The Uncommon Area

In this condensed edition of Episode 103 of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with Chris Lema and Brad Perry to discuss the rapid evolution of AI, its impact on businesses, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. This shorter edit covers the first 15 minutes of their conversation. For a deeper dive, check out the uncut episode.

AI is making it easier than ever to analyze data, automate work, and even build custom software. But easier doesn't always mean better, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. Matthew Holbrook welcomes Chris Lema, CEO of Motivation Code, and Brad Perry, CIO of Action Property Management, for a conversation about what the AI revolution actually means for businesses and the customers who depend on them. They explore why industry expertise still matters when building with AI,

Can a homeowner with a perfect credit score still lose their mortgage? Yes, if their condominium association does not meet Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, HOA attorney Clint Brown joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender letter that is reshaping condominium loan approvals nationwide. Clint explains why the limited review process is gone, why every condo loan application now goes through a full review, and what H

Is 70% funded really the gold standard for HOA reserves? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Andrew Stoutenburg of Reserve Advisors to take a closer look at what percent funded actually measures, where it falls short, and why many well-run communities never climb above 30% funded. As Andrew puts it, the goal is having the right money at the right time. Matthew and Andrew cover why even brand-new communities need a reserve study, how percent funded is calculate

What does the Corporate Transparency Act mean for HOA and condominium association boards? In Episode 100 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Phoebe Neseth, Vice President of Government Relations for Community Associations Institute, to discuss the Corporate Transparency Act and the important updates surrounding its application to community associations. The conversation explores why the CTA raised concerns for volunteer HOA board members, including personal information requir

Most HOA boards read the budget every month. Almost none read the balance sheet, and that is where financial trouble actually shows up first. Host Matthew Holbrook talks with Stacie Donnelly, CFO of Condominium Financial Management, and Bob Spillar, a longtime HOA board member and California Legislative Action Committee member, about what to check on a balance sheet before approving next year's budget, including unfunded reserves, prepaid insurance, cash basis versus accrual basis budgeting, bu