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Reserve Professionals

/ Owner - June 20, 2012

Reserve Designations

Association of Professional Reserve Analysts (APRA) is the world’s premier trade organization for reserve study professionals. APRA hosts an annual Symposium for continuing education, provides credentialing and produces the APRA Advisor newsletter that is circulated to thousands of potential reserve study customers.

Community Associations Institute Reserves Specialist – The RS designation is awarded to qualified reserve specialists who, through years of specialized experience, can help ensure that community associations prepare their reserve budget as accurately as possible. RS designees must meet comprehensive requirements.

  • Why Your HOA Board Should Use a Reserve Specialist April 4, 2018
    As an HOA board member you probably know what a reserve study is and the importance of doing one. If you don’t, take a couple of minutes to read this blog to familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions about doing a reserve study in your homeowners association.  It’s important to know that the law actually requires an Association to update its reserve study every year. Equally important is that having the proper reserves in place will ensure that the long ...
  • What is an HOA Reserve Specialist? August 1, 2017
    An HOA reserve specialist conducts a study of the major capital systems within an homeowners association. The specialist evaluates the condition of major items, estimates when the item will need replacing, and projects the cost of replacement. The purpose of such study is for associations to decide how much money to set aside for major upgrades and replacements. A reserve study serves as a guide to timeline estimates and projected costs.     Read the article……………..

Reserve Articles

  • Is it a Reserve Component (or a Capital Improvement)? March 8, 2024
    So the first criteria for a Reserve component is that it exists. If it does not exist, it is a new asset to the community, and therefore a Capital Improvement. But what about a black-and-white closed circuit camera system? Can it be replaced through Reserves with a color-digital system with a one-week digital video backup system? Such a system is obviously new (of course), and different (color, and now with storage), but I would argue that it continues to serve ...
  • HOA Reserve Funding: Real-Life Lessons from 3 Associations February 21, 2024
    When managing a homeowners association, reserve funding decisions made by the HOA board have a profound impact on the community’s financial health and quality of life. By examining the REAL experiences of three different communities, we can put into practice valuable lessons from their reserve fund wins and fails. Which HOA are you?    Watch the videos………………………….
  • Hidden Trouble: How Aging Infrastructure Threatens Homeowner Associations February 18, 2024
    It’s easy to overlook the critical infrastructure subtly running behind the scenes of every homeowner association (HOA) community. While residents enjoy manicured lawns, sparkling pools, and pothole-free roads, the inner workings powering these amenities face a ticking clock.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Navigating Inflation and Investments: Strategy Guide for HOA Reserve Funds December 19, 2023
    Whether your HOA reserve fund is modest or substantial, the pressing question remains: How can you best manage this crucial financial resource for your entire community? In the current climate where inflation looms large and investment opportunities are rising, understanding the intricate balance of community safety, growth, and fiscal responsibility is paramount for managing your reserve fund.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Condo boards across Florida work to increase state-mandated funding reserves November 17, 2023
    This is a crucial time of the year for condo associations across the state as they put together 2024 funding proposals for their members to vote on. Not only are dues likely going up for many in condo associations, but the amount they need to retain in community reserves is also likely to increase.     Read the article…………………………………
  • Comingling of Funds Questioned (FL) November 13, 2023
    Q: Can a condominium association’s operating funds be combined with the reserve money? My association has not moved money into the reserve account and out of the operating account in the last year. The money is there, it is just not in the right account. Is it permissible to keep the reserve and operating funds together?    Read the Q&A…………………………
  • SB 154 New Reserve Requirements and Exceptions For Condominium Associations (FL) September 26, 2023
    The new law, SB 154, passed in 2023, the following language was enacted, “In a budget adopted by an association that is required to obtain a structural integrity reserve study, reserves must be maintained for the items identified in paragraph (g) for which the association is responsible pursuant to the declaration of condominium, and the reserve amount for such items must be based on the findings and recommendations of the association’s most recent structural integrity reserve study.    Read the article………………………..
  • 7 Things You Should Know HOA reserve funds September 21, 2023
    Reserve Study Laws and Reserve Funding Legislation vary by state. In the absence of specific legislation regarding Reserve Funding, associations should refer to their governing documents (Covenants Conditions, and Restrictions) with the help of a qualified attorney specializing in HOAs.  Read the article………………………..
  • Ensuring Adequately Funded Reserves (CA) September 7, 2023
    Throughout the state, many older common interest developments (CIDs) are struggling with costly repairs and large maintenance projects as buildings age. Is your CID prepared to replace major components without a special assessment?   Read the article………………………..
  • What Capital Expenditures Do Reserve Funds For An HOA Cover? August 11, 2023
    HOA reserve funds are crucial for maintaining and replacing community assets. These funds cover expenses like asphalt street replacements, new recreational areas, and significant landscaping projects.  Finding out if a community has adequate capital reserves is one of the most vital questions when buying a condo.   Read the article………………………..

