2 Million Packages Delivered to Happy Residents!

It’s official! Venterra’s SMARTPACKAGE lockers have officially delivered 2 million packages to our residents!

To celebrate, we gave a $500 Amazon gift card to the lucky resident who received the 2 millionth package, Whitney at Belterra Apartments in Fort Worth, Texas.

What is SMARTPACKAGE?

SMARTPACKAGE is Venterra’s package locker system through our partnership with Parcel Pending. Venterra’s SMARTPACKAGE management system allow us to offer our residents an easy and safe way to retrieve their packages. The process is simple. All our residents have to do is head to the SMARTPACKAGE system at their property, and scan a barcode or push a button on Parcel Pending’s mobile app to enable package pickup without even having to use the locker kiosk touchscreen!

We understand that nothing is better than knowing that your packages are safe and sound – especially during the holiday season! A few other great benefits of SMARTPACKAGE include:

Vacation Mode: 

No need to worry about your packages while you are out skiing in Denver – with Vacation mode, you are able to hop into the Parcel Pending App and put your out of town and returns dates to avoid incurring storage fees and make sure your items don’t get sent back while you’re away!

24/7 Access:

A key benefit to the package lockers is 24/7 access – pick up your packages whenever you feel like it. Heck, want to get your package at 2 a.m.? We’re not stopping you! The SMARTPACKAGE system provides residents 24/7 hour access, allowing you to pick up their packages on their own schedule.

Customer Service:

Is the door locker you need not opening? Parcel Pending provides access to the customer care team 24/7/365 via phone or email – so no need to worry!

Interested in a community equipped with a SMARTPACKAGE locker? Click here to find a Venterra community near you!

WOW Story: More Than Family

WOW

Gustavo Martinez, Assistant Maintenance Manager
Employee since 2021

The WOW Opportunity

A member of the leasing team was walking a unit with one of our current residents, Greg, when he shared what he had been going through following the recent amputation of his foot. He stated that he had been struggling with daily tasks during his recovery process. Greg shared that most of his family resides in Chicago, leaving him to spend a lot of time alone, other than the time his caretakers are there throughout the day to help him.

The Epiphany

One day, while Greg and the leasing team were discussing repairs, he revealed that Assistant Maintenance Manager, Gustavo, had been stopping by his apartment every day to check on him—even on Gustavo’s day off. The leasing was blown away when they heard about this act of kindness, especially since Gustavo had not mentioned anything about his kind gesture and new friendship with Greg. The fact that this act came from the kindness of Gustavo’s heart, without any intention of receiving recognition, truly is inspiring and what makes this moment so special.

The WOW Moment

Gustavo continued to check on Greg, regardless of his work schedule. Through checking in on Greg, Gustavo gave the gift of time, care and support when a Venterra resident needed it most. Surgery can be scary and healing can be tough; sometimes people need to know they are not alone to find strength through these tough times. Gustavo even gave the gift of a good meal, with him and his wife showing up with breakfast tacos in tow for a visit the previous Saturday, Greg shared.

The Result

As Greg told the team about Gustavo and his wife visiting him, he became emotional.

“They weren’t here for just 15 minutes. They stayed for hours,” Greg stated. He went on to say that Saturday was not the only time day Gustavo showed up. “He actually shows up every day! My own family won’t even do that,” he said. He also mentioned that Gustavo was the only person that ever truly went out of his way to make sure he was okay. These consistent visits serve as a fantastic reminder that you can perform acts of kindness solely around your genuine care for people without seeking recognition from others.

 

Have you experienced a WOWMatters experience at your property or did we WOW you in some way? Let us know by sharing a Google Review here! Who knows, you just may be featured on our blog one day!

Hello Sunshine State: Venterra Adds 4th Florida Property This Year!

Florida has seen more population growth in recent years than any other state in the eastern U.S., and the Sunshine State is one of the top 3 states for future apartment demand according to the National Apartment Association.

Not only does Florida offer residents beautiful scenery and a warm climate, but also an influx of job opportunities and favorable taxes. In fact, based on data from RedFin, currently, four people move into low-tax states (like Florida and Texas) for each person that moves out. Migration statistics like this are a main reason we continue to concentrate on acquiring and developing communities in the Florida market.

