The Truth About HOAs Every Developer Must Know

HOAs – love them or hate them, they’re here to stay. But what if your HOA actually worked for you instead of against you? In this episode, we talk with Brandon Barnum, CEO of HOA.com, about how his company is transforming homeowner associations across the country. From increasing transparency and communication to reducing frustrating fines, Brandon shares how technology, AI, and good old-fashioned community-building can turn HOAs into something homeowners actually appreciate. Plus, he reveals how developers can save thousands in legal fees by using best-practice HOA documents, why real estate agents should become Certified HOA Specialists, and how an AI-powered concierge service is making life easier for HOA board members. Guest Bio Brandon Barnum is the CEO of HOA.com, a company dedicated to revolutionizing homeowner associations by enhancing transparency, communication, and community engagement. With a rich background in real estate and business development, Brandon has been instrumental in building multiple successful ventures, including his role as CEO of Refer.com, which grew to over 5 million members. He is also the author of Raving Referrals, a guide aimed at helping professionals generate consistent referral business. Passionate about fostering connected communities, Brandon’s mission with HOA.com is to transform HOAs into organizations that homeowners value and trust. Episode Highlights and Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Barnum and HOA.com 01:20 - The biggest complaints homeowners have about HOAs 02:54 - How HOA.com is working to improve transparency and communication 06:00 - The challenge of creating fair and effective HOA rules 08:48 - Best practices for developers when setting up an HOA 10:59 - How AI is transforming HOA management and reducing board stress 13:24 - Cost-effective HOA management solutions for smaller communities 15:22 - The problem of lawsuits against developers and how to mitigate risks 18:36 - How HOA.com helps real estate agents, developers, and homeowners 22:00 - The business model of HOA.com and how it benefits communities 24:09 - How Brandon acquired HOA.com and turned it into a major platform 27:15 - The Certified HOA Specialist program for real estate agents 28:50 - The future of community-building and hyper-local engagement 30:33 - Final thoughts and how to get involved with HOA.com Contact Information For more information about HOA.com, visit: www.hoa.com Check out Brandon Barnum’s book Raving Referrals: www.ravingreferrals.com Connect with Brandon Barnum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbarnum/ For Eugene Gershman’s podcast and business insights, visit: giscompanies.co/podcast