Waking up this morning (March 3rd 2025) to a 4.5 earthquake was a reminder that mother nature can throw a disaster our way which can have financial implications to the associations. Condominium associations in the Pacific Northwest face a unique set of natural disaster risks, primarily fire, flood, and earthquakes. Proactive risk mitigation is essential [...]
The Impact of Reserve Studies in Light of the Corporate Transparency Act The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a federal law, has introduced new reporting obligations for incorporated community associations, impacting how these associations, and their boards, operate. While the CTA's implementation and enforcement are subject to change due to ongoing legal challenges, understanding its implications, [...]
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 [...]
As a board member of a Washington State condominium and homeowner association (COA - HOA ), you're likely facing a challenging insurance market. The state's unique geographical features, combined with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, have contributed to a hardening insurance market. This means higher premiums, reduced coverage options, and potential non-renewals. [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
How the 2024 CAI Reserve Study Standards Impact Washington State Associations The Community Associations Institute (CAI) recently updated its reserve study standards in 2024. While these updates primarily affect national standards, they have significant implications for Washington State condominium associations, particularly in terms of the scope, duration, and funding of reserve studies. Key Changes and [...]
As a board member of a Washington State condominium and homeowner association (COA - HOA ), you're likely facing a challenging insurance market. The state's unique geographical features, combined with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, have contributed to a hardening insurance market. This means higher premiums, reduced coverage options, and potential non-renewals. [...]
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 [...]