10/15/2026
π It's budget season, and here's one step HOA boards shouldn't skip.
Before you approve next year's budget, pull out your most recent reserve study and compare it to what's actually in the budget.
It's easy to keep assessments flat to make homeowners happy this year. But underfunded reserves have a way of catching up with a community. When that roof, paving project or pool resurfacing comes due, the gap often turns into a special assessment, and nobody wants to deliver that news.
A quick check before you vote:
β
Pull your most recent reserve study
β
Compare planned contributions to its recommendations
β
Ask what happens if a major component needs replacing early
A little planning now saves your homeowners a big surprise later.