The HOA industry is in a very active phase of consolidation with mergers and acquisitions. But even as larger management corporations take over longstanding medium and small businesses, newcomers are entering the scene. Host Tom Freeley sits down with Laura Hurtado, CCAM-PM.CI, who recently launched Synergy Management Group in San Diego. After working many years in the industry managing all types of communities—from onsite self-managed to high rise, large scale and commercial associations—Hurtado broke out on her own to start a small business. Hear about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, and what she’s doing to set her company apart.

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Homeowners’ associations should set aside anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of their annual budget to adequately fund reserves, says Reserve Specialist Matthew Swain. However, many boards and associations kick the can down the road and avoid setting aside money into their reserve fund because they don’t want to increase assessments. But if you treat reserves like an impound account on a mortgage, it will be easier for boards and associations to pay expenses when components fail or need to be replaced or repaired. In this episode, host Tom Freeley and Swain discuss how to approach a reserve budget, what a reserve study should cover, the three- part test for reserve studies, and national reserve study standards.

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In part two of this 2024 legislative update, community management executive Joseph Price weighs in on the balcony bill, the CID repair bill and the electronic voting bill, all which were recently signed into law. What now? How do you start to implement at the association level? It’s not going to be plug and play. Plus, the deadline to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act looms large and association boards have to act sooner rather than later. As it currently stands, there are no exemptions for homeowners’ associations. Take the time to learn about new legislation and the steps you will need to take, host Tom Freeley advises.

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The 2024 legislative season is over in California, but it was an action-packed thrill ride with many bills introduced that targeted common interest developments, or HOAs, in the state. Host Tom Freeley and attorney and CACM’s Legislative Advocate Jennifer Wada analyze the impact of three bills specifically: SB 900 (CID Repair and Maintenance), AB 2114 (Balcony Inspections) and AB 2159 (Electronic Voting). These were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, with the balcony inspection bill becoming effective immediately. You will also hear about what went into defeating SB 1470, which was potentially very negative to the industry. Check out what goes on behind the scenes to make CID bills workable in California.

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The pink flamingo ban that turned into a temporary art installation at a community. A community manager that calls the authorities on a trespasser sleeping in the clubhouse, just to find out he’s the association’s board president. Plus, how a community manager tried to avoid serving a violation notice to Lorena Bobbitt. These are just some of the weird stories that will make you chuckle. You can’t make this stuff up! CEO and host Tom shares some of the crazy stories of managing and living in homeowners’ associations. You don’t want to miss this one!

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“Don’t fake your budget.” Hear this and other great advice from guest Lorena Sterling with Community Association Financial Services in Palm Springs. It’s budget season, so tune in for insights from Sterling on how to create and present an association budget. This episode also presents tips on how to read and present a financial statement to the HOA board. Hear about options for funding a budget deficit or a reserve project. “If your monthly dues aren’t increasing each year, be scared,” Sterling warns. You’ll walk away with best practices including paying attention to budget line items, how to forecast increases using CPI, negotiating vendor contracts, knowledge-based budgeting, and more. If numbers scare you, this episode is for you.

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California’s fire season is in full swing. CEO and host Tom Freeley talks about preparing for emergencies and natural disasters including fires, floods, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and more. In the HOA industry, the term often used is: Fire, flood or blood. Reserve funds can be easily or entirely wiped out to cover the cost of unplanned disasters. In an oceanfront LA community, more than 200 homes have had their gas and power cut off by a long-running ground shift, which is threatening utility lines. Most HOAs, however, have no formal plans or training to respond to disasters. Listen in for ideas on how to address an emergency at an association.

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Burnout is a common symptom for community association managers, aka,
Personality Managers, and it manifests both physically and mentally affecting job performance.
Insomnia, digestive issues, grumpy mood are all signs of burnout. It’s hard to avoid when subjected to constant negativity and bullying from clients. Taking vacation, identifying stressors, working on time management, writing or verbalizing your frustrations, and seeking therapy are
all ways to push through your daily work challenges. Host Tom Freeley and Co-Host Alia Saouli share their personal tricks to relieve stress and live your best life even during a busy season or chaotic time in your professional career. It’s OK not to be OK!

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