Interest rates have never been better. As a result, many owners have jumped at the chance to refinance their homes or condos at seriously low rates. Yet, individual owners are not the only ones who can benefit from these low rates. Community association loan rates are probably lower than you think. Some of our associations have seen rates in the 4% range, and they may be going even lower if recent economic trends continue. read more

Join the attorneys from Barker Martin and register today for these exciting education and networking opportunities hosted by the Washington State Community Associations Institute (WSCAI): read more

With the holiday season a distant memory and emergence of the first quarter of the calendar year, many community associations are scheduling their 2016 annual meetings and election of directors. Now is the time to begin planning for 2017 and 2018's elections. Yes, you read that correctly. read more

There are certain situations in life that tend to bring out the worst in people, and one of those is when neighbors just cannot seem to get along. Whether at an HOA or condominium, when people of diverse personalities and interests, who would otherwise not be connected in any way, are forced to live in close proximity to one another, it can be a recipe for conflicts, particularly when owners refuse to compromise or communicate with one another. I have yet to see a set of governing document that expressly requires owners to be friends and get along. read more

Many in the homebuilding industry still believe in the notion of caveat emptor or "buyer beware." Unfortunately, many home buyers aren't aware of what they are purchasing. This can be particularly true with first time buyers who are understandably anxious and excited to join the ranks of home-ownership. When it comes to new home warranties, many builders go to great lengths to disclaim limited protections that purchasers might otherwise enjoy. We often see builders offering "Express Warranties" that are more about disclaiming liability than warranting anything. We often hear that a one or two year warranty coupled with a disclaimer of any and all other liability warranty represents the "industry standard." If that truly is the industry standard then the industry is wrong. Most small electronics come with a better warranty than this. read more