Trestle Community Management announced today it has acquired the community management business of McCue and Associates, Inc. The combination creates a mid-sized firm with management of more than 50 communities and 2,600 homes in the Seattle area, with a pure focus on managing community associations. Trestle, known for its excellent client satisfaction and value priced […]
Washington state enacted a new Common Interest Community (CIC, condominiums, homeowner associations, and real estate cooperatives) law that went into effect July 1, 2018. The new law, formally labelled RCW 64.90, applies in whole to all Common Interest Communities created after July 1, 2018, replacing both the Condo Act (RCW 64.34) and the HOA Act […]
The curb appeal of your community depends on each resident maintaining their property as completely as possible. For those who keep their homes and yards well maintained, the association should thank them for their efforts and good examples. A Board should encourage all residents to pay particular attention to the following maintenance items. Exterior paint. Paint […]
Finding a contractor who will perform quality work at a reasonable price can be a daunting task. Sometimes it just seems easiest to hire a relative or someone living in your community that is somewhat handy. But that can lead to trouble in many ways. The following warning signs can alert you to unscrupulous, disorganized, […]
Community Associations have a set of written design review standards and processes. Some homeowners mistakenly believe these standards restrict their freedom of individual expression; actually, they provide a framework within which each homeowner can express individual tastes and preferences. The standards have been carefully developed to reflect a balance between individual rights and the good […]
Most associations have a robust landscaping budget, but the practical purposes accomplished by good landscaping makes it money well spent. Landscaping can save money. Substituting perennial ground cover for grass greatly reduces maintenance, and drought-tolerant plants reduce water costs. Shrubs and trees screen unsightly utility boxes, trash areas or an unfortunate view. They also make […]
When recruiting potential owners to add to your Association Board, do you consider what it takes for them to be a good board member? A Board is a team representing owners in determining the current and future needs of the Association. Owners vote for a person, or persons, who will act on their behalf. These […]
The association’s annual meeting is the best opportunity for members to learn about this year’s events and get caught up on everything happening in your community. A few agenda items and meeting activities members won’t want to miss are: Meet board and committee members and the manager. Get an update on all current and future […]
A quorum is the minimum number of owners who must be at a meeting before business can be transacted. Washington state law states unless the bylaws specify a larger percentage, a quorum is present throughout any meeting of the association if the owners of units to which 25% of the votes of the association are […]
It isn’t news most homeowners want to hear: that assessments will be increased. But sometimes a fee increase is the best way to keep the association in good financial health — and, sometimes, increases are unavoidable. Here are some of the reactions homeowners typically have when they hear that their fees are about to increase, […]