Florida HOA Lawyer Blog
While maintaining an adequate level of reserve funds for deferred maintenance, capital improvements and other major expenses is always recommended, community associations that find their reserves do not cover all of their needs have a worthwhile option other than special assessments that they should explore and consider.
Bank loans and lines of credit for associations were very difficult to obtain during the height of the foreclosure crisis, but happily for many Florida communities those days are long gone. Now, there are a number of lenders that focus on loans for associations and offer highly competitive rates and terms.
Special assessments are typically the first option that associations consider to cover shortfalls in their reserves and take on important renovations or other unforeseen expenses. However, it may not be the preferred choice for many communities. Millions of U.S. homeowners are still recovering from the crash of the housing market and do not have the ability to secure a home equity line of credit in order to pay a special assessment. In addition, the implementation of a special assessment is viewed as a sign of financial distress in an association by lenders considering FHA-backed home loans for buyers i
n a community, and this can ultimately take a significant toll on sales and property values.
Most associations will begin their research into their financing options by first turning to the bank that maintains their operating and/or reserve accounts. While this is the obvious place to start, in the majority of cases they are also going to need to shop around.