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Roof replacements are one of the biggest HOA decisions. Learn what HOA Boards need to know and prepare before timing, budgeting, or hiring go wrong!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive and risky decisions an HOA Board will ever make. In this episode, roofing expert Jeremy Lara from Baja Roofing shares what boards need to know before relying on a reserve study, choosing contractors, or waiting too long. Learn how timing, maintenance, transparency, and communication determine whether a roof project protects your community or creates costly emergencies that future boards regret!

Chapters:
00:00 Why do HOA boards struggle with roof replacement decisions?
00:47 Intro to Guest Jeremy Lara from Baja Roofing
03:58 How should boards interpret roof timelines in a reserve study?
05:42 Where should boards find reputable roofing professionals?
06:43 When is the right time to start seeking roofing advice?
08:01 What are the telltale signs a roof is reaching end of life?
08:45 Why should board members see roof conditions firsthand?
10:21 Is it cheaper to replace a roof early or wait too long?
11:59 What does proper annual roof maintenance look like?
13:28 How can poor maintenance void roofing warranties?
14:58 Should multi-building HOAs replace all roofs at once?
16:09 How does inflation affect long-term roofing costs?
17:31 Why do roofing materials and brands matter?
18:32 How can boards vet roofing contractors effectively?
19:55 Why do low bids often lead to costly change orders?
21:05 Ad Break - Community. Financials
21:36 Why should HOA boards hire independent project oversight?
24:21 How does daily photo documentation protect HOAs?
26:29 What board behaviors make roofing projects fail?
28:13 Why waiting until it rains is the most expensive mistake?
29:45 How do roof decisions impact future HOA boards?

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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AI, incivility, and staffing shortages… these are the top trends community associations must prepare for in 2026!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

2026 is not business as usual for community associations (but neither was last year!). Robert, Kevin, and Julie break down the three biggest trends shaping the year ahead, including rising incivility, misuse of AI, staffing challenges, and growing financial pressure. So how HOA board members like yourself can protect trust, fulfill fiduciary responsibilities, and lead with clarity as communities face higher costs, older infrastructure, and increasing complexity. Preparation today determines stability tomorrow!

Chapters:

00:00 Why are Community Associations entering 2026 under more pressure?

00:51 Why did Robert, Kevin, and Julie gather to discuss future trends together?

04:07 Why is incivility the number one threat facing associations?

04:49 How did COVID permanently change HOA behavior?

06:45 Why can’t boards control others, only their reactions?

07:35 Why are board members always being watched?

08:33 How does better communication lower community tension?

09:57 How can boards release pressure before conflict erupts?

10:13 Why is leadership a political role in associations?

12:34 How does having a clear goal stabilize HOA decision making?

14:03 Why do vision and mission statements lower the temperature?

16:21 How long does it take to repair trust in a community?

18:26 Ad Break - Association Reserves

18:57 Why is financial stress amplifying community conflict?

19:21 Why is AI not a defendable position for HOA decisions?

21:02 How should boards actually use AI safely?

23:59 Why does fiduciary responsibility still require human judgment?

25:15 Why is staffing becoming a crisis for HOAs?

27:17 Why do boards struggle to recruit and retain volunteers?

30:24 Why are older associations facing greater financial strain?

33:43 Why must assessments rise as associations age?

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Deferred maintenance doesn’t happen overnight. Learn where HOA boards get stuck and how to start fixing problems before they explode!

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

Deferred maintenance quietly destroys HOAs long before anyone admits there’s a problem. HOA Board Hero Lisa Pieropan shares what happens when boards delay repairs, underestimate risk, and lose political capital with homeowners. Her community’s crumbling infrastructure & recall elections exposed the real cost of waiting and how strong HOA boards decide where to begin before deferred maintenance turns into a crisis!

