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Fannie & Freddie are changing, again! Here’s what you need to know about the new requirements!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In Episode 179, Robert explains how new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending requirements could make HOA reserves an even bigger issue for condominium associations. As reserve funding receives greater scrutiny, boards may find that their financial decisions affect more than future repairs, they can also influence mortgage eligibility and unit sales. Robert breaks down the recent changes to reserve funding exemptions, the upcoming minimum funding requirements, and the role reserve studies can play in lender decisions. Most importantly, he explains why simply meeting the minimum standard does not necessarily mean an association is financially prepared for the future.

Chapters:
00:00 What did Champlain Towers South reveal about lending risk?
01:00 Why did Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac change condo lending standards?
03:20 Who are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and why do they matter?
05:10 How are reserve funding and building safety connected?
06:45 Which associations do the new standards apply to?
07:45 What is the current 10% reserve-funding minimum, and when can associations request an exemption?
09:30 What changed about baseline-funding exemptions in phase one?
11:45 What is the 15% reserve minimum starting in January 2027?
13:35 Is 15% enough to fund reserves sustainably?
15:15 How do budgets affect mortgage eligibility?
17:45 What should associations with off-calendar fiscal years do?
19:25 Ad Break - Our FiPhO
19:56 How is the 15% reserve-funding requirement calculated?
21:15 Does reserve funding pay for current deterioration?
22:35 How can boards explain reserve funding to homeowners?
24:10 What does underfunding mean for future special assessments?
25:55 What steps can boards take to fund and collect reserves?
28:40 How can honest reserve funding help prevent a crisis?

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 gets hit with six-figure surprise repairs? One board member shares how her community handled it.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

In Episode 178, Robert is joined by Arizona condo board member Sharry Fassett to share how her HOA board responded when a series of surprise repairs began putting their planning and reserves to the test. As problems surfaced, Sharry and her fellow board members learned the importance of slowing down, correctly diagnosing what was happening, and bringing in the right experts before making costly decisions. Throughout it all, Sharry’s humility and willingness to listen, lean on the strengths of her fellow board members, and work together as a team helped guide the association through some difficult decisions. She also shares how transparency with homeowners helped the board navigate unexpected expenses while continuing to plan for the long-term health of their 25-year-old community.

Chapters:

00:00 How did one HOA Board handle a 25 year old property’s growing problems?
04:32 What motivates Sharry Fassett to keep serving on her HOA Board?
06:54 How did the board move away from hostile meetings?
14:52 What surprise HOA Repairs started piling up?
15:08 How did rising water bills uncover four pool leaks?
16:16 Why did the pool turn into an even bigger repair project?
18:43 How did a planned roof coating become a full roof replacement?
20:25 What surprise fire sprinkler requirement hit the HOA next?
22:27 Why did the board consider a $110,000 sprinkler replacement?
24:02 Ad Break - Association Reserves
24:33 How do board members handle the pressure of nonstop major projects?
26:33 What happened when homeowners pushed back on the sprinkler decision?
28:20 How does Sharry communicate uncertainty without creating rumors?30:29 What leadership habits helped the board build homeowner trust?
31:57 How did strong Reserves help the HOA absorb surprise repairs?
33:30 What happens when the HOA still does not have enough money?
35:31 What advice does Sharry have for other HOA 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.

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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Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

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A $250,000 roof project can cost owners much more with an HOA loan. See how borrowing changes the final bill.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/
📊 Robert's Cost Comparison 👉 http://www.reservestudy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Ep-177-Infographic.jpg

In Episode 177, Robert & Julie take a closer look at what an HOA loan can really cost homeowners. This time, they put actual numbers behind the decision and compare the financial impact of borrowing with special assessments and funding projects through reserves. Using a $250,000 roof project as an example, Robert and Julie show how interest and loan costs can significantly increase what owners ultimately pay. They also discuss why planning and funding earlier can give boards more options and help prevent an expensive loan from becoming the only solution when a major repair can no longer wait.

Chapters:
00:00 How much does an HOA Loan really cost your owners?
03:27 Why do HOAs end up needing loans or Special Assessments?
05:58 Why isn’t getting an HOA Loan guaranteed?
07:08 How does an HOA actually pay back a loan?
09:20 Why can hybrid funding plans get complicated for homeowners
11:56 Should HOAs offer different Special Assessment payment options?
12:48 When should boards start planning for major repair costs?
14:30 Can your Reserve Study help phase major projects?
16:15 What changes when a bank becomes part of your financial plan?
18:51 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
19:20 What does a $250,000 roof really cost under each funding option?
22:44 Why does Funding Reserves early matter so much?
26:11 How early should boards communicate major assessment increases?
28:46 Can committee members help build homeowner trust?
29:32 Why should HOAs start funding future projects now?
30:36 How can boards make difficult funding decisions easier?

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