Covering HOAs with One Hot Mike

Most community associations could crumble under new legislation—unless they understand the shocking truth about California’s Senate Bill 1007.In this eye-opening episode, Mike breaks down how a seemingly well-intentioned bill aimed at protecting homeowners could, in reality, threaten the very existence of HOAs in California. He reveals the hidden risks of capping assessments and how it could lead...

This episode breaks down the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending guideline changes impacting condo associations, reserve funding, insurance requirements, and HOA assessments. Why are HOA dues rising? Why are reserve studies becoming more important than ever? And why can’t communities keep avoiding assessment increases? This episode dives into the financial realities HOAs are now facing — and wh...

This episode breaks down “walls in” vs “bare walls” — something that sounds simple, but gets confusing fast. With insurance costs going up, more associations are changing how coverage works, and a lot of homeowners don’t realize how that affects them until something happens. We walk through what’s actually covered, what isn’t, and where things can get messy. Walls In vs Bare Walls: What Your HOA I...

Most community managers overlook the critical step of verifying contractors' insurance — and pay the price when liabilities go wrong. Discover how a simple yet often neglected insurance protocol can protect your HOA from costly lawsuits and unforeseen risks. We break down the ins and outs of insurance forms like the Accord Certificate, what to ask for during contractor vetting, and the importa...

In this episode, we break down one of the most important protections for HOA board members: Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance. If you're serving on an HOA board, you're not just a volunteer—you’re making decisions for a multimillion-dollar organization. And when something goes wrong, those decisions can lead to lawsuits. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:What D&O insu...

In this episode of Covering HOAs - Mike breaks down the five core insurance policies every HOA and community association should understand — and why risk management is more than just buying coverage. From property and general liability to D&O, fidelity bonds, umbrella policies, and workers’ compensation, Mike explains how each policy works, when coverage applies, and the subtle distinctions th...

What’s the difference between putting your insurance carrier on notice and actually filing a claim — and why does it matter so much for HOAs? In this episode of Covering HOAs with One Hot Mike , Mike breaks down how insurance claims really work for community associations, and why timing, communication, and strategy can directly impact coverage, premiums, and long-term insurability. We dive into:*...

In this episode of Covering HOAs with One Hot Mike... Mike breaks down what actually goes into determining HOA insurance premiums. We explore how insurance companies evaluate risk, including the role of reserve studies, financial stability, property maintenance, and high-risk amenities. Mike also explains why proactive risk mitigation has become essential in today’s hard insurance market, what com...

Mike shares valuable insights from a panel discussion focused on the challenges and responsibilities of homeowners' associations (HOAs). The conversation highlights the significance of community involvement and proactive risk management in ensuring the safety and value of properties within these communities. HOAs, community involvement, risk management, fire safety, homeowners associations, pr...

Ever wondered why you have to pay a deductible- or if you even should? We’re unpacking how deductibles really work in HOA insurance, who’s on the hook when a claim happens, and the biggest misconceptions boards and homeowners have.

Breaking down the confusing world of HOA insurance, deductibles, and coverage. Real talk, real clarity, no fluff.

In our very first episode of Covering HOA's With One Hot Mike , host Mike shares why this podcast was created and what you can expect each week. From industry stories and best practices to resources that help board members and community managers serve their neighborhoods better, Covering HOAs is here to spark conversations and strengthen communities.

HOA community managers are not property managers.  They don't make decisions on the part of the HOA, but per the direction of the board of directors.  Our focus with Covering HOAs is to share stories, best practices, happenings within our industry, and to guide community managers to the print, internet, and events where they can learn tactics for improving the service they provide to their cli...