What Sellers Need To Know When Selling a Condo in Washington (2025–2026 Guide)

A practical guide to community associations, resale certificates, reserve studies, and Washington’s updated condo laws.

Selling a condominium in Washington is very different from selling a single-family home. In addition to preparing your unit for the market, you must also prepare community association documents, understand your disclosure obligations, and anticipate how buyers and lenders will evaluate your building’s financial health.

With updated Washington condo and community association laws taking effect in 2024, 2025, and 2026, sellers need a clear plan for navigating these requirements. This guide outlines what you should know before listing your condo so the process is smooth, transparent, and prepared for today’s buyers.

Before You Begin: Why Condo Sellers Need an Agent Who Understands Community Associations

Selling a condo involves both a real estate process and a community association process. Buyers will review your building’s financials, reserve study, rules, insurance, and meeting minutes just as closely as they evaluate the unit itself. Lenders will do the same.

This is why it is essential to work with a real estate agent who understands community associations, condominium associations, and HOA operations.

I have spent over 25 years preparing, reviewing and/or navigating condo and community association documents across the Puget Sound region, including:

• Resale certificates

• CC&Rs and rules

• Annual budgets and financial statements

• Reserve studies

• Meeting minutes

• Insurance policies

• Special assessment notices

• Delinquency reports

• Long-term capital planning documents

With my background in community association condo management and Seattle real estate, I help condo sellers get ahead of potential questions, prepare accurate disclosures, and avoid surprises that can derail a transaction. My goal is to make the process smooth, transparent, and fully compliant while protecting your timeline and maximizing your outcome.

1. Order the Resale Certificate Early

In Washington, condo and community association sellers must provide buyers with a resale certificate. This document includes:

• CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules

• The current year’s budget

• Reserve study

• Financial statements

• Meeting minutes

• Insurance policies

• Information about pending or approved special assessments

• Information about litigation, if applicable

Washington law requires condominium and community associations to provide the resale certificate within 10 days of the seller’s request, although some associations deliver it sooner and others take the full timeframe.

Ordering early helps:

• Prevent delays

• Allow time to review for accuracy

• Reduce the chance of buyer withdrawal during the review period

• Give your agent time to address any red flags

Buyers typically receive a 5-day review period unless modified by contract.

2. Understand What Must Be Disclosed to Buyers

Washington requires condo sellers to provide clear, accurate information. Sellers must disclose:

• Pending, approved, or proposed special assessments

• Known maintenance issues

• Water intrusion, past damage, or leaks

• Noise or nuisance issues

• Insurance claims involving the unit

• Budget changes

• Litigation involving the association

• Material changes to the association’s financial condition

Even if the seller is exempt from the Form 17 (such as in an estate sale), the community association disclosures still apply through the resale certificate.

3. Review the Association’s Financials Before Listing

Buyers should evaluate the community association just as carefully as the unit.

Items to review:

• Current budget

• Reserve study

• Financial statements

• Delinquency levels

• Planned repair projects

Washington’s reserve study updates (2024 through 2026)

2024 and 2025:

• Reserve study updates required every 3 years

• Annual review required

2026:

• More formal reserve funding structures

• Increased financial transparency

• Some associations may adjust dues to comply

If the reserve study shows major upcoming repairs or significant funding shortages, your agent can help you prepare how to address these questions with buyers.

4. Know If Your Building Has Special Assessments

Special assessments are payments owners must contribute for repairs when reserves are insufficient.

Sellers must disclose:

• Approved assessments

• Assessments under consideration

• Any votes or ballots for upcoming projects

• History of past assessments

• Planned capital projects the association has identified

Even discussions referenced in meeting minutes may be relevant, depending on the situation.

5. Review Meeting Minutes Before Listing

Meeting minutes are part of the resale certificate and often reveal important information such as:

• Building maintenance concerns

• Insurance premium increases

• Delinquent accounts

• Water intrusion or safety issues

• Owner disputes

• Capital project discussions

• Contractor issues

It is better to review these before listing so your agent can anticipate buyer questions.

6. Prepare the Condo for Showings

Buyers look at both the unit and the building as a whole. It's also important to consider access requirements. 

