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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

  • Fighting the Fight Without Losing Your Mind and Breaking the Bank (IL) February 7, 2025
    One topic of discussion at the seminar was addressing legal fees incurred by associations as a result of the actions (or inactions) of unit owners. The presentation focused on the financial challenges this presents for community associations when the claims asserted against the association (or its agents) are without merit. We heard stories of unit owners who unnecessarily filed motion after motion (one even filed as many as over 100) and who take every measure to drag out a lawsuit, ...
  • Inflation and Reserves Planning: Adjusting to Rising Costs February 7, 2025
    Inflation is an economic force that affects everything, from household expenses to the long-term financial planning of homeowners associations (HOAs). For HOAs, reserve planning is particularly vulnerable to inflationary pressures, as rising costs for materials, labor, and services directly impact the ability to fund major projects. A $50,000 roof replacement a decade ago might easily now cost $80,000-$100,000… or more.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Trees and Landscaping: Operating or Reserve Expense? January 31, 2025
    The Community Associations Institute’s Reserve Study Standards do not present a minimum cost threshold for a component’s inclusion as either a reserve or operating expense. While certain components, like roofs, streets, and pools, are clearly capital intensive and fall within the reserve expense threshold, the classification of components like landscaping and trees can be more ambiguous.     Read the article…………………………….
  • Structural Integrity and Reserve Law – 1 Year Later (NJ) January 29, 2025
    We are now a year into the effective date of what is colloquially known as the Structural Integrity Act (Act). The law combines two important obligations condominium associations or cooperatives must now adhere to, inspection of the structure of the building (does not apply to all types of community associations) by a licensed engineer versed in structural engineering (structural integrity portion of the law) and the need to maintain adequate reserves (will apply to almost all community associations).    Read the ...
  • How Reserve Funds Protect Your HOA and Boost Property Value January 22, 2025
    Have you ever wondered what happens when your HOA faces a significant expense it didn’t see coming? Whether it’s a sudden roof repair or a planned road repaving, the answer lies in a little something called reserve funds. These funds keep your community running correctly, protect your property value, and give everyone peace of mind.   Read the article…………………………….
  • East Tennessee HOAs: Tips to Strengthen Your Reserve Fund January 19, 2025
    Is your East Tennessee HOA reserve fund ready for the unexpected? A well-managed reserve fund can save the day if you have unexpected problems with a roof replacement, road repair, or a surprise maintenance issue. But building and maintaining that financial cushion takes effort and strategy.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Reserve Funding Legislation – Not a “Silver Bullet” December 16, 2024
    “We’ve got to do something about this!” That was the sentiment I heard from a number of my friends in the community association industry in the days and weeks following the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South on June 24, 2021. For decades we’d joked about the regular annoying parts of community association life: pets, parking, and people. Here in the Reserve Study business, a bad day was when we had to recommend a special assessment in one of our ...
  • What Does Fully Funded Reserves Mean? December 13, 2024
    Managing finances in a homeowners association (HOA) often feels like walking a tightrope. You need enough money saved for emergencies and future repairs, but figuring out just how much is enough can be tricky.  One term you might have come across is “fully funded reserves,” but what does it really mean? According to the National Reserve Study Standards, being “100% funded” means there’s enough cash in the reserve to cover all projected or actual expenses—pretty crucial for keeping your HOA ...
  • How Much Should An HOA Have In Reserves? December 13, 2024
    Deciding on the right amount for an HOA to hold in reserve funds can be tricky. Many boards struggle with finding that sweet spot—too little and they risk not covering future expenses, too much and they may overburden homeowners with fees.   Read the article…………………………….
  • HOA Budget Best Practices for Effective Financial Planning December 13, 2024
    Crafting the perfect HOA budget often feels like a tightrope walk. Board members strive to balance costs without tipping over into financial instability. One key fact stands tall – making conservative projections is foundational in effective HOA budgeting, given the unpredictable nature of expenses.  Our article cuts through the complexity, offering straightforward best practices for guiding your HOA towards sound financial management.    Read the article…………………………….

