Episodes

Attorney Cang Le of Le Firm joins The Uncommon Area for a clear look at what fiduciary duty really means for HOA board members. Cang and host Matthew Holbrook break down how board decisions are judged, why expert guidance matters, what creates legal exposure, and how the business judgment rule actually works in practice. If you serve on an HOA board or work in community management, this episode gives you practical insight into how to make sound decisions that protect the association and yourse...

Matthew Holbrook sits down with mortgage advisor John Farrell to break down how SB 326, the Balcony Bill, is reshaping condo sales across California. They explore why inspections can derail a sale, how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac evaluate HOA risk, and why some communities are seeing major price shifts. If you are on a board, buying a condo or managing an HOA, this episode helps you understand the financial pressure points created by the law and how to navigate them. Topics Covered: • How SB 3...

Can an HOA act like law enforcement? Attorney Darren M. Bevan joins host Matthew Holbrook to unpack what homeowners associations can and can’t do when neighbor disputes escalate. From late-night parties to illegal behavior, this episode explores how far an HOA’s authority really goes and where the law draws the line. Learn how to handle nuisance complaints, enforce governing documents legally, and protect your board from liability. Plus, hear about the landmark Woolard v. Regent Real Estate Ser...

Is your HOA facing construction defects or considering legal action? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Joe Smith of Burg Simpson Law Firm about how community associations can protect themselves when construction issues arise. They cover everything from identifying potential defects and navigating statutes of limitation to understanding tolling agreements and strategic settlements. You’ll learn what steps boards should take before litigation and why most case...

HOA disputes are inevitable, but how your board handles them determines whether your community grows stronger or fractures under pressure. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with attorney Sandra L. Gottlieb of SwedelsonGottlieb about what it really means to fight fair in homeowners associations. From mediation and arbitration to board decisions and neighbor disagreements, they unpack strategies that protect both your HOA and its sense of community. You’ll learn: ...

What makes some HOAs consistently successful? In this special episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Judge Bugbee, founder of HOA Connect North Texas, about what separates thriving communities from struggling ones. Judge shares his journey from HOA board president to launching an organization that educates and equips volunteer leaders across Texas. The conversation explores how HOA Connect has grown, the support it provides to communities, and the leadership principles t...

Insurance is one of the most complex and fast-changing aspects of HOA management. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Jonathan Naranjo of Liberty Naranjo about the biggest insurance challenges communities face today and what boards can do to prepare. They discuss why HOA insurance premiums are rising, how to identify and reduce risk factors, and what boards should know about the difference between admitted and non-admitted carriers. Jonathan also shares practi...

When public access meets private HOA property, the legal boundaries can get complicated. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with attorney Sandra Gottlieb of Swedelson Gottlieb about how California associations can navigate shared spaces, easements, and access rights under the California Coastal Act. They break down how public use impacts liability, insurance, and maintenance responsibilities, plus what boards should know about managing trails, beaches, and communi...

Attorney Leah Burton joins host Matthew Holbrook to unpack what HOAs can do regarding short-term rentals.

California HOAs face major changes with AB 130, the new law limiting fines to $100 per violation and requiring homeowners be given an opportunity to cure issues before enforcement. In this special episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with HOA attorney Steve Tinnelly about what these changes mean for enforcement, health and safety exceptions, and how boards should update policies to stay compliant. If you are a board member, property manager, or community leader in Californi...

HOA insurance costs are skyrocketing, and boards need to act before it impacts residents and budgets. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Cory Neubauer of NEXTIER Insurance Services about why premiums are surging, how to navigate admitted vs. non-admitted carriers, and strategies for risk management in high-cost markets. They cover the drivers behind rising premiums, the limits of deductible changes, per-unit policy impacts, and why early communication with br...

Can an HOA restrict what homeowners say or display? In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney Sarah A. Paas of Tinnelly Law Group to unpack one of the most misunderstood issues in community living: free speech rights inside an HOA. They explore what the First Amendment actually protects, how California law extends additional rights to residents, and where the line is drawn between commercial and non-commercial speech. From political signs to social medi...

California HOAs face major compliance and financial challenges under SB 326, the Balcony Bill. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook is joined by Ryan Darby, Regional Director at Action Property Management, and Tad Black, VP of Community Management, to explain how balcony inspections impact lending, insurance, and property values. They cover what qualifies as a compliant inspection, the “stoplight” grading system, how ambiguous reporting can halt real estate transactions, ...

