Listener Question: How HOA Board Members Stop Being Seen as 'The Bad Guys'
07:25 - Upholding Rules Over Popularity
10:29 - Communicate & Don’t Hide as a Public Figure
17:21 - Ad Break - Association Reserves
17:53 - Education, Communication, and Leadership Skills for Board Members
24:22 - Mission Statements Help HOAs
27:22 - Updating Rules in Your HOA
29:58 - Treat Your HOA Like a Business, Not a Social Club

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Join us on our LIVE as we talk about Fannie Mae, one most important names in the US housing market, and the Corporate Transparency Act. Both are now affecting your HOA in BIG ways.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Fannie Mae...Who exactly are they? How did they come to play such a huge role in helping Americans buy homes? And why are they at the center of the future of HOAs? Tune in live, October 10 at 3pm Pacific on our HOA Insights YouTube channel to learn more! Robert, Julie, and Kevin will also be breaking down the Corporate Transparency Act and how that is directly affecting your HOA.

Corporate Transparency Act Notes:

Compliance deadline: Dec 31, 2024. Compliance is a two step process:

1. Boardmembers should each personally get their own FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) ID here (will need photo ID such as passport or Driver's License).
2. Gather Legal name of the association, Federal Tax #, and FinCEN IDs of all boardmembers and go here to e-file a BOIR (Beneficial Ownership Information) Report.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Overview
06:45 Challenges and Compliance Strategies with the Corporate Transparency Act
14:19 Impact on Board Members and Associations with the Corporate Transparency Act
24:28 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidelines
33:42 Audience Questions and Closing Remarks

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Listen to how Bill Turney manages his HOA Board like a small city, ensuring transparency, professionalism, and proactive maintenance for a healthy community.
❗JOIN OUR LIVE STREAM OCTOBER 10th! 👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/aO4XBGQH_A4
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In this episode of HOA Insights, Bill Turney shares his experience as an HOA Board Hero, managing the Park Square Co-Owners Association in Houston, Texas. With an annual budget of $3 million and a $2.2 million special assessment underway, Bill describes how he runs the board like a small city, ensuring transparency, professionalism, and a focus on long-term planning. Discover Bill's unique management style, the board's proactive maintenance approach, and how they tackle challenges like deferred maintenance and institutional knowledge gaps.

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 Elvis and TCB for HOAs
00:37 Don’t Miss Our Live Youtube Episode About Fannie Mae & The Corporate Transparency Act
02:17 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
02:47 Intro to HOA Board Hero Bill Turney
03:56 Bill Turney's Roll in His HOA & Why He Wanted to Serve
05:24 Bill’s Special Abilities He Brings to His HOA Boards
08:18 The Composition of Bill’s HOA Board
09:35 How Many Hours Bill Puts Into His HOA Each Week
12:48 How Bill’s Board Handles Hybrid or Virtual Board Meetings
15:46 Bill’s HOA Management Style
16:56 How Bill is Handling a 2.2Mil Special Assessment
20:35 How Bill’s Board Can Be More Adaptable
23:00 How Bill’s HOA Operates Like a Small City
27:10 Having the “Elvis Mentality” For Your HOA

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Overcome dysfunctional HOA stereotypes in your community by building trust and transparency!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you tired of hearing about dysfunctional HOAs? In this episode of HOA Insights, Robert Nordlund and Julie Adamen tackle the common stereotypes surrounding Homeowners Associations. They share actionable tips for board members to combat misconceptions, improve communication, and build trust within their communities. See how transparency and proactive engagement can change your HOA’s reputation from secretive and power-hungry to effective and community-focused!

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 Actively Engage With Your HOA Community!

01:07 Join Us for Another LIVE Podcast on Youtube!

01:45 Communication is Key to Fighting Stereotypes

04:10 Building Transparency in HOA Operations

06:52 Practical Ways to Engage with Homeowners

10:20 Why Board Members Need to Be More Public

13:15 Breaking Down HOA Power Dynamics

15:40 The Importance of Positive Community Actions

18:13 Ad Break - Community Financials

18:35 How to Handle HOA Misconceptions and Attacks

20:30 Tips for Running Effective Board Meetings

22:47 Transparency, Trust, and Changing Perceptions

26:15 Closing Thoughts: Building a Positive HOA Legacy

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Learn how to ensure smooth HOA board transitions with effective onboarding, staggered terms, and recruitment best practices!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

The week Melissa Garcia joins us to talk about the importance of smooth transitions within HOA boards, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and onboarding. Learn how to implement staggered terms, ensure continuity, and recruit future board members through committees and relationship-building. She also highlights the significance of off-boarding and celebrating board members' achievements. Effective transitions foster stability and efficiency within your HOA community, ensuring ongoing success!

