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Does our Association Need to have Healthy Reserves?

A good answer is both “yes” and “no”. Let me explain.

Setting our Industry Up for Success

After 30 years preparing Reserve Studies, helping associations make wise decisions about their capital budgets to avoid surprises and the high cost of deferred maintenance, Robert Nordlund of Association Reserves has joined the national “Think Tank” of the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) to help the industry on a broader spectrum. Watch a brief video introducing 2016 Think Tank members and projects here.

Make your Association 35% Better!

We all know that scarcity causes conflict and stress. Scarcity of Reserves causes deferred maintenance and special assessments, drags down property values, and causes other related problems. How can an association avoid these problems and emerge with sufficient funds to maintain the community, maximizing property values and pride of ownership?

Is a Reserve Study Required Annually in California?

California Civil Code 5550 requires a Reserve Study based on a “diligent visual site inspection” at least every third year, but requires the Board review that Reserve Study annually and “consider and implement necessary adjustments”. That’s called an annual Reserve Study update.

EQ Retrofitting in Los Angeles, 2017

Homeowners and Association Managers need to be aware that the City of Los Angeles has passed Ordinances 183893 and 184081, city laws that require the earthquake retrofitting of buildings that fall below current safety standards.

Don’t Confuse Trivia with Significance

Within a Reserve Study, the Reserve Component List contains life and cost estimates for the major assets the association is obligated to maintain, thus establishing the scope and schedule of Reserve projects.