Reserve Archives

Reserve Studies

  • What Is a Reserve Study for HOAs? February 5, 2025
    Planning for the future is a cornerstone of responsible community management. For homeowners’ associations (HOAs), that future planning often revolves around reserve studies. These comprehensive assessments provide a roadmap for maintaining and replacing major components within a community, from roofs and roads to pools and landscaping.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Trees and Landscaping: Operating or Reserve Expense? January 21, 2025
    The Community Associations Institute’s Reserve Study Standards do not present a minimum cost threshold for a component’s inclusion as either a reserve or operating expense. While certain components, like roofs, streets, and pools, are clearly capital intensive and fall within the reserve expense threshold, the classification of components like landscaping and trees can be more ambiguous.   Read the article…………………………….
  • How much do HOA Reserve Studies cost? December 13, 2024
    As a board member of an HOA or condominium association, ensuring the financial stability and longevity of your community’s shared assets is a great responsibility.  One crucial tool in achieving this goal is a reserve study, which helps you plan and budget for future repair and replacement costs of common area components.  The cost can vary significantly based on several factors.    Read the article…………………………….
  • What Is A Reserve Study For HOA? Essential Guide for Homeowners December 13, 2024
    Managing a homeowners association (HOA) involves many tasks, but one of the most critical is ensuring financial health through reserve studies. Many board members find themselves puzzled by what this financial tool actually entails and its significance for their community.  Our article will guide you through understanding reserve studies – breaking down their components, types, preparation steps, and more. Read on to gain valuable insights that can help protect your HOA’s fiscal well-being.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Definitive Guide to Reserve Studies for Communities December 13, 2024
    Welcome to the foundational chapter on reserve studies, an essential guide tailored for Homeowner (HOA) and Condominium Associations board members.  Whether you are newly appointed or have been navigating the nuances of HOA management for years, understanding the pivotal role of reserve studies is key to ensuring the financial health and longevity of your community.     Read the article…………………………….
  • The Impact of Exterior Elevated Element Inspections on the Reserve Study (CA) December 2, 2024
    While many condominium associations may be familiar with the elevated exterior elements (“EEE”) inspections and any repairs that may be required, it is easy to overlook the other obligations of Civil Code Section 5551 regarding the impact of the EEE inspections on the Association’s reserve study.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Overcoming neglect: An Iowa community’s maintenance and reserve funding challenges November 12, 2024
    Generating adequate reserve funding in your community can seem like a daunting task, but doing so is a necessary step in providing for ongoing preventative maintenance, funding structural inspections and repairs, and safeguarding your community’s future.  Take, for example, Cobblestone Owners Association, a 157-unit townhome community in Urbandale, Iowa. The community was forced to tackle their reserve funding head on when faced with severe maintenance challenges they couldn’t afford.    Read the article…………………………….
  • What Every Community Association Should Know About Reserve Studies November 11, 2024
    Imagine this: Your community’s pool is reaching the end of its life. You know it’s going to need repairs soon, but the funds just aren’t there. Sound stressful? It doesn’t have to be. That’s where a reserve study comes in. It’s a tool that helps community associations plan ahead—so when it’s time for major repairs or replacements, like that pool, the funds are ready and waiting.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Reserve Study Basics: Essential Planning for HOA Boards November 2, 2024
    For homeowners associations (HOAs), understanding reserve study basics is key to managing assets effectively and maintaining long-term financial stability. A reserve study evaluates an HOA’s readiness to cover major repairs and replacements, allowing the board to allocate funds proactively. This guide will introduce you to reserve study essentials, explaining why they are necessary and how they support the community’s well-being.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Effective Communication of Reserve Study Results for HOAs November 2, 2024
    Effectively communicating reserve study results is essential for HOA boards to maintain transparency and trust with homeowners. When HOA boards clearly convey reserve study results and funding needs, they foster a better understanding among homeowners about the importance of long-term financial planning. This guide provides actionable strategies for presenting reserve study results, ensuring community support and financial stability.   Read the article…………………………….

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