Send us Fan Mail

Tired of surprise fee increases? See how one HOA board used better planning and reserve forecasting to finally get ahead of rising costs.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
📊 Learn more about Telemtryx 👉 https://www.telemetryx.app/

In Episode 182, Robert is joined by risk management expert and HOA Board member Jennifer Helle to share how her community brought repeated mid-year fee increases under control. After digging into the association’s finances, Jennifer discovered that deferred maintenance, rising costs, and a lack of long-term planning were all putting pressure on homeowners. She explains how the board used better forecasting, clearer reserve planning, and more transparent communication to create greater financial stability. By understanding the risks earlier and involving homeowners in the process, the association was able to move away from constant surprises and give residents more confidence in the decisions being made!

Chapters:
00:00 Why does deferring HOA maintenance make future costs harder to control?00:48 How can risk management help an HOA Board prepare for what is coming?03:59 Why did repeated midyear fee increases push Jennifer to get involved?06:53 What was really causing the HOA’s financial problems?
07:38 Why were HOA Reserves driving assessment increases?
10:38 How did deferred maintenance create a financial perfect storm?
12:30 Why was homeowner communication part of the solution?
13:45 What financial guardrails did the HOA Board put in place?
18:26 How does planning major HOA projects five years ahead help?
20:43 Ad Break - Association Reserves
21:15 Did the HOA Board actually stop the midyear fee increases?
22:30 How did active cash management strengthen the reserve fund?
25:08 What are the financial risks of delaying an HOA project?
27:00 How did stable fees change homeowner confidence?
28:48 Can any HOA Board learn to manage financial risk?
29:57 How can boards bring reserve, banking, and project data together?

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 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