One common question Washington HOA and condominium boards face is who is responsible for sewer line maintenance? The answer depends on the community's governing documents, the location of the sewer line, and Washington State law. In single-family HOAs, homeowners are generally responsible for sewer lines located within their individual lot. The association typically maintains sewer [...]
In the Pacific Northwest, condominium associations face unique challenges that directly affect insurance risk. Our region's persistent rainfall, windstorms, seismic activity, and coastal environments accelerate the deterioration of roofing, siding, decks, windows, plumbing, and other common area components. A professionally prepared Reserve Study by Pacific Crest Reserves provides insurance carriers, brokers, and association boards with [...]
At Pacific Crest Reserves, we help condominium and homeowner associations throughout the Pacific Northwest navigate the long-term financial and physical needs of their communities. Reserve studies are a critical planning tool—yet we regularly see well-intentioned boards make decisions based on common misconceptions that create major financial and maintenance hurdles down the road. Here are the [...]
We frequently get the question "do we have to do a reserve study" or do we have to maintain a HOA? While it is technically possible to dissolve an HOA in Washington State, doing so is a massive legal, financial, and logistical uphill battle. More importantly, completely dissolving the entity usually creates a whole new [...]
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 [...]
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 are some changes that will apply to all Washington State communities as of January 1, 2026: Meetings and Member Participation: All communities, including older ones, will be required to hold an annual meeting. The notice period for annual and special meetings will be standardized to no less than 14 days and no [...]
House Bill 1403: Simplifying Condominium Construction Statutes This is a significant change aimed at addressing the lack of new condominium construction in the state by reducing liability for builders. The bill, which took effect on July 27, 2025, amends the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) and the Condominium Act. Changes to Warranties: The [...]
With reports indicating the Trump administration is planning to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Many homeowners in Washington state are wondering what this could mean for them. These two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are the foundation of the American mortgage market, buying loans from lenders and providing the liquidity that makes home financing accessible. While [...]
Heads up, Washington homeowners! That condo collapse in Florida back in 2021 was more than just a tragic news story – it's sent shockwaves through HOAs and condominium associations nationwide, including right here in Washington State. Why should you care? Because those ripple effects mean higher fees, bigger headaches, and a fresh look at what [...]