HOA elections can make or break community trust, yet many boards and managers underestimate the complexity of running them fairly. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, host Matthew Holbrook talks with Lisa Schwartz, founder of The Ballot Box, a firm specializing in HOA elections for over 18 years. They unpack everything from legal requirements and ballot security to electronic voting and common election pitfalls. Lisa explains why third-party oversight is critical, how her firm prevents fraud ...

 Clear, consistent communication is essential for successful HOA management. In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook and industry expert Julie Adamen discuss how proactive communication reduces homeowner frustration and increases engagement. They explore best practices such as using multiple communication channels, incorporating visuals, leveraging experts, and maintaining a positive tone. Whether through emails, newsletters, video updates, or in-person meetings, transparency i...

 Electronic voting is coming to California homeowners associations! Starting January 1, 2025, HOAs will have the option to conduct elections through electronic voting, offering a modern alternative to traditional mail-in ballots. But what does this mean for board members and managers? Join Matthew Holbrook and Dennis Burke, attorney at Fiore Racobs & Powers, as they dive into the specifics of this legislative change. From updating election rules to navigating the new technical requirements, ...

 In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook and guest Kate Kilanowski from Cagle Pugh dive into the common mistakes made by HOA board members and how to avoid them. Whether it’s navigating governing documents, managing communication, or finding the right balance between short-term and long-term decision-making, this episode is packed with insights to help HOA boards function more effectively. Key Topics Missteps with CC&Rs and bylaws The importance of email etiquette and commun...

 This episode tackles the evolving nature of the HOA industry, recorded with a live audience at the Marconi Museum in Tustin, CA. Host Matthew Holbrook sits down with Steve Tinnelly from the Tinnelly Law Group to discuss the evolving landscape of HOAs in the U.S. With years of expertise, they explore how recent legislative trends, safety concerns, and community expectations are reshaping HOA governance, management practices, and homeowner experiences. Key topics – Governmental shifts toward...

In this eye-opening episode of The Uncommon Area, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in the world of property management: Are HOAs a Scam? Joining host Matthew is attorney Jeff Beaumont, who brings over 25 years of experience working with HOAs to this lively discussion. Recorded live at The Skybox in San Diego, in front of a group of HOA board members, this episode sheds light on the complex role that Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play in modern communities. Key Topics Are H...

 Welcome to the second episode of our HOA Management Podcast series on Reserve Studies, part of The Uncommon Area! In this episode, our host, Matthew Holbrook, is joined by Reserve Analyst Derek Eckert and Board Member J Parsons. This conversation jumps right into the deep-end, exploring the more complex details of reserve studies and how to use them in a more advanced and effective way. If you’re a board member or manager, this episode is essential for preparing your HOA for long-term financ...

 Welcome to another episode of The Uncommon Area with your host, Matthew Holbrook! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of reserve studies—a crucial aspect of managing homeowner associations (HOAs). Joining us is Mark Smith from Advanced Reserve Solutions, who brings extensive expertise in the field. Mark explains the importance of reserve studies and how they function as a financial plan for associations. He details how to build a reserve study, covering the essential components...

Description (SEO-Optimized): HOA and homeowners association repair projects are getting more complex and more expensive. In this episode, host Matthew Holbrook sits down with attorney Dirk Petchul of Whitney | Petchul to explore how boards can navigate major repairs, comply with the Balcony Bill, and plan financially for aging infrastructure. Learn practical strategies for assessments, loans, and communication that keep your community on track. Key Topics: Aging Infrastructure and rising repa...

Join us as we dive into the crucial topic of neighborhood safety with Phil McMullin from Orange PD. From spotting red flags of criminal activity to the power of neighborhood watch, we uncover the key elements to keeping your community safe. Matthew and Phil explore the unique advantages of living in an HOA and how it fosters a culture of vigilance and security. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your home and strengthen your neighborhood bonds! Key Topics The impact of the Broken Window Theory ...

Join host Matthew Holbrook and HOA expert Mike Perlof as they explore the changing landscape of HOA and homeowners association management. Learn why manager and client turnover is rising, how community managers can avoid burnout, and the impact of Zoom and virtual meetings on board relationships. Mike and Matthew also share educational resources and strategies for improving service quality and client retention in today’s evolving HOA industry. Key Topics Covered: Challenges and opportunities i...