How to Run Successful Construction Projects for Associations

How can you change your negative perception of HOAs? It's possible and worth it.

Do you dread engaging with your HOA Board or HOA Management Company? Is it possible your negativity is preventing you from building a stronger community? Or from taking full advantage of what HOAs truly have to offer you and your neighbors? In this episode of "Hey Neighbor," Denise Haas, an industry expert with decades of experience in managing HOAs, delves into the often misunderstood world of Homeowners Associations (HOAs). She challenges the negative perceptions surrounding HOAs by highlighting the positive impacts they have on communities. From maintaining property values to fostering community spirit, Denise shares insights on how HOAs can be seen as partners rather than adversaries. Tune in to discover how a shift in perspective can transform your HOA experience and strengthen neighborhood bonds. You'll love this episode and walk away armed with a new perspective and actionable steps toward improving your relationship with your neighbors, your HOA board and your HOA management company.

Insurance & HOAs - What Every Association Needs to Know Now

Insurance costs in your HOA are still rising, but the market is shifting.  In this episode, Denise Haas sits down with Tressa Bishop, Senior Vice President at Alliant Insurance Services, to discuss premium trends, coverage models, and the risks boards need to watch for. They break down what happens when communities shift responsibilities between the association and owners, the fine print in master vs. individual policies, and why relying on “self-insurance” isn’t realistic. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:12) The basics of HOA insurance coverage (03:54) Difference between admitted and non-admitted carriers (12:53) How COVID impacted insurance premiums (14:37) Unique insurance challenges in Colorado (18:16) Shifting insurance responsibility to homeowners (22:28) Clarifying horizontal boundaries in Colorado (23:47) Moving to individual unit insurance policies (25:06) Issues with shared walls and roofs (27:58) Exploring self-insurance options for communities (30:30) Explanation of HO-6 and HO-3 policies (32:34) Coverage gaps with special assessments (37:00) Tips for avoiding insurance coverage gaps (40:47) Importance of building detailed insurance data (45:41) What the HOA? Dog poop forensics Connect with our guest: Tressa Bishop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressabishop/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressa-bishop/ Learn more about Alliant Insurance Services: https://alliant.com/ [https://alliant.com/] Connect with me: Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/] Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/ [https://www.fivekeyscm.com/]

How to Run Successful Construction Projects for Associations

You can’t prevent every leak. But you can avoid calling your contractor at 2 a.m. In today’s episode, Denise talks with Chris Boortz, Principal at ASR Companies, Inc., about what really goes wrong in HOA construction and what to do about it. From flooded units to million-dollar repairs, Chris shares his best advice for staying ahead of emergencies, assembling the right project team, and making sure communication doesn’t fall through the cracks. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:39) Proactive vs. reactive maintenance (04:00) The importance of team collaboration (05:28) Handling chaotic emergencies (08:08) The value of contractor relationships (09:20) Evolving bidding practices (16:22) Effective communication strategies (17:09) Weekly updates and community feedback (18:33) A checklist for successful major projects (19:23) Understanding project budgeting and team selection (20:39) Community communication and budget finalization (22:41) Handling unexpected issues and litigation (34:17) A creative solution that saved time and money Connect with our guest: Chris Boortz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-boortz-498b6429/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-boortz-498b6429/]  Learn more about ASR Companies: https://www.asrcompanies.com [https://www.asrcompanies.com]  Connect with me: Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/] Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/ [https://www.fivekeyscm.com/]

Exploring the Love-Hate Reality of HOA Rules & Enforcement

Got code violations in your HOA? You’re not alone. And that’s a good thing.  In today’s episode, we talk to covenant control attorney, David Graf, on why HOA enforcement is a necessary evil to maintain property value and thriving communities. We also explore the love-hate relationship between homeowners, boards, and HOA compliance. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:58) Challenges and misconceptions in HOA management (06:27) The importance of community standards (28:04) The power of responsibility in HOA leadership (28:55) Building credibility and transparency (34:16) Effective covenant enforcement (38:25) Handling homeowner concerns with empathy (50:32) Neighbor-to-neighbor tip Connect with our guest: David Graf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-graf-7976b08/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-graf-7976b08/]  Learn more about Moeller Graf: https://www.moellergraf.com/ [https://www.moellergraf.com/]  Connect with me: Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/] Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/ [https://www.fivekeyscm.com/]

Why Community Matters More Now Than Ever

In this inaugural episode of Hey Neighbor, Denise Haas sits down with Dawn Bauman, Chief Strategy Officer of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Association Research. Dawn shares why the HOA model is misunderstood, how COVID and shifting social norms are still reshaping neighborhood life in 2025, and what it really means to be a “good neighbor” today. She dives into why enforcement shouldn’t be about fines, how modern board members need to think more like CEOs, and why understanding the financial and emotional cost of community living is key to a healthier future. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:51) Community challenges in 2025 (02:45) Covenant enforcement issues (06:11) Economic, social, and environmental shifts post-COVID (15:38) The origin and value of HOAs (26:24) A developer's perspective on condominiums vs. apartments (28:28) Future of community living (29:39) Neighborly tips Connect with our guest: Dawn Bauman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbauman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbauman/]  Learn more about the Foundation for Community Association Research: https://foundation.caionline.org/ [https://foundation.caionline.org/]  Connect with me: Denise Haas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-haas-aa908219/] Learn more about Five Keys: https://www.fivekeyscm.com/ [https://www.fivekeyscm.com/]