PODCAST · business
The Uncommon Area
by Action Property Management
The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.
Episodes
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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Rules Every Condo Board Must Know | Ep. 102
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...
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HOA Reserve Funding: Is 70% a Myth? | Ep. 101
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...
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Do HOAs Still Need to Comply with the Corporate Transparency Act? | Ep. 100
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...
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HOA Budgeting Basics | The Uncommon Area Ep. 99
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...
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Is Your HOA Ready for El Niño? | Ep. 98
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…
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What Really Happens at an HOA Board Meeting? | Ep. 97
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...
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Are We Thinking About HOAs All Wrong? | Ep. 96
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…
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How Can $1 Protect Your HOA? | Ep. 95
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)...
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Pending California Legislation HOA Boards Should Know About | Ep. 94
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…
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Is Your HOA Board Exposed to Liability for Negligence? | Ep. 93
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…
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AB 130 Revisited [Pt 2]: Are We Overreacting? | Ep. 92
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,...
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AB 130 Revisited [Pt 1]: The Enforcement Challenges Facing HOAs | Ep. 91
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...
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When HOA Meetings Go Wrong: Texas Law & Codes of Conduct | Ep. 90
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...
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Is Your HOA Properly Insured? | Ep. 89
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,...
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HOA Board Conflict Series (Pt. 2): Executive Session and Board Dynamics | Ep. 88
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...
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HOA Board Conflict Series (Pt. 1): Can a Board Member Be Removed? | Ep. 87
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…
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HOA Audits Explained: Fraud Risks, Financial Controls, and What Boards Should Watch | Ep. 86
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...
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How to Avoid Defect Litigation | Ep. 85
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...
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Hacked? Understanding Cybersecurity in HOAs | Ep. 84
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…
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What Every HOA Board Member Should Know | Ep. 83
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...
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How Creative Financing Impacts Homebuyers and Investors in HOAs | Ep. 82
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 Covered What creative financing actually means...
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[SPECIAL EPISODE] Be Astonished & Tell About It | Ep. 81
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...
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HOA Fiduciary Duty: Can Board Members Be Sued Personally? | Ep. 80
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...
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How SB 326 Is Shaping Home Values and HOA Stability | Ep. 79
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...
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Can My HOA Arrest My Neighbor? | Ep. 78
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…
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Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Construction Defect Litigation | Ep. 77
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...
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Fighting Fair: HOA Conflict, Mediation, and the Art of Dispute Avoidance | Ep. 76
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…
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What Makes an HOA Thrive? | Ep. 75
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...
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Disaster Strikes: How HOAs Can Prepare, Notify, and Protect | Ep. 74
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…
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Property Lines: When Public Access Meets Private Communities | Ep. 73
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...
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Texas Edition: Short Term Rentals | Ep. 72
Attorney Leah Burton joins host Matthew Holbrook to unpack what HOAs can do regarding short-term rentals.
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Understanding AB 130: New Rules for HOA Fines | Ep. 71
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…
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Managing Rising HOA Insurance Costs | Ep. 70
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...
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Can HOAs Take Away Free Speech? | Ep. 69
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...
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SB326: Your HOA’s Structural Wake-Up Call | Ep. 68
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...
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HOA Elections EXPOSED: Behind the Scenes with a Ballot Expert | Ep. 67
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…
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Can Communication Kill Conflict? | Ep. 66
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...
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Electronic Voting in 2025 | Ep. 65
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...
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Board Member Blunders: These Mistakes Can Wreck Your HOA | Ep. 64
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…
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The Evolution of HOAs: What’s Changed and Where Are We Going? | Ep. 63
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...
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Are HOAs a Scam? | Ep. 62
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...
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Reserve Studies Pt. 2: The Build-Out | Ep. 61
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…
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Reserve Studies Pt. 1: The Blueprint | Ep. 60
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...
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Why HOA Repair Projects Fail | Ep. 59
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,...
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Is Your Home a Criminal Target? | Ep. 58
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...
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HOA Industry Changes and How Boards Can Adapt | Ep. 57
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....
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Do Homebuyers See HOAs as a Strikeout or Home Run? | Ep. 56
In this episode of The Uncommon Area, we discuss the relationship between real estate and homeowners associations. Our guest, Matt Luke, shares his unique perspective as a former professional baseball player turned real estate professional. With a background beyond real estate, Matt offers a...
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Stop Telling Boring Stories | Ep. 55
Katie Quesada sheds light on the importance of storytelling in every industry, including HOA management. The post Stop Telling Boring Stories | Ep. 55 appeared first on Action Property Management.
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When HOAs and Hotels Collide | Ep. 54
A discussion with hospitality expert Kevan White on how hospitality services are important to HOAs and what good service looks like. Key Topics Covered: Understanding hospitality in HOAs Crafting tailored experiences for residents Transitioning from hotel service to HOA environments Challenges...
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Dinosaur CC&Rs | Ep. 53
Are your CC&Rs from the dark ages? Even if they are only 10-15 years old, they might be. Attorney Sandra Gottlieb talks about what you need to know about updating your CC&Rs to minimize problems that could arise from them being outdated.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including governance, financial management, insurance, legal issues, and community operations. Each episode features expert guests from across the industry, offering real-world insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you run a more effective, well-managed community. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or homeowner, this podcast delivers actionable advice you can actually use.
HOSTED BY
Action Property Management
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Uncommon Area have?
The Uncommon Area currently has 104 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Uncommon Area about?
The Uncommon Area is a leading HOA podcast for board members, community leaders, and industry professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on homeowners association management. Hosted by Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, the show breaks down complex HOA topics including...
How often does The Uncommon Area release new episodes?
The Uncommon Area publishes regularly with 104 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Uncommon Area?
You can listen to The Uncommon Area on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Uncommon Area?
The Uncommon Area is created and hosted by Action Property Management.
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