Chapters:

00:00 How can deferred maintenance expose an HOA to legal risk?
00:59 How can an HOA ignore problems for decades?
05:08 What finally forces boards to confront deferred maintenance?
06:13 Why does trying to fix everything overwhelm HOA boards?
07:14 How does lack of board training make problems worse?
08:01 Why don’t most HOA boards understand their legal duties?
09:34 How did surveying homeowners reveal the real issues?
10:46 Why weren’t owners asking for upgrades, just basics?
12:06 What happens when repairs finally require more money?
12:46 How can backlash and recalls stop progress cold?
14:13 Why does HOA infighting freeze maintenance projects?
15:48 How do personal agendas violate fiduciary duty?
16:31 When do assessment increases become unavoidable?
19:23 Why does political capital matter more than money?
20:58 How does proactive communication soften resistance?
23:32 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
24:03 How did turf reduction become a financial strategy?
27:05 How can edible landscaping build goodwill and savings?
28:29 Why did fruit trees become the HOA’s most loved amenity?
33:09 Why is homeowner engagement so hard for boards?
33:47 How did visual updates change owner perception?
35:05 How does transparency protect the HOA long term?
36:40 What responsibility do most HOA owners misunderstand?

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:
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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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What happens when an HOA board leads with purpose? Learn how vision and mission statements transform decisions, trust, and community culture.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Most HOA Boards rely on rules and governing documents. The strongest ones rely on a clear Vision & Mission Statement. Paul Butler, board member and business consultant, shares how his newly formed HOA created a clear vision statement and mission statement to guide decisions, lower friction, and build trust from day one. This is what intentional leadership looks like when a board knows who it is and where it’s going!

Link to Paul's HOA mission & vision statement HERE

Chapters

00:00 Why should boards measure decisions against vision and values?
00:55 Why do HOAs need a vision and mission beyond governing documents?
04:29 Why would someone choose to serve on an HOA board?
05:18 How does setting foundations early shape an HOA’s future?
06:07 Why is communication essential to HOA culture?
07:26 How do business and hotel management principles apply to HOAs?
09:14 What inspired this board to act on vision and mission right away?
10:39 How did the board collaborate without outside consultants?
11:33 Why was Slack effective for developing mission and vision?
13:49 How do boards avoid making decisions outside formal meetings?
15:50 How long should it take to create a mission and vision?
16:36 How do mission, vision, and values work together?
18:53 Ad Break - Association Reserves
19:24 How does vision apply to older associations?
21:47 Why should boards revisit vision and values annually?
22:45 How will homeowners respond to a mission and vision?
24:23 How can boards actively use vision in meetings?
26:02 What does a strong HOA mission sound like?
28:02 How can compassion and accountability coexist in HOAs?
30:04 Why does transparency build trust with homeowners?
31:34 What advice should every HOA board take from this episode?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community a

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Is recruiting new HOA board members seeming harder than ever? Learn in this podcast some practical tools to engage volunteers, reduce burnout, and build a stronger community pipeline!

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

Struggling to recruit new HOA board members? You’re not alone. In this episode, Robert and guest Cathleen Dunn reveal practical strategies for outreach, engagement, volunteer progression, and preventing toxic candidates from taking over your board. Learn how to build community spirit, create a volunteer pipeline, reduce dissident behavior, and all while inspiring homeowners to step into leadership with confidence!

Chapters:

00:00 Why does homeowner connection matter for recruiting board members?
00:44 What sparked this episode and why are boards struggling to fill seats?
03:41 Why is volunteerism down across HOAs of all sizes?
06:02 How has post-pandemic homebody culture affected HOA involvement?
07:35 Why is recruitment a process of engagement, not just announcements?
08:28 How do recruitment challenges differ in small vs. large associations?
09:43 Why does community spirit matter for volunteer turnout?
10:45 How can branding and volunteer shirts help generate engagement?
11:56 Why is volunteer progression critical before joining the board?
13:15 How do you ease homeowners into small volunteer roles first?
15:55 How does slow, long-term nurturing create strong future board members?
17:33 How do kindness and acknowledgement inspire reluctant volunteers?
18:53 What simple community activities help build a volunteer pipeline?
21:02 How can local business connections strengthen board recruitment?
22:23 Ad Break - Our FiPho
22:53 How do you screen for good candidates and avoid toxic ones?
24:35 How can education and transparency calm upset or misinformed owners?
27:40 How do you avoid letting dissidents gain control of the board?
29:51 How can transparency and open financial review reduce conflict?
32:10 How do you encourage dissidents to participate constructively?
33:15 Can the democratic process keep HOAs stable despite conflict?
36:38 How do you unify the board even when votes are split?
38:32 What final advice helps HOAs grow involvement

Podcast Links:
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When should an HOA retire a committee? Robert and Julie show you how to learn the signs, best practices, and communication tips to keep your community thriving!