Reserve Archives

Reserve Studies

  • Navigating Financial Challenges: Structural Integrity Reserve Studies March 18, 2024
    Ensuring the structural integrity of buildings is a primary concern for community associations in Florida, where climate and weather events can pose a significant threat to buildings and their residents. Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) address this by offering crucial insights into a building’s condition and future maintenance needs, safeguarding buildings against potential damage and regular wear.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Free capital reserve studies available for APCHA condo units (CO) March 17, 2024
    The Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) is seeking participants in a free initiative aimed at supporting homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in long-term planning for maintenance and major repairs.  APCHA will fund 100% of the study costs, which amounts to nearly $167,000. The studies will seek to understand the financial health of HOAs in relation to future maintenance needs. Typically, such studies can cost HOAs up to $5,000, with higher costs for those undergoing their initial assessment.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Housing Matters: Capital reserves study for HOAs on the horizon (CO) February 15, 2024
    During the recent Jan. 17 Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority board meeting, the APCHA board approved spending $170,000 to fund capital reserve studies for up to 40 APCHA homeowner’s associations.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Developing HOA Reserve Study Procedures for Specific Assets (CA) January 30, 2024
    Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) serve as the guardians of their communities. Moreover, they’re responsible for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents. A fundamental aspect of this stewardship involves prudent financial planning and establishing reserve funds.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Understanding the Importance of Reserve Study Data December 27, 2023
    Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the value of a community. To ensure financial stability and plan for future growth, HOAs must clearly understand their reserve study data. In fact, reserve study data is an indispensable asset for homeowners’ associations aiming to secure a bright future for their communities.   Read the article……………………………..
  • Ignoring Your Reserve Study? December 6, 2023
    Reserve deterioration is an ongoing cost. It cannot be avoided. If Reserve contributions are less than deterioration, future owners will pay more than their fair share when they get hit with a special assessment, or their home values will not attain full market value due to deferred maintenance (lack of curb-appeal) or difficulty of obtaining favorable mortgage terms. And the homeowners? When they are unhappy, & when they’ve been treated unfairly, they are more inclined to sue.   Read the article ...
  • Navigating Differences: Reserve Studies and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies November 29, 2023
    The core purpose of any reserve study is the same – to serve as a capital expenditure forecasting tool and reserve funding plan to offset such expenditures. These resources provide knowledge on the true cost of ownership for your community and aim to ensure the physical well-being of your association. However, there are some key differences between a typical reserve study and a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS).   Read the article……………………………
  • HOA Reserve Studies: How to Identify and Mitigate Risk in Your Community (CA) November 27, 2023
    Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing property values in communities nationwide. One essential aspect of HOA management is the creation and maintenance of reserve funds, which are dedicated to covering major repair and replacement expenses. In addition, to ensure that these funds are adequate and well-managed, HOAs often conduct reserve studies.   Read the article………………………………
  • Building a Safer Tomorrow: Understanding the Updated Reserve Study Standards November 17, 2023
    It’s your association. As a manager or board member, your job is to lead the association forward. To do so, you retain the services of a Reserve Study provider to recommend how much needs to be set aside in order to have sufficient funds to perform timely inspection, repair, and replacement projects at your association. But what guides this Reserve Study professional, telling them what to do and how?    Read the article (PDF)………………………….
  • Reserve Study Standards October 31, 2023
    The purpose of the Reserve Study Standards is to inform and guide the reserve study provider, such as a Reserve Specialist® (RS), with the minimum requirements necessary for the preparation of a reserve study. Read or download the study (PDF)…………………………………..

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