California Homeowners — No-Cost Consultation

About HOAdvocate

We level the playing field between homeowners and their HOAs.

HOAdvocate was founded on a simple premise: California homeowners deserve effective representation in HOA disputes without the cost, aggression, or delay of hiring an attorney.

Douglas Kruschen

Douglas Kruschen

Co-founder & Advocate

Douglas brings deep expertise from the technology sector, where he built a successful IT consulting business serving property management firms and attorneys both locally and nationwide. He has hands-on experience with key industry platforms, including Enumerate, Yardi, Control, AppFolio, and TownSq, among others, and has a strong grasp of the operational realities within the HOA industry.

In 2016, Douglas began consulting with Laura Sherwood and the Sacramento-based team at The HOA Warriors. So when the opportunity to acquire its assets presented itself in 2021, he jumped at the chance to carry their mission forward.

Drawing on his paralegal background and state licensure as a Community Association Manager, Douglas has represented clients in non-attorney roles across a range of venues, including workers' compensation, CalEDD, CalCRD (formerly DFEH), and HOA IDR hearings. His advocacy extends beyond conflict resolution — he collaborates directly with HOA Directors and Community Association Managers to improve processes, policies, and procedures, ensuring homeowner rights are upheld while balancing the complex responsibilities of boards and management.

As an experienced HOA member and Director himself, Douglas has successfully navigated litigation, securing multiple judgments in his favor that reflect his integrity and strict adherence to federal, state, and local laws.

"When life gives you lemons, make limoncello."

— Laura Sherwood, The HOA Warriors

Credentials & Background

Paralegal Background

Formal paralegal training informing every case strategy, correspondence, and IDR hearing.

Licensed CAM

State-licensed Community Association Manager with direct experience on both sides of the table.

HOA Director

Served as an HOA Director, with firsthand knowledge of board obligations, procedures, and pressure points.

Multi-Venue Advocacy

Non-attorney representation across workers' compensation, CalEDD, CalCRD (formerly DFEH), and HOA IDR hearings.