Episodes

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...

Is your HOA's roofing ready for El Niño? Before the rain arrives, HOA boards and community managers have a window of opportunity to find problems, complete maintenance and prepare their communities for a potentially very wet winter. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook talks with Charles Antis of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing about El Niño, roof leaks, maintenance, inspections, reserves and the decisions boards should be making before the storms arrive. Charles shares the st...

In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney John MacDowell of Fiore Racobs & Powers to unpack how HOA board meetings actually work under California law. They cover the difference between executive session and general session, the four categories that belong in executive session (legal matters, personnel, contract formation, and member discipline), and why the intent of the statute matters more than what a board can technically get away with. The conversati...

Are homeowners associations businesses, governments, or something entirely different? In Episode 96 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney David Graf, partner at Moeller Graf, to explore one of the most important questions in community association management. Together, they discuss why the most successful HOAs require more than sound finances and legal compliance. From stewardship and fiduciary duty to communication, compassion, and community reputation, this conversati...

How do homeowners associations make sure their voices are heard when new legislation is proposed? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Mike Perlof, Director of Client Services at Fenton Grant Law Group and President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Orange County Chapter, along with Cory Neubauer, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nextier Insurance Services and an active volunteer leader with CAI-CLAC, the California Legislative Action Com...

Update (June 24, 2026): The Assembly committee hearing on SB 1007, scheduled for June 24, was canceled at the author's request. The bill has not been defeated or signed into law and remains active in the legislative process. The concerns discussed in this episode remain relevant, and there is still time for homeowners, board members, and community associations to make their voices heard. We'll continue to share updates as the bill moves forward. California’s HOA industry is facing several sign...

Volunteer HOA board members don't get paid...but they can absolutely get sued. In this episode, HOA attorney Lisa Tashjian of Beaumont Tashjian joins host Matthew Holbrook to break down one of the most overlooked risks in community association governance: board member negligence. Lisa explains the difference between negligence and gross negligence, why boards that haven't raised assessments in years should be concerned rather than proud, and how deferred maintenance creates real legal exposure....

California HOAs are still trying to fully understand the impact of AB 130, and according to attorney Dirk Petchul, many boards may be focusing on the wrong things. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Dirk to break down the real-world implications of AB 130, including HOA fine limitations, “cured” violations, enforcement confusion, and the legal gray areas community associations are now navigating across California. The conversation explores: • AB 130 explaine...

California HOAs are still adjusting to the realities of AB 130 months after the law reshaped HOA enforcement rules across the state. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by HOA attorney Maria Kao for Part 1 of a two-part AB 130 series focused on one major question: How can HOA boards enforce community standards when traditional fines are no longer an effective deterrent? The conversation explores: California HOA fine limitations under AB 130 Repeat and ongoing vi...

What happens when a homeowner refuses to leave a board meeting? When a fellow board member is exposing the association to liability? When one resident sends 173 emails in four months and every single one is technically civil? In Episode 90 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook is joined by Texas HOA and condominium attorney Teddy Holtz to explore one of the most pressing challenges in community association management: what to do when civility breaks down. From meeting notice requirements to c...

In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Action Property Management's CEO, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by insurance expert Dennis Socher to break down HOA and D&O insurance in a way that is practical, clear, and actionable. From directors and officers (D&O) insurance to general liability coverage, this conversation helps boards understand what their policies actually cover and where they may be exposed. Many associations assume they are properly insured, but coverage gaps, exclusions, and outdated...

Executive session is one of the most misunderstood aspects of HOA governance. In Episode 88 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook continues his conversation with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group to explain when boards should move discussions into executive session and why it matters. They discuss legal matters, collections, member discipline, contract formation, foreclosure discussions, and payment plans. The conversation also explores leadership lessons from The Five Dysfunct...

What happens when conflict erupts inside the HOA board? In Episode 87 of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook speaks with HOA attorney James McCormick of Delphi Law Group about one of the most uncomfortable realities of community governance: disagreements between board members. They explore whether a board member can actually be removed, how recall elections work, and why most association conflicts stem from human dynamics rather than legal issues. The conversation also highlights the importan...

HOA audits play a critical role in ensuring financial transparency and accountability within community associations. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with CPA Sam Timothy to discuss how HOA audits work and what boards should pay attention to when reviewing financial reports. They explore how auditors verify cash balances, confirm expenses, and identify irregularities that may indicate fraud or financial mismanagement. The conversation also covers internal f...

Litigation is one tool, not the only tool. This episode with Chad Thomas of Berding & Weil explores how boards can evaluate defects, understand SB 800, and pursue resolution without rushing into a lawsuit. Follow The Uncommon Area for expert-led discussions on HOA law, governance, and property management best practices. Rather watch the episode video? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Have a topic you’d like covered? Email us at marketing@actionlife.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or L...

Cybersecurity threats against homeowners associations are increasing, and HOAs are becoming prime targets for cyber attacks, fraud, and data breaches. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Brad Perry, CIO at Action Property Management, to break down what HOA board members and managers need to know about cybersecurity today. This conversation covers why the human element is the biggest cybersecurity risk, how phishing and spear-phishing attacks work, and why HO...

What does it really mean to serve on an HOA or condo board? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, attorney Grant Neidenfeuhr joins Matthew Holbrook to unpack the legal and practical realities board members face. From understanding that associations are nonprofit corporations to navigating enforcement, assessments, communication, and decision making, this conversation provides clear guidance for board members who want to do the job well. They explore why acting in good faith and in the best int...

Creative financing is changing how homes are bought and sold. Caleb Christopher joins The Uncommon Area to explain what HOAs need to know about investors, seller financing, and rental rules, and why clarity may be a board’s strongest tool. Key Topics CoveredWhat creative financing actually means Seller financing vs. subject-to transactions Why low-interest mortgages are valuable assets How investors evaluate HOA rules before buying Rental caps, short-term rental restrictions, and enforcemen...

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to share something a little different. This special holiday episode is a story about a delayed flight, a tired mother, a hurt toddler, and a few strangers who chose to pay attention. What unfolded was a simple act of kindness that grew into something meaningful and unforgettable. At Action Property Management, this is our heartbeat. Caring for people. Walking alongside others. Showing up when it matters, even in small ways. As you head into the holidays...