Silicon Valley Real Estate Podcast with John Fagan

How Much Money Is in Your HOA’s Reserve Fund?

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As we’ve discussed before, Homeowners Associations come with many pros and cons. Before you decide to purchase a property within an HOA, you need to review the financial documents during your contingency period.



You want to make sure you are moving into a community that is financially secure. Obviously, there’s an HOA fee due. Whether that fee is $50 or $350, you need to know what that money is going toward. What are you getting for that fee? The HOA fee covers amenities such as parks, pools, and landscaping, but a portion of that money goes to the reserve fund.





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Pay attention to the reserve fund.



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As time goes on, fences, roofs, and landscaping may need extra repairs. The reserve fund is there for any major repairs. Every year, the HOA conducts a reserve fund study. Look at those studies to see how the reserve fund is doing so you know what is going on in the community in the long run.



If your reserve fund is 50% funded, 100% funded, or 150% funded, you’re in pretty good shape. If the reserve fund is only at 35%, that is a red flag. The HOA may even need to order a special assessment and, depending on the number of homes in the community, that could run a few thousand dollars. They may even plan to raise the dues, so definitely pay attention to the reserve fund and special assessments.



If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!