Confessions of an HOA Manager
Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes in your HOA? I’m Leslie Alvarez, and after 28 years in the community association world, I’ve seen it all—wild complaints, boardroom drama, and situations so crazy you won’t believe they’re real. Each episode, I share true (anonymous) stories from the front lines, reveal what homeowners and board members misunderstand most, and sprinkle in some hard-earned wisdom along the way. It’s funny, real, and eye-opening—because in the world of HOAs, the truth is stranger than fiction.
Episodes
A flooding unit. A force entry. Two sheriffs at her side. And a homeowner standing frozen in the middle of the room — eyes open, completely still, not saying a word. In this episode, Leslie sits down with Shanna, a CAM with 15 years in the industry, to talk about one of the most unforgettable moments of her career — and the calm, steady professionalism it took to see it through. It's a story about staying focused when t...
One board member. A parade of managers reduced to tears. Three resignations on the spot at an annual meeting. And one question that changed everything. Bill Overton joins Leslie Alvarez for a candid conversation about toxic board dynamics, what they really cost management teams, and the moment he decided enough was enough.
#hoa #condominium
What happens when a board decides to fire the property manager and take over operations themselves? Spoiler: it's rarely what they expect.
In this episode, we're talking to Maureen about the reality of self-managed communities—the appeal, the pitfalls, and the hard truths boards need to hear before making the leap. From governance missteps to operational chaos to the moment they realize they've bitten off more than they can ch...
In this episode of Confessions of an HOA Manager, Leslie sits down with longtime industry leader Marcy Kravit to talk about the realities of building a career in one of the most demanding professions most people never fully understand.
From career growth and leadership challenges to burnout, personal loss, and reinvention, Marcy shares the moments that shaped her both professionally and personally—and what ultimately kept her ...
What starts as a complaint about feral cats quickly becomes something no one saw coming. In this episode, Leslie Alvarez shares the story of a homeowner who wasn't just frustrated — she was convinced. Convinced the cats were watching her. Convinced the HOA wasn't doing enough. And convinced that anyone who owned a cat was part of the problem. What looks like a nuisance complaint turns into a front-row seat to how quickly emot...
During the early days of COVID, community associations found themselves navigating something no one had ever prepared for.
Mask mandates.
Closed amenities.
Restricted access.
And a constant balancing act between safety, rules, and emotions.
In this episode of Confessions of an HOA Manager, Leslie shares the story of a condo community trying to enforce pandemic safety policies when an owner’s visiting family—and their spring ...
What happens when fear takes over… before the facts are clear?
In this episode of Confessions of an HOA Manager, Leslie is joined by Lisa, a seasoned community association leader, to share a moment that began as a routine board meeting—and quickly escalated into something far more serious.
A report of a potential threat near the clubhouse sent tension through the room. Decisions were made quickly. Emotions ran high. And ...
After 28 years in community association management, I’ve learned one thing for sure…
You never really know what’s behind the door.
Back when collections looked very different than they do today, there were times when the process required more than just letters and emails—it required showing up.
In this episode of Confessions of an HOA Manager, I share a real story from early in my career that started as a rout...
Everyone sees where you are—but not how you got there.
In this episode, I’m sharing the real story of how it all started—from becoming a young mother and navigating uncertainty, to stepping into an industry I knew nothing about and building a career from the ground up.
This isn’t just about where I began—it’s about the moments that forced me to grow, take risks, and move forward before I ever felt ...
After 28 years in community association management, I’ve seen just about everything…
But this one?
This one hit a little closer to home.
When a homeowner walked into the office to report “gang activity” in the community—complete with photos and emails sent all the way up the chain—you’d expect something serious.
What we found instead…
was something very different.
In this episode of Confe...
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.