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

When is the right time to retire an HOA committee? Robert and Julie break down how to evaluate committees, set charters, boost productivity, and transition members with appreciation and transparency. Learn how to refresh your HOA structure, improve communication, and strengthen community engagement!

Chapters:

00:00 What starts the conversation about retiring HOA committees?
00:30 What sponsors support this HOA Insights episode?
00:45 What is today’s topic on retiring committees?
03:10 What problems arise when committees overstay their purpose?
05:32 What’s the difference between ad hoc and standing committees?
07:08 Why do committees need charters and clear direction?
10:19 How does community age diversity affect committee needs?
12:29 How do communication and transparency help committee transitions?
14:48 Why should HOA boards frame committee changes positively?
17:07 How can technology committees support modern HOA needs?
19:33 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
20:02 How do you retire a committee but retain great people?
21:49 How should boards thank retiring committee members?
24:30 How does kindness and appreciation strengthen the community?
27:14 What signs indicate a committee is no longer needed?
29:14 How can proactive committees improve community operations?
30:07 What final advice does Julie give to HOA boards?

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
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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

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Holiday cheer can bring chaos in your community association! Learn how HOAs can cut liability, prevent fires, avoid disputes, and keep the season merry, bright, and safe!

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

The holidays bring joy but also real risks for every HOA. Robert and Kevin break down the biggest liability traps of the season, from fires and slip-and-falls to parking chaos, fraud attempts, and unpredictable guests. Learn how clear guidelines, smart maintenance, better communication, and financial awareness can keep your HOA protected while still celebrating the season together!

Chapters:

00:00 What liability issues arise when HOAs lack holiday guidelines?
00:44 What holiday risks should HOAs prepare for each year?
04:02 Why does the holiday season create more unpredictable resident behavior?
05:41 How should HOAs enforce holiday rules around people, places, and paper?
07:21 How can boards communicate behavioral guidelines effectively?
08:59 How do parking areas and common spaces increase holiday exposure?
09:24 Can proactive communication reduce holiday-season disputes?
10:53 How do guidelines protect HOAs with defensible positions during claims?
11:49 How can boards both minimize risk and remain community-friendly?
12:40 Why are fires the biggest maintenance risk during the holidays?
13:24 How do dried trees, overloaded circuits, and candles increase HOA exposure?
14:51 How can slip-and-fall hazards increase during winter gatherings?
15:31 Should boards conduct holiday walk-throughs and safety checks?
17:44 Should HOA holiday events be held off-site to reduce liability?
18:19 How can boards encourage community building without adding exposure?
19:04 What security and package-theft risks rise during the holidays?
21:07 Should HOAs increase security hours during the holiday season?
22:33 Ad Break - Community Financials
23:04 What financial responsibilities must boards watch closely in December?
25:22 How can misuse of association funds create liability and accusations?
28:35 How can HOAs verify contractor payments and avoid scams?
30:08 Are paper checks becoming unsafe for HOAs during the holiday season?
32:45 Why should every HOA establ

Podcast Links:
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Learn how HOA insurance is shifting in 2025, why premiums are stabilizing, and how boards can lower risk and costs!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What’s really happening with HOA insurance in 2025? Robert & Kevin break down the latest trends shaping premiums, risks, and reinsurance markets across the country. From the impact of billion-dollar wildfires to the rise of “thermonuclear” you’ll learn what’s driving insurance costs and how your association can position itself as a lower-risk community. Kevin shares how reinsurance stability is finally bringing balance back to the market, and why your board’s maintenance, rule enforcement, and financial discipline are key to getting better rates.

Chapters
00:00 Why 2025 has been a turning point for HOA insurance
04:17 What does it mean that we’ve “crossed the Rubicon” for insurance stability?
06:58 How reinsurance markets shape HOA insurance premiums
08:41 Are insurance rates finally flattening out for associations?
09:50 Why weather-related claims are still driving losses
12:17 How tariffs and inflation impact rebuilding costs and coverage
15:04 What are “nuclear” and “thermonuclear” verdicts—and why they matter?18:15 Ad Break - Association Reserves
18:47 What can HOA boards do to become lower-risk associations?
21:32 Why maintenance, funding, and enforcement lower your insurance risk
24:18 How reserve studies and strong finances help protect your community
26:11 How “social pessimism” affects board performance and trust
30:55 Why culture, optimism, and diligence are key for strong associations
33:02 Why 2026 could bring better insurance rates for prepared HOAs

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

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Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

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The Inspectors of Election