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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!

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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

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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.

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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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Julie Adamen

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Robert Nordlund, PE

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The Inspectors of Election

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This week we explore how HOA Boards can prevent election disputes, follow state laws, and ensure a smooth, transparent voting process.
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HOA Elections shouldn’t be stressful, but for many HOA Boards they often are. In this episode, Robert sits down with Kurtis Peterson from The Inspectors of Election to discuss how associations can avoid common pitfalls during the HOA election process. From understanding your governing documents and navigating new California election laws to preventing liability and costly challenges, you’ll learn best practices to ensure transparency and trust in every vote. Hiring election professionals can save your community time, money, and legal headaches that keep your HOA Board out of court and your elections running smoothly!

Chapters:

00:00 How can HOA Boards avoid election chaos and ensure fairness?
00:49 What are the biggest challenges HOAs face during elections?
03:53 Why should associations rely on election professionals?
06:08 How does reviewing governing documents prevent election errors?
07:25 What happens when HOAs have been doing elections wrong for years?
10:07 How can professional oversight protect HOAs from liability and lawsuits?11:19 What best practices help boards keep elections out of court?
13:23 How do inspectors manage nominations, ballots, and certifications?
16:25 How early should associations start preparing for elections?
18:03 How have HOA elections changed over the years?
19:11 How do amendments and special assessments factor into elections?
20:58 Ad Break - FiPhO Score
22:03 What are the differences between election service models?
24:34 How do costs and services vary for different-sized associations?
26:35 What’s the smallest and largest HOA election ever managed?
28:32 How can professional oversight reduce distrust in board elections?
30:39 Why should board members keep up with changing HOA laws?
31:07 How can HOA Boards contact professionals for election help?

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 speci

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

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election