The Real Cost of Underfunding Your Condo

In this episode of Planned, Not Panicked: The Condo Owner Podcast, Alec and Candace break down one of the most common — and costly — challenges condo communities face: underfunding. Using insights from SPS’s latest community planning guide, they explain what “right-sizing” monthly condo fees really means and why keeping fees artificially low often leads to deferred maintenance, emergency repairs, special assessments, and declining property values.The conversation walks through the real consequences of underfunding, why reserve studies alone aren’t enough, and how interconnected building systems can turn small issues into major capital projects. The hosts also explore four common funding approaches — from status quo and gradual increases to borrowing — outlining the pros, cons, and risks of each.If your community wants to avoid surprise assessments and protect long-term value, this episode offers a practical framework for taking action before small problems become big ones.