Fountains and ponds bring serenity and beauty to communities, but their upkeep requires careful planning. This guide highlights the importance of factoring water features into your reserve planning, from maintenance and inspections to budgeting for future upgrades. Ensure your water features remain a lasting asset that enhances the tranquility and appeal of your community.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | June 1, 2025
Planning for major repairs and replacements in shared communities isn’t just smart—it’s essential. A well-prepared reserve study equips associations with a long-term financial roadmap to manage wear-and-tear on shared assets without overburdening residents. This article explores how associations can fine-tune their reserve funding strategies using proven methods and targeted funding goals. How Reserve Studies Determine...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | June 1, 2025
Strategic infrastructure planning is the cornerstone of a thriving HOA community. This guide offers a clear roadmap for maintaining, upgrading, and modernizing key assets over time—empowering boards to protect property values, avoid costly surprises, and ensure long-term financial stability.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 15, 2025
As electric vehicles become the new norm, community associations face growing pressure to support EV charging infrastructure. But installing charging stations isn’t just about plugging in—it raises complex questions about funding, legal rights, and long-term planning. This article unpacks the key challenges and practical steps associations need to consider to stay ahead of the curve.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 14, 2025
Rising costs can quietly erode a community’s financial footing—but inflation rate sensitivity testing can keep you ahead of the curve. This article breaks down how even small changes in inflation can massively impact long-term reserve funding, and why testing different scenarios is essential for sound.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 14, 2025
As communities embrace greener, healthier living, bicycle storage has become essential—not optional. This guide explores how to properly include bike racks, security, maintenance, and future expansion in your reserve fund planning, supporting sustainability while safeguarding your community’s long-term financial health.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 14, 2025
Trash chutes and compactors are vital for maintaining cleanliness and convenience in multifamily communities. This guide explores the importance of their regular maintenance and how to incorporate these systems into your reserve study. Ensure smooth operation, enhance resident satisfaction, and avoid costly repairs with strategic planning and proper upkeep.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 14, 2025
A healthy reserve fund is more than just a number—it’s a safeguard against future financial strain. This article unpacks the meaning and importance of the reserve funding percentage, showing how it reflects an association’s readiness to handle major repairs without surprise assessments. Learn how to interpret and improve this critical metric to protect your community’s long-term financial health.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 14, 2025
This article outlines the crucial role a reserve analyst plays during an on-site assessment of a community association property. It details key steps such as visual inspections, inventory creation, condition analysis, and the formulation of a long-term reserve study. These efforts are vital for sound financial planning, helping associations prepare for future maintenance and replacement costs.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 13, 2025
Reserve studies typically focus on physical assets, but it's equally important to account for intangible items that impact financial health. From insurance deductibles and legal fees to hurricane preparedness and ADA compliance, this article explores how adding these often-overlooked reserves can help create a more robust and resilient financial plan for your community association.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | May 1, 2025
A Reserve Study is one of the most important financial tools for a homeowners association (HOA). It helps your community plan ahead for major repairs and replacements, like roofing, pavement, or pool systems, by making sure your reserve funds are on track. But how often should you update this study? The answer depends on your...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | April 5, 2025
Every condo and townhome association needs a solid plan for future repairs and replacements—and that starts with a well-executed reserve study. This guide breaks down the key components, common pitfalls, and best practices to ensure your community stays financially healthy and structurally sound. Whether you're new to reserve studies or due for an update, this is essential reading.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | March 22, 2025
Reserve studies aren't just about financial planning—they can also play a vital role in building stronger community bonds. This article explores how condo associations can use reserve funds for community enhancement projects, from gardens and pickleball courts to fitness areas and children's play zones. Learn how thoughtful investments in your community can foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | February 1, 2025
Landscaping and irrigation may seem like small details in community reserve planning, but they carry big implications for long-term budgeting. This article highlights how to navigate the complexities of incorporating irrigation systems into reserve studies, while understanding why landscaping often isn’t included. Discover how tailored strategies can ensure your community’s financial health while addressing both aesthetic and functional needs.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | January 3, 2025
Fire pits and BBQ areas are more than just amenities—they’re gathering spots that boost community spirit and property appeal. This guide covers how associations can effectively maintain and upgrade these spaces, ensuring safety, longevity, and continued enjoyment for residents. Don’t overlook these outdoor features when planning your next reserve study update.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | January 1, 2025
Reserve studies are evolving—data analytics is reshaping how associations plan for long-term capital needs. By moving beyond static forecasts and subjective assessments, communities can now harness real-time insights to improve accuracy, manage risk, and optimize funding. Discover how this tech-driven shift is transforming reserve planning for the better.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | November 15, 2024
Fairly allocating reserve contributions is key to maintaining financial stability and property values in condo associations. This article outlines strategies for establishing a strong foundation, conducting regular reviews, and making timely adjustments to ensure equitable contributions from all members. Learn how proactive financial planning can safeguard your community’s long-term success.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | October 27, 2023
Many community associations—including HOAs, condos, and high-rises—focus their reserve planning on physical repairs, but often overlook a critical financial risk: insurance deductibles. These costs can be substantial in the event of a major claim and, without preparation, may lead to emergency assessments or strained budgets. This article explores why reserving for deductibles is a smart, strategic move—and how it can even help reduce premiums and demonstrate financial responsibility.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | October 10, 2023
Inflation may seem subtle, but its long-term impact on community association finances can be significant—especially when it comes to reserve studies. Without accounting for rising costs, planned capital projects like roof replacements or structural repairs can end up drastically underfunded. This article explores how inflation affects financial planning for HOAs, condos, and other associations, and offers strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Learn how proactive planning and expert insights can protect your community’s future.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | October 10, 2023
