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PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:53:50 GMT

A decision that shapes the entire community

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

What a Board Should Look for When Hiring a Professional Management Company

The right management partner should strengthen the board - not replace it.

Published September 9, 2026 | Written by Brenda M. Hamlin, President

A Decision That Shapes the Entire Community

Hiring a professional management company is one of the most important operational decisions a board can make. The right partner brings structure, continuity, and informed guidance while keeping decision-making where it belongs: with the board.

Price matters, but it should not be the only measure. Boards should evaluate the quality of the relationship, the clarity of the services, and the company's ability to support the association today and as its needs change.

Relevant Association Experience

Community association management is different from rental management. Look for experience with homeowner and condominium associations, governing documents, budgets, reserves, insurance, meetings, maintenance, and the laws that apply to your community.

A Clear Scope of Services

The proposal should explain what is included, what is considered additional work, who will attend meetings, and how after-hours matters are handled. Clear expectations at the beginning prevent frustration later.

Financial Controls and Useful Reporting

Ask how association funds are protected, reconciled, and reported. Monthly financials should be timely and understandable, giving directors the information needed to monitor expenses, delinquencies, reserves, and the approved budget.

Communication and Accountability

Boards should know who their primary contact will be, expected response times, and the escalation process. A strong manager communicates professionally, documents decisions, follows through, and keeps the board informed.

Look Beyond the Proposal

Governance and Compliance Support

A capable management company understands meeting notices, records, elections, enforcement procedures, and applicable state requirements. It should help the board follow a consistent process and recognize when legal counsel is needed.

Vendor and Project Coordination

Management should be able to gather proposals, confirm basic vendor qualifications, organize comparisons, and coordinate approved work. The board should retain authority over contracts, priorities, and major expenditures.

Capacity, Continuity, and Local Fit

Ask about portfolio size, backup coverage, staff roles, technology, and transition support. References from comparable communities can reveal how the company performs when projects become complicated or communication is especially important.

Questions Worth Asking

Who will manage our community day to day?
How many associations does that person serve?
What services and fees are outside the base contract?
What reports will the board receive each month?
How will you manage our transition and records?

Choose a Partner Not Simply a Provider

The best management relationship is built on trust, clarity, and shared expectations. A professional manager should help directors make informed decisions, carry out board direction, and bring steady administrative support to the community. Take time to compare experience, service, communication, and fit - not only the monthly fee.

Ready to begin a thoughtful conversation?

NW Management Group LLC provides professional community association management with experienced, local leadership.

Visit www.nwmanagementgroup.com

or call (425) 551-4800.

WUCIOA AND WHAT IT MEANS

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:59:08 GMT

WUCIOA Explained: New Responsibilities for HOA and Condominium Boards

From the President's Desk

Navigating Washington's New Community Association Laws: What Every Board Needs to Know

Over the past year, Community Associations throughout Washington have experienced the most significant legislative changes in decades. With the full implementation of the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA) , the expectations placed upon Boards of Directors have changed dramatically.

These new laws are intended to increase transparency, accountability, and homeowner participation , while providing greater consistency in how community associations are governed across the state.

While many Associations have traditionally operated under long-standing practices, those practices may no longer satisfy the current legal requirements. In fact, additional statutory changes are already scheduled to become effective January 1, 2028 , making it more important than ever for Boards to stay informed and prepared.

What Has Changed?

The role of a Board member has always carried important fiduciary responsibilities, but under WUCIOA there is now greater emphasis on documenting decisions, conducting business openly, and ensuring homeowners have access to the governance process.

Some of the most significant changes include:

Open Board Meetings

Board meetings are now generally required to be open to all owners, except when discussing matters that qualify for Executive Session, such as legal matters, personnel issues, contract negotiations, or owner delinquencies.

Boards should expect increased homeowner participation and should conduct meetings professionally with clear agendas and documented minutes.

Board Decisions Must Occur During a Meeting

One of the most important changes under WUCIOA is that Board actions must generally be taken during a duly called Board meeting.

For many years, numerous Boards conducted business through email discussions or informal approvals between meetings. While convenient, that practice is now greatly restricted.

Except for limited circumstances specifically allowed by statute, Board decisions should be discussed and voted upon during an open Board meeting where the action is properly recorded in the meeting minutes.

Notice Requirements

Associations must provide proper notice of Board meetings to homeowners.

Depending upon your governing documents and applicable statutes, this includes providing notice sufficiently in advance of meetings, publishing agendas when required, and allowing owners the opportunity to attend.

Failure to provide proper notice may jeopardize actions taken by the Board.

Meeting Minutes

Accurate meeting minutes have become more important than ever.

Minutes should clearly document:

Motions made
Votes taken
Board decisions
Actions approved
Executive Sessions held (without disclosing confidential information)

Meeting minutes now serve as an essential record demonstrating compliance with state law.

Records and Transparency

WUCIOA expands homeowners' rights to inspect Association records.

Boards should ensure they maintain organized records, financial documents, contracts, meeting minutes, governing documents, insurance information, and other official Association records in accordance with statutory requirements.

Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Serving on a Board is more than volunteering—it carries legal responsibilities.

Board members are expected to:

Act in the best interest of the Association
Exercise reasonable care when making decisions
Follow governing documents
Comply with Washington statutes
Maintain transparency with homeowners

Good governance protects not only the Association, but also the volunteer Board members serving their community.

Looking Ahead to January 1, 2028

Washington's transition to WUCIOA is not complete.

Additional provisions are scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2028 , including changes affecting voting procedures, electronic voting, governing document amendments, and other operational requirements.

Boards should begin planning now rather than waiting until these changes become mandatory.

Preparing early allows Associations to update policies, educate Board members, and implement new procedures without unnecessary stress.

Strong Communities Begin with Strong Governance

The legislative changes brought by WUCIOA are reshaping how community associations operate throughout Washington State. While adapting to new requirements can seem overwhelming, these changes ultimately promote stronger governance, greater transparency, and increased confidence among homeowners.

Whether your Association has already begun implementing these new requirements or is just beginning the transition, NW Management Group LLC is committed to providing the guidance, expertise, and support your Board needs every step of the way.

Together, we can build well-governed, financially sound, and thriving communities for years to come.

Brenda M. Hamlin
President
NW Management Group LLC