HOA History: Why Live in an HOA?

The number of homeowners associations continues to grow in the United States, and the majority of Americans report that they're happy to live in an HOA community... but what exactly is it that makes an association a great place to live? There are a few widely accepted reasons that explain the benefits of living in an HOA.

1. Community Appearance. By delivering services, maintaining common areas and setting standards, an HOA preserves the integrity and beauty of your neighborhood.
2. Property Values. You won't have to worry about the value of your home taking a hit because a neighbor has turned his lawn into a junkyard for old cars. HOA regulations protect against community degradation.
3. Amenities and Options. HOAs offer homeowners a variety of facilities and living options you might not otherwise be able to afford. Whether it's a swimming pool, walking trails, native prairie or snow removal services, an association can make life that much more enjoyable.
4. Professional Management. With an HOA, preserve your neighborly relationship and ask the management company to handle any issues with a barking dog, loud parties or a dispute over a tree.
5. Sense of Community. HOAs help bring people together to strengthen your neighborhood bond. They promote a sense of belonging and encourage you to be involved in the happenings in your community.

Top 10 Recognition

For the second year in a row, Hubbell Community Management Director Kate Hightshoe was recognized as a Top 10 Finalist in the annual National Manager of the Year Contest! Open to all professional Community Managers across the nation who are actively engaged in managing a portfolio of communities, Kate was again the only manager from Iowa recognized.

Since joining Hubbell in January 2014, Kate has made it her focus to improve the communication and customer service experiences of HCM homeowners. She has also worked to add value and a greater sense of community through the Homeowner Rewards Program. "This repeat recognition by the Manager of the Year Contest committee gives our team another boost to provide top-notch service and be one of the best management companies in the country," Hightshoe said.

Congratulations to Kate and the Hubbell Community Management team!

The Scoop on Japanese Beetles

• Soil drench: You can deter the beetles from high-value and newly planted trees using a soil-drench application of systemic insecticide, such as imadicloprid. This chemical travels up through the plant and is consumed by all insects feeding on the leaves and flowers, which may impact honeybees.
• Soapy water: The beetles can be controlled somewhat in isolated locations far from other infestations or in very lightly-infested areas by shaking them into a bucket of soapy water.
• Landscape spray: Sprays will control adult beetles but may need to be applied every 5-10 days, which can be costly if on a commercial scale.
• Horticulture: The most holistic approach recommended by our horticulture contact at Iowa State University is to 1) let these waves pass, as they usually do not come back every year; and 2) be sure to plant a variety of trees so that the whole of the landscaping is not disrupted if they do arrive.

Click here to see a list of plants preferred by the Japanese Beetle.