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HOA loan approvals aren’t guaranteed. Here’s why more communities are being turned down…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Today, we have two industry professionals, former managers, both with the prestigious pcam credential, and they're both now in the banking industry, Michelle Underwood and Marcy Kravit. We asked them to join us on the show today because we had a situation where one of our clients with a lot of deferred maintenance and almost no money, didn't like the idea of a special assessment, and so they reached out to one of the more prominent Community Association financial institutions, and the deal was they were initially denied, which I understand is more and more common, and after some discussion and clarification and adjustment, they were finally approved. But it wasn't easy or straightforward, and it's a lesson that you need to hear.

Chapters:
00:00 Why are HOA loans getting denied more often?
00:55 What problem are HOAs facing when funding major projects?
03:05 Why do banks reject associations with poor planning?
06:55 Why are reserve studies now critical for loan approval?
08:23 How does deferred maintenance impact loan eligibility?
11:29 What financial documents do banks review first?
14:19 What delinquency levels make HOAs too risky?
15:49 How long does the HOA loan approval process take?
18:25 Why do loans still require special assessments?
20:21 How can insurance costs impact loan decisions?
21:24 Ad Break - OurFiPhO.com
21:55 What are the automatic disqualifications for HOA loans?
25:04 What are typical loan terms for HOAs?
26:50 Why can a loan hurt your association’s marketability?
27:56 Are HOA loans becoming harder to get approved?
29:39 Why do board decisions impact homeowners’ lives directly?
30:42 What should HOAs look for in a lending partner?
33:19 What is the most important takeaway for 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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Julie Adamen

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Every HOA board has conflict. The best ones use diversity to make better decisions. Here’s how to turn your board diversity into success…
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Today, Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund will be addressing a common challenge among board members: seeing the world differently from one another. The question is, will that tear your board apart, or can you use that to have success because of that diversity? And that's a question we'll tackle today!

Chapters

00:00 Why do different perspectives create tension on HOA boards?
00:48 What challenge do new board members bring to existing teams?
03:54 Why should boards avoid expecting the worst from new members?
05:41 How does change impact HOA board dynamics?
07:32 Why do different generations see HOA decisions differently?
08:48 How should new board members approach change responsibly?
10:34 What is political capital and why does it matter?
12:00 Why are HOAs like small governments with real impact?
13:55 What types of diversity affect HOA board decisions?
16:23 How do different strengths improve board performance?
19:21 How do communication and translation challenges affect boards?
20:31 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services
21:00 How do you shift from defensiveness to collaboration?
23:46 How do you find common ground on difficult decisions?
25:29 How can boards align on financial decisions like repairs?
27:36 Why does consensus building take time in HOAs?
30:05 How does communication help unify diverse board members?
31:29 What is the best way to build trust on a diverse board?

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

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HOA finances suffer when boards delay decisions. Learn the legal and financial risks of inaction.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA finances are at risk when boards avoid making decisions. Kevin Davis and Sherry Branson break down how “no decision” leads to legal exposure, deferred maintenance, and financial strain. Learn how fiduciary responsibility, communication, and proactive leadership help protect your community, maintain property values, and avoid costly mistakes.

Chapters:

00:00 Why does avoiding decisions create bigger HOA problems?
01:45 What does “no decision is a decision” really mean?
03:05 Why are HOA boards often afraid to make decisions?
04:48 Why do financial decisions cause the most indecision?
06:52 What is fiduciary duty and how can boards violate it?
08:15 How does deferred maintenance turn into legal risk?
10:06 Why do boards become defensive instead of proactive?
11:42 How does inconsistent enforcement create liability?
14:28 Why should HOA boards act like a business?
16:01 Ad Break - Community Financials
16:32 What are the three biggest areas affected by indecision?
18:10 How do delays lead to lawsuits and financial loss?
20:27 What makes a decision seem “reckless” to homeowners?
22:12 Why should boards rely on expert advice?
23:39 How does communication reduce conflict with homeowners?
25:29 How do decisions protect long-term property value?
27:18 Why does tone and kindness matter in board leadership?

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