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 [...]
Financing rules for condominium and homeowners associations are tightening in 2026. Updates from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are no longer just guidelines—they directly affect whether buyers in your community can obtain a conventional mortgage. For board members, this isn’t just a financial detail—it has real implications for buyers getting loans on units, property values, [...]
SB 5796 rewrites the rules for every homeowner association and condominium in Washington State. Here's what board members and association managers need to know — and do — before January 1, 2028. If you serve on an HOA or condominium board in Washington State, a major legal deadline is approaching. On January 1, 2028, Senate [...]
In the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest, where moss grows on everything and the rain never truly stops, "maintenance" is a year-round battle. For many Washington State associations, the debate between utilizing a volunteer workforce versus hiring professional contractors is a constant struggle between saving money and managing risk. While we applaud many associations [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The budget season for 2026 is here, and Washington State community associations (HOAs and Condos) are facing unprecedented financial pressures. From Seattle to Blaine, boards must be prepared to enact significant assessment increases, driven by surging regional costs and the state’s changing legal landscape. If you are a unit owner in the Pacific Northwest, expect [...]
Preserving Property Value Property value in an association-governed community depends on more than market trends or location. It relies heavily on how well shared infrastructure is maintained. When amenities decline, resale values follow. A reserve study protects against that downward slide by ensuring necessary repairs and replacements are adequately funded and timed. Deferred maintenance signals [...]
For condominium and homeowners associations, strategic winter planning is crucial, especially when budgeting for services like snow removal. Tools like the Farmers' Almanac, with its long history of weather predictions, can offer valuable insights. This past winter, the Almanac forecasted a "wet and cold" season for the Pacific Northwest, influenced by La Niña, predicting a [...]
As of early 2025, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) remains a significant compliance factor for incorporated community associations nationwide, including those in Washington State. While the initial BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting deadline has passed, continuous compliance and awareness of potential updates are vital. The CTA's implementation and enforcement are still subject to refinement, and [...]