Contact Our Guest Melissa Garcia: mgarcia@altitude.law

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 It’s Okay to Make Mistakes When Running an HOA
01:09 Volunteers Aren’t Perfect!
03:11 When Does Being Casual Become a Liability in a HOA?
00:00 Does Your HOA Need to Be Perfect?
05:11 How Anxiety Affects Community Associations
08:25 Legal Requirements and Mistakes in HOA Management
11:30 Impact of Agitation and Distractions in the Community
13:22 Fiduciary Responsibility and Avoiding Liability
15:57 Ad Break - Our FiPhO
16:62 How an HOA Story From Seinfeld is Rooted in Truth
17:46 Raising Assessments and Avoiding Suspicions
19:54 Importance of Clear Communication and Transparency
22:11 Why HOA Board Members Shouldn't Panic Over Mistakes
26:02 What Happens When You Don't Comply with State Laws
29:00 Final Thoughts: It's Okay to Make Mistakes as Long as You Act in the Best Interest of the HOA

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Is your HOA striving for perfection? Maybe that’s too much… Learn why it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as your HOA board fulfills its fiduciary duties!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week Kevin and Robert discuss why it’s impossible to have a perfect HOA. Just know this: making mistakes is okay, as long as you act in the best interest of the association and fulfill your fiduciary duties. They also cover the impact of inefficiencies on community anxiety, the role of clear communication in managing expectations, and the importance of directors and officers liability insurance to protect the board from lawsuits. Small administrative errors shouldn't cause panic!

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 It’s Okay to Make Mistakes When Running an HOA
01:09 Volunteers Aren’t Perfect!
03:11 When Does Being Casual Become a Liability in a HOA?
00:00 Does Your HOA Need to Be Perfect?
05:11 How Anxiety Affects Community Associations
08:25 Legal Requirements and Mistakes in HOA Management
11:30 Impact of Agitation and Distractions in the Community
13:22 Fiduciary Responsibility and Avoiding Liability
15:57 Ad Break - Our FiPhO
16:62 How an HOA Story From Seinfeld is Rooted in Truth
17:46 Raising Assessments and Avoiding Suspicions
19:54 Importance of Clear Communication and Transparency
22:11 Why HOA Board Members Shouldn't Panic Over Mistakes
26:02 What Happens When You Don't Comply with State Laws
29:00 Final Thoughts: It's Okay to Make Mistakes as Long as You Act in the Best Interest of the HOA

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

Are you an HOA board member looking for strategies to manage a large community effectively? Jim Hopkins shares his experiences and tips for managing a 12,000+ unit HOA board!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/


In this episode of HOA Insights, Jim Hopkins, a board member at Laguna Woods Village, shares his journey of managing a large HOA board. Discover the unique challenges of serving on a board for a community of over 12,000 units and the importance of patience, professionalism, and strategic planning. Learn how Jim's board transitioned to self-managed property services, the importance of proactive reserve planning, and effective communication strategies to engage 18,000 residents. Whether you're a seasoned board member or new to HOA governance, this episode provides valuable insights into managing a large HOA successfully.

Chapters From This Week's Episode:

00:00 Patience is Critical For a HOA Board Member
00:55 A Thankless Job - HOA Board Heroes
02:09 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
02:37 Intro to Jim Hopkins HOA Board Hero
04:04 What Motived Jim to Join a Massive HOA
05:11 The Community Structure of Laguna Woods
07:27 The Relative Ease of Getting Elected to Jim’s HOA Board
09:27 How Many Hours Per Week Jim Works for His HOA & the Personality He Brings to the Board
11:01 Jim’s Favorite & Least Favorite Parts About Being on a HOA Board
11:58 How a Post-Covid World Effected Virtual Meetings & Topics for Jim
15:09 Jim Talks About the Culture of His HOA Board
17:22 How Jim’s Association Bought Their Own Property Management Company
19:27 Jim Talks About How Well Funded His Associate is
26:02 What Jim and His HOA Board Are Focused on For Next Year
28:52 Jim’s Words of Advice for Other HOA Boards and Their Members

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
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

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...