Free Resources from Building Reserves' reserve study professionals

Reserve Fund Study

Understanding Threshold Funding: A Smarter Approach to Reserve Management

Threshold Funding: The minimum amount a community must maintain in its reserve fund.

What Can HOA Reserve Funds Be Used For?

What can HOA Reserve Funds be Used for?: Diving into what HOAs can put their funds towards

Breaking Down What Goes into a Homeowners Association Reserve Fund

What Goes into a Homeowners Association Reserve Fund: Breaking down the common components

Understanding Your HOA’s Reserve Fund: The Key to Responsible Distributions and Efficient Funding

Reserve Fund Distributions and Funding: The key to responsible and efficient decision making

Step-by-Step Reserve Study Guidelines for Homeowners Association Budgets

HOA Reserve Studies: Step-by-step guidelines for budgetary success

The Importance of Regular Reserve Fund Assessments

Reserve Funds: The importance of regular assessments

Understanding the Differences Between Building Types Through a Condo Reserve Fund Study

Condo Reserve Fund Studies: Understanding the differences between building types

Mitigating Financial Risk: Why Reserve Studies Are Essential for Condo Lending and Insurance Approval

Lending and Insurance Approval: Why reserve studies are essential for mitigating financial risk in condominiums

Defining Adequate Association Reserves in Homeowners and Condominium Associations

Adequate Association Reserves: How to approach your community's funding

Tariff Talk: Planning Beyond the Price Hikes: How Reserve Studies Can Shield Your Association from Tariff-Driven Cost Surges

Mitigating the impact of Global Tariffs on Building Materials through strategic Reserve planning

Case Study: How 13 Years of Reserve Studies Transformed HOA Planning for a 38-Building Minnesota Community

Discover how a 13-year Reserve Study Partnership helped a Minnesota HOA improve planning, reduce contributions, avoid special assessments, and manage rising construction costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Reserve Fund Studies

What is a reserve fund study?

A reserve fund study is a financial planning tool used by condo and homeowners associations to evaluate the current balance of their reserve fund and forecast future capital repair or replacement costs. The study analyzes shared community assets, estimates remaining useful life, and provides a funding strategy so associations can prepare for major expenses.

Are reserve fund studies required?

Requirements vary by state. Some states mandate reserve studies or reserve funding for condos, while others do not. Even where not required, a reserve fund study is strongly recommended to help boards meet fiduciary responsibilities and maintain long-term financial stability.

What is the difference between a reserve fund study and an operating budget?

An operating budget covers routine, recurring expenses like utilities, landscaping, insurance, and minor repairs. A reserve fund study focuses on major, non-annual capital expenses that come from the reserve fund, such as roofs, paving, plumbing, amenities, or structural repairs.