community risks Archives - Pacific Crest Reserves

Homeowners Insurance vs. Condominium or Homeowners Association Insurance in the Pacific Northwest

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 [...]

By rbunzel|2025-02-03T12:25:27-08:00February 3rd, 2025|Community Assets, community risks, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Protecting Your Community: A Guide to Effective Drainage in the Pacific Northwest for HOA Boards

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, [...]

By rbunzel|2025-01-22T11:13:29-08:00January 22nd, 2025|Community Assets, community risks, Repairs, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Condominiums are Sinking, and It’s Only Going to Get Worse

Recently I saw headlines that Florida is seeing new problems with condominiums sinking. Condominium owners in Washington State should be aware that this is not just a Florida problem but the potential is nationwide. There are two reasons for this: first the increasing risks associated with land subsidence and rising water levels due to climate [...]

By rbunzel|2025-01-06T13:42:23-08:00January 6th, 2025|community risks, Repairs, Special Assessments|Comments Off

Aging Infrastructure in Washington State Condominiums: is your association prepared?

I have talked to many board members over the years and I get a sense that they don't believe we will have a condominium collapse here in the Pacific Northwest. In our area we do have conditions similar to Florida. We have buildings from the 50's and 60's that were built on the waterfront. The [...]

By rbunzel|2024-12-11T10:55:44-08:00December 11th, 2024|Budgets, community risks, Special Assessments, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Hard Insurance for Condominium Assocations

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 [...]

By rbunzel|2024-12-01T09:37:45-08:00December 1st, 2024|Budgets, Community Assets, community risks|Comments Off

Rising Association Fees: A Growing Concern for Washington State Condominium Owners

Rising Association Fees: A Growing Concern for Washington State Condominium Owners Condominium owners in Washington State, like their counterparts in Florida, are grappling with the increasing burden of rising association fees. As buildings age, the costs associated with maintaining common areas, elevators, roofs, and other shared amenities inevitably soar. This trend is exacerbated by unexpected [...]

By rbunzel|2024-11-22T15:32:20-08:00November 22nd, 2024|Budgets, community risks, planning, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Smoke Alarms: Critical Safety Equipment for Condominium Owners

Why Smoke Alarms Matter Smoke alarms are essential life-safety devices that can alert residents to a fire and provide precious time to escape. Did you know that over 1,464 people died in house/ condominium fires in 2023? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) studies consistently show that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying [...]

By rbunzel|2024-09-29T14:04:25-07:00September 29th, 2024|community risks|Comments Off

Preparing Your Northwest Homeowner / Condominium Association for Disasters

The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning landscapes, but it also faces a variety of natural hazards. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, community associations must be prepared for potential disasters. Our area has a history of experiencing: Winter storms: Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds can disrupt daily life and [...]

By rbunzel|2024-09-25T12:19:16-07:00September 25th, 2024|community risks, Repairs, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Detention Ponds vs. Retention Ponds: Whats the difference in Washington State

Detention Ponds vs. Retention Ponds: What's the difference in Washington State. In Washington State developers are being required to put in storm water management systems. The intent is to minimize the impact on the storm water drainage system while trying to return the rainfall to the qualifiers. The terms "detention pond" and "retention pond" are [...]

By rbunzel|2024-08-30T10:02:20-07:00August 28th, 2024|Community Assets, community risks, Repairs, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Service animals and emotional support animals – whats the difference?
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Service animals and emotional support animals – whats the difference?

community risks, Legal

Service animals and emotional support animals – whats the difference?

We have all seen cute dogs in places we never use to see them. Owners have discovered that they can skirt rules saying "no pets" by buying a vest and getting an online certification claiming the animal is an Emotional Support Animal (ESAs). This puts association boards in the difficult position of policing owners who [...]

By rbunzel|2024-07-22T14:49:18-07:00June 26th, 2024|community risks, Legal|Comments Off

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