A maintenance reserve: What an idea!

In the midst of our country's major financial crisis and with daily news casts about both public and private credit debt, it is refreshing to see a condominium community that has wisely put money aside since its inception. So while other complexes defer projects due to a lack of funds, FalmouthPort in Falmouth, MA just goes on about its business.

Falmouthport is a waterfront condo community on Cape Cod. Since it was built in the late 1970's, the Association Board with its professional management company, have managed the property in a highly professional manner.

Three points need to be highlighted:

1. The Board knew from day one that even though the complex was new, the day would come when repairs would be needed.

2. A Long-range Repair and Replacement plan was adopted and money was set aside.

3. The funds were invested conservatively. When stocks were rising wildly, the fund did not grow as fast as some would have liked. When the market tanked, however, the fund was barely touched.

What spurred this entry? Today the main road was repaved. No, there was not just a top coat applied; the old road was removed and a new one put in its place. And most important: there was no special assessment.