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What really happens when an HOA board is recalled? Hear Helen’s story and the lessons every board member should know.

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

What happens when an HOA board is recalled? In this HOA Board Heroes episode, we hear Helen’s real story about a recall the price of doing the right thing. Helen, a former board member, shared her experience dealing with the 2020 balcony inspection law. The association faced significant repairs, with initial cost estimates reaching millions. Despite the board's efforts to secure financing and a loan, homeowners resisted, leading to a recall election.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 The HOA Problem That Grew and Grew…

00:52 Intro to Board Hero Helen

02:11 What law triggered the conflict in this HOA?

04:15 Why did the HOA face pushback over balcony inspections?

06:20 What is a Master Repair Plan and why was it controversial?

08:04 How did the recall campaign begin and gain traction?

10:25 What was Helen’s experience dealing with the opposition group?

12:30 How did communication (or lack of it) fuel the fire?

15:10 Why did board members start resigning?

17:00 How did the association handle financing and reserve planning?

19:15 What was the turning point in the board’s support and leadership?

22:08 What lessons did Helen learn from the recall experience?

24:52 How can other boards prepare for similar challenges?

27:35 What does it really mean to serve your community on an HOA board?

30:45 What advice does Helen offer to future board 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

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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...

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Yes, really, there’s finally good news about HOA insurance! Robert and Kevin unpack it in this week’s episode.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

You read that right, there’s finally some good news about HOA insurance! In this episode, Robert and guest Kevin from share recent developments that might positively impact your HOA’s coverage options. They break down what’s shifting in the insurance market, how boards can take advantage, and what this means for your next renewal. It’s not all doom and gloom (Really)!

Chapters:

00:00 What’s Happening With Insurance Claims Right Now?

02:10 Why Kevin Thinks There’s “Good News” in Insurance

04:00 How Quiet Disaster Seasons Affect Premiums

05:35 Are Lower Losses Creating Insurance Stability?

07:10 Why You Should Still Expect Premium Increases

08:30 What Role Does Risk Management Play?

10:20 What Reinsurers Are Really Worried About

12:10 Why HOA Loss History Impacts Rates So Much

14:00 What Boards Need to Understand About Deductibles

16:00 What Does “Capacity” Mean in the Insurance World?

18:00 Will Insurance Rates Ever Go Down Again?

20:15 Why Preventive Maintenance Is a Powerful Tool

22:30 Can One HOA’s Loss Affect Everyone’s Premiums?

24:10 How to Have a Realistic View of Insurance Expectations

26:00 How Much Control Do HOA Boards Really Have?

28:00 What Homeowners Often Get Wrong About Coverage

30:15 Final Thoughts: Staying Proactive and Prepared

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 your HOA board financials helping or hurting your community? Learn how to read the numbers that truly matter with expert tips!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA board financials aren’t just spreadsheets you go over once a year, they’re your roadmap to transparency and trust. Russell Munz of Community Financials joins us and explains what every board member needs to know: how to read your reports, spot red flags, and communicate assessment increases with confidence. From delinquency reports to bank reconciliations, find out how accurate financials build homeowner trust and keep your board on track!

Chapters:

00:00 Why do HOA board members need to understand financials?

02:02 What role does financial transparency play in community trust?

04:10 What should you look for in a balance sheet?

06:15 How can income and expense reports reveal red flags?

08:34 What does the delinquency report tell you about cash flow?

10:40 What happens when HOAs don’t receive timely financials?

13:00 Why should boards use accrual accounting over cash?

14:51 How often should boards review financials?

16:26 What makes a solid collection policy legally sound?

19:05 How do automated systems improve financial clarity?

23:25 What should homeowners ask when reviewing financials?

26:10 How can boards better explain budget increases?

29:00 Why do some homeowners feel left in the dark?

31:42 How do reserve studies connect to financial wellness?

34:18 What’s the board’s responsibility when money is mismanaged?

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...