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RESERVE STUDIES-BEYOND HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

 

A professional Reserve Study is the continuous “blueprint” for the future.  Board members frequently change.  While future Board members may not understand the logic or reasons that prior decisions were made based on internally conducted Reserve Studies because the author(s) are no longer around, a professional Reserve Study firm will be available to discuss the Reserve Study, the methodology used, and considerations that went into the analysis years after the Reserve Study was conducted.  Also, the independent Reserve Study provider will help the future Boards with periodic updates of the original Reserve Study to keep the association current and on track.

RISKS OF DO-IT YOURSELF

Consistency is another benefit of having a professional Reserve Study conducted.  If more than one individual participates in the development of the Reserve Study, how can the owners be ensured a level of consistency among the individuals in how they measure the property, determine an appropriate remaining useful life, future costs (how are they determining accurate replacement costs)?  And when periodically updated, will the same individuals be available to make changes to the original in-house reserve study?

Liability and support of internally developed reserve studies are often difficult challenges.  Does the association have errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for the in-house Reserve Study “expert” or only insurance for the directors?  Is the “in-house expert” covered by the association’s insurance policy?  Will the expert be willing to defend the conclusions reached to other homeowners, buyers and lenders?

TIMELINESS

Timing is always a question.  Can an internally produced Reserve Study be conducted in a timely manner?  Quite often, timelines are not met because information takes longer to obtain than expected, some of those participating in the assignment can get distracted with personal business (don’t forget, Board members don’t get paid for these activities), and Reserve Studies can drag out for up to a year or more.  Just about that time, elections take place and the Board turns over and the association is back to square one-no long-range plan.

RESERVE STUDY REQUIREMENTS

More and more, banks and states are tightening guidelines on maintaining appropriate reserve fund levels.  Mortgage lenders and various government entities are increasingly requiring reserve studies as one criteria for providing loans.

RELY ON EXPERTS

Boards routinely seek outside expert advice concerning audits, production of financial statements and legal advice.  Homeowners will have more confidence in their Board because they sought outside expert advice for a Reserve Study as well as other professional services.  Another advantage is knowing that their Reserve Study was conducted within the national guidelines of Community Associations Institute (CAI).  The real value to owners is knowing that the Reserve Study was conducted independently of any personal agendas, either real or perceived.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

The second part of the business plan is “how do we obtain funds to pay for these capital projects when it is necessary?  An independent, professional Reserve Study will not only identify future costs, but should determine a minimum and stable level of funding to accommodate the future capital projects.  Thus, homeowners avoid the fear of special assessments.

FREE MAINTENANCE TIPS

Quite often, the independent Reserve Study provider can make recommendations that prolong or extend the life of common elements and save the homeowners significant dollars over the long term.  A case in point, many times associations run into problems with leaking foundation walls.  Bringing in excavators and obtaining two or more bids to correct the problems can be a far more expensive solution as opposed to seeking impartial advice from an independent Reserve Study provider offering alternative and often less costly solutions to a particular problem. 

An independent professional Reserve Study can be a great marketing tool to prospective buyers and their lenders. The independent Reserve Study shows that the association is managed with expert advice, which adds value to the property.  Prospective buyers, particularly second time buyers, are more shrewd and likely to ask not only how much is in reserves, but what is the money in reserves to be used for?

BE RESPONSIBLE

As a governance, the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to the owners not dissimilar from the responsibility corporate Board members have to shareholders.  They must, to the best of their ability strengthen the value of the organization.

The Reserve Study must comply with the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) accounting guidelines for financial reporting and state reporting requirements, which are changing on an annual basis in some states.

A professional Reserve Study will also reduce claims of financial mismanagement because the Board sought out the advice of independent Reserve Study experts.  Demonstrating sound fiscal management to the owners with a professional reserve Study will provide the owners with a high comfort level that their investment in their property is being managed properly.  Last, having an independent professional Reserve Study is simply good business.

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