If an association is deemed "un-mortgageable" (non-warrantable) by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the impact is often immediate and structural, affecting everything from property values to the legal liability of the board. Because these two entities back the vast majority of conventional loans in the U.S., losing their stamp of approval effectively severs the community from [...]
As of January 1, 2026, a significant update to the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) has taken effect, bringing a major change to how residents pay their monthly assessments. Under RCW 64.90.480(10), all condominium associations and HOAs in Washington are now legally required to provide owners with at least one method of payment [...]
Protecting Your Community and Budget from the PNW Freeze We have had a mild winter so far but as the Pacific Northwest experiences more frequent and severe "Arctic Outflow" events, condominium associations from Anacortes to Blaine must prioritize winterization to safeguard their physical and financial health. A single burst pipe in a shared wall can [...]
Here is what you need to know.. As of January 1, 2026, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) applies to nearly all Washington HOAs and Condos. To manage major projects under these new legal standards, boards should focus on four key areas: 1. Bidding & Planning - Professional Scope: Use an engineer or [...]
Across the thriving metropolitan areas of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in King, Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish, condo buildings are visibly aging. The mild, yet persistent, damp climate of Western Washington accelerates the deterioration of building envelopes, leading to systemic issues like moisture intrusion, failing siding, and deck rot. This structural decay—referred to as deferred maintenance—is [...]
Hiring a professional to conduct your condominium or homeowners association reserve study is a critical investment for your Pacific Northwest community's financial health. The information provided by a qualified firm is essential for long-term planning, helping your board avoid costly mistakes, special assessments, and potential liability. Given the unique weather, construction types, and specific state [...]
Homeowners Insurance vs. Condominium or Homeowners Association Insurance in the Pacific Northwest While both homeowners insurance and COA / HOA insurance offer crucial protection, they cover different things. Homeowners insurance safeguards your individual property and belongings, while association insurance protects the shared property and liability of the homeowners association. Understanding this distinction is especially important [...]
Protecting Your Community: A Guide to Effective Drainage in the Pacific Northwest for HOA Boards The Pacific Northwest's lush environment is also known for its abundant rainfall. This makes effective drainage a critical concern for Condominium and Homeowners Associations (COAs / HOAs). Poor drainage can lead to costly property damage, including foundation issues, basement flooding, [...]
We frequently get the question of how much does WUCOIA require an association to put into reserves? The requirement of how much should be put into reserves is not explicitly stated in the Washington State Revised Code (RCW) 64.34, which governs condominiums, HOA's and PUDs. However, the following provisions within RCW 64.34 strongly imply this [...]
Insurance is a crucial component of condominium living in Washington State. However, in recent years, the cost of insurance for condo associations has surged dramatically, becoming a significant budgetary concern. This trend mirrors a broader industry shift known as a "hard market," characterized by reduced insurance availability, higher premiums, and more stringent underwriting standards. While [...]