Inside the unit:

• Deep clean

• Declutter

• Fresh paint if needed

• Ensure all appliances and fixtures work

• Address any minor repairs

• Stage the space to show size and flow

Shared spaces:

Hallways, lobbies, garages, elevators, and mailrooms all influence buyer perception. Your agent can help you frame these appropriately if the building is older or undergoing upgrades.

7. Understand FHA and VA Eligibility

Not all community associations qualify for FHA or VA financing. Eligibility affects the buyer pool and resale appeal.

Eligibility depends on:

• Owner-occupancy percentages

• Delinquency rates

• Reserve funding

• Amount of commercial space

• Litigation status

If your building is not FHA or VA approved, your agent can help you position the home effectively for other qualified buyers.

8. Prepare for 2026 Community Association Law Changes

Washington continues updating community association laws to improve financial transparency and long-term planning. Sellers should anticipate buyer questions about the association’s preparedness.

Key 2026 changes may include:

• More detailed annual budgeting requirements

• Increased transparency around dues and funding needs

• Expanded virtual meeting allowances

• Updated governance requirements

• Additional financial disclosures

Buyers will want to know whether the association is prepared for these shifts.

Reviewing recent meeting minutes can help sellers anticipate these questions before listing.

9. Understand Washington’s 2028 WUCIOA Conversion

Washington will undergo a major transition on January 1, 2028, when all condominium associations, HOAs, and common interest communities will fall under a single statute: RCW 64.90, the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA).

This change is part of SB 5796, which will repeal the three older statutes that currently govern communities based on their creation date:

• RCW 64.32 – Horizontal Property Regimes Act

• RCW 64.34 – Washington Condominium Act

• RCW 64.38 – Homeowners’ Associations Act

Beginning in 2028, all communities will be governed by RCW 64.90:
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.90

These references are provided for general information only.

What This Means for Sellers

As associations prepare for the 2028 transition, sellers may notice changes appearing in:

• Governing documents

• Meeting minutes

• Budgeting procedures

• Reserve planning

• Enforcement and rule processes

• Insurance summaries

• Resale certificates

Resale certificates will eventually become more standardized under RCW 64.90. Buyers may begin asking whether your association is preparing for compliance or updating its documents ahead of 2028.

Reviewing recent meeting minutes can help sellers anticipate these questions before listing.

10. Work With a Broker Agent Who Can Anticipate Red Flags

Because buyers scrutinize financials, reserves, rules, and insurance, sellers benefit from an agent who can:

• Interpret reserve studies

• Explain CC&Rs clearly

• Understand community association budgeting

• Identify issues that may affect lending

• Anticipate questions about assessments or repairs

• Guide sellers through accurate and thorough disclosures

With my background in community association operations and condo documentation, I help sellers navigate these details proactively.

People Also Ask

What documents are required to sell a condo in Washington?
The resale certificate, CC&Rs, budget, reserve study, financial statements, meeting minutes, and insurance documents.

How long does it take to get a resale certificate?
Washington law requires condominium and community associations to provide the resale certificate within 10 days of the seller’s written request. Some associations deliver sooner, but they are allowed the full 10-day statutory timeframe under RCW 64.34.425 and RCW 64.90.640.

Do sellers have to disclose special assessments?
Yes. Sellers must disclose approved, pending, or proposed assessments.

Can dues increase after I sell?
Yes. Associations may increase dues annually and may adjust them further as 2026 requirements take effect.

FAQ

How long does the buyer have to review the resale certificate?
Most contracts allow a 5-day review period.

What if the reserve study is outdated?
It may cause buyer hesitation or lender scrutiny.

Do I need to repair issues in the building?
Not necessarily, but proper disclosure is required.

Can I list my condo if the building is in litigation?
Yes, but buyers and lenders may require additional information.

Final Thoughts

Selling a condo in Washington involves additional steps compared to selling a single-family home. Community association documents, financials, rules, assessments, and new legislative requirements all influence the process.

With over 25 years of experience reviewing community association documents including reserve studies, resale certificates, budgets, and complex building operations, I help condo sellers prepare thoroughly and confidently.

Thinking about selling your condo? I can help you navigate the process.
Corwin Realty Group
206-650-7390
[email protected]

Disclaimer - This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Condominium and community association laws may change, and each association has unique conditions. Sellers should consult an attorney, CPA, or qualified professional for guidance on their specific situation.