This article explores the key differences between "insurable life" and "useful life" in community association reserve studies. It highlights how these terms, while related to the longevity of components like roofs, can diverge significantly—affecting insurance coverage and financial planning. Understanding and adjusting for these differences is crucial for accurate reserve funding and long-term asset protection.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | October 10, 2023
Erosion of the shoreline is a common lake problem. While erosion is preventable, most association managers aren’t aware of the issue until it becomes a problem. And by that time, it’s a REAL problem. It can be very expensive, and prices can range drastically depending on the type of restoration. There are various types of...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
Reserve studies are a cornerstone for sound financial management across community associations, including homeowner’s associations (HOAs), townhomes, condominiums, and commercial associations.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
This article examines the tragic collapse of the Harbour Cay Condominium and the critical lessons it offers for today’s community associations. Written from the perspective of a CPA and reserve study analyst, it highlights how proactive maintenance and properly funded reserve studies can prevent similar failures and protect both property and lives.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
Unexpected legal disputes can quickly destabilize a community association's finances if there's no safety net in place. Legal reserves act as that financial cushion, allowing associations to handle challenges without derailing operations or levying sudden assessments. This article explores how smart planning, backed by real-world scenarios, helps boards protect both their budgets and their communities.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
A reserve study serves as a fundamental tool for community associations to plan for the financial needs of major repairs and replacements of shared assets over an extended period. While the process encompasses numerous steps and considerations, it’s essential to understand its scope and limitations. Here, we delve into what a reserve study typically includes...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
In a recent development within Florida’s real estate sector, luxury condo associations are taking significant steps towards tackling long-awaited projects. The prominent Murano at Portofino, a 37-story tower with 189 units at 1000 South Pointe Drive, and the renowned Murano Grande, a 40-story building featuring 270 units at 400 Alton Road, are spearheading initiatives that...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
Reserve studies, a comprehensive financial planning tool, play a pivotal role in the stability and longevity of community associations, including condominiums, townhomes, and homeowners associations (HOAs). By anticipating future repair and replacement needs, these studies prevent unforeseen financial crises and ensure that communities thrive. Throughout US history, instances of community associations facing challenges due to...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
In the realm of community association reserve studies, the choice of funding method emerges as a critical decision that reverberates through the financial landscape of the association. Among the many funding methods available, two prominent contenders stand out: the Straight-Line Funding Method and the Pooled Cash Flow Funding Method. Both methodologies hold distinct merits and...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
In the dynamic landscape of premium real estate, it’s essential to navigate the realm of upscale condominium associations with a keen understanding of the potential financial risks involved. Two notable properties, Murano at Portofino and Murano Grande, have undertaken transformative initiatives that spotlight a risk commonly associated with such endeavors: the prospect of special assessments....
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
Community associations, whether comprised of condominiums, townhomes, or homeowners associations (HOAs), bear the significant responsibility of maintaining and managing shared properties, amenities, and infrastructures. Central to these responsibilities is prudent financial planning, underscored by the essential tool of a reserve study. This comprehensive assessment examines current and future funding requirements to ensure the availability of...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
In the intricate tapestry of property management and community associations, two distinct but intertwined concepts stand out: Reserve Studies and Structural Integrity Engineering Studies. These advanced-level analyses play pivotal roles in ensuring the longevity, stability, and financial health of shared assets. In this article, we delve into the nuances of these methodologies, dissecting their purposes,...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
In the intricate landscape of community association management, the pillars of Reserve Studies and Structural Integrity Engineering Studies stand as stalwarts in safeguarding the financial and structural integrity of shared assets. These methodologies, while distinct in their focuses, share a common goal: to ensure the longevity and stability of properties. Within this landscape, the question...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
When it comes to community associations like condominiums, townhomes, or homeowner’s associations (HOAs), having a solid reserve funding plan is essential. These plans ensure that there’s enough financial support for future maintenance and repairs. Let’s take a closer look at various reserve funding plans, each with its own approach, advantages, and considerations. 1. Fully Funded...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
The Surfside condominium collapse was a devastating reminder of what’s at stake when maintenance and structural oversight are deferred. This article examines the hard lessons learned and how reserve studies, inspections, and proactive planning can help prevent future tragedies in community associations.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
A reserve study stands as a comprehensive roadmap for the fiscal health and sustainability of a community association. Embedded within this study is the critical financial analysis, a meticulous examination of monetary aspects that underpin the association’s ability to address future repair and replacement needs. Let’s delve into the key components that constitute the financial...
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023 The Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans wasn’t just an engineering failure—it was a glaring example of poor foresight and inadequate risk planning. For community associations managing aging infrastructure, the lessons are clear: proactive, thorough planning is essential to avoid unforeseen disasters. This article explores how failures in reserve planning and oversight can put properties at risk, offering insights on building stronger, more resilient communities.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | September 13, 2023
This article covers the basic elements of a reserve study, it's goals, and what to expect after your initial reserve study is complete. This primer gives a basic understanding of the reserve study process.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | July 1, 2019
The physical analysis involves developing an inventory of assets, assessing component conditions, and estimating assets useful life and replacement cost. Learn more about how a reserve analyst conducts the physical analysis of a reserve study in this article.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | July 1, 2019
The financial analysis involves developing a long-range financial plan to fund reserve by setting reserve assessments at a certain level. Learn more about the many steps involved in properly performing this analysis in a reserve study.
By Glenn Tyndall, CPA, PRA | July 1, 2019You can see a sample of our report, how the whole process works, and even get an idea of our fees for service.