Speaking of, just this year we have added FOUR Florida properties to our portfolio. Read a little bit about each property below. Who knows, you just may find the apartment you’ve been dreaming of!

 

Luma Headwaters – Orlando, Florida:

 

 

 

 

 

Luma Headwaters is a 4-story multi-family community was completed in 2020 and offers studio, one, two, and three-bedroom garden-style residences that range from 600 – 1,323 square feet in twelve unique floor plans. The apartments feature quartz

countertops, stainless steel appliances, deep under-mount sinks with chef-sprayer faucets, oversized closets, contoured garden tubs, and washers and dryers.

Residents can enjoy Luma’s best-in-class amenity package, spending time in the well-appointed pool area with grilling areas and social spaces.  Additional on-site amenities include a bark park, pet salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, connected yoga/spin studio, remote office space, clubhouse with billiards, and more.

Luma Headwaters is well situated off S John Young Parkway, adjacent to the International Drive tourism corridor. The location is convenient to several major employers and tourist attractions such as Sea World, the Orange County Convention Center, and the future Universal Epic Universe Orlando theme park all within 5 minutes of the property.

 

Tomoka Pointe – Daytona Beach, Florida:

 

 

 

 

 

Tomoka Pointe is Venterra’s first property in the Daytona Beach area. The 246-unit multi-family community was built in 2019 and offers modern one, two, and three-bedroom garden-style residences that range from 749-1,255 square feet in twelve unique floor plans, many with dazzling lake views.

Each apartment offers modern finishes such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized closets, and includes a washer and dryer. Residents can enjoy the barbecue area adjacent to the swimming pool, as well as a fully equipped fitness center. A clubhouse, business center and thoughtful services like on-site management and maintenance, along with elevators and garages add convenience.

Tomoka Pointe offers fast access to I-95, I-4, and virtually any destination in the greater Orlando area can be easily reached. Closer to home, top landmarks include LPGA International, Daytona International Speedway, and Tomoka Town Center.

 

The Luminary at 95 – West Melbourne, Florida:

The Luminary at 95 is a vacation-inspired retreat located in the popular 32904 zipcode. Each residence is well-appointed with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, kitchen islands, and the modern-day features all renters crave.

The community extends an exciting amenity package that includes a relaxing saltwater pool with lounge chairs and a sun shelf, a 24-hour fitness center with a yoga spin room and Peloton bikes, a dog park, pet wash station, car wash station, and more.

Additionally, Luminary at 95 is burrowed amidst West Melbourne’s top employment, shopping, and entertainment destinations making it easy for residents to appreciate the convenience of living in this community. Here, residents can savor the suburban lifestyle and comfort while living near I-95, Route 192, a quick walk to public transportation, and enjoy short trips to Orlando, Melbourne Beach, and the Indian River.

 

The Anatole – Daytona Beach, Florida:

The Anatole is Venterra’s second property in the Daytona Beach area, a 208-Unit property originally completed in 1986, the 208-unit property offers one- and two-bedroom garden-style residences that range from 486 – 1010 square feet in five unique floor plans.

The apartments feature open concept layouts, screened-in patios and balconies, washer and dryer, and ample closet space. Each residence is well-appointed with stainless steel double-basin sinks, breakfast bar, pantry, and picturesque views.

The Anatole is about 1 mile from the world-famous Daytona International Speedway, in close proximity to several major employers but far enough removed from the Speedway to avoid traffic, noise and congestion from large-scale events at the facility. Major employers in the vicinity include Halifax Health Medical Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Speedway itself, and dozens of industrial employers centered around the nearby intersection of Interstate-95 and Interstate-4.

Interested in one of these communities, or looking for an apartment in a different area of Florida? Check out all of our Florida properties here!

Venterra Realty Ranked 3rd in the Nation for Online Reputation by J Turner Research

VENTERRA HAS RANKED #3 AMONG THE TOP MULTIFAMILY COMPANIES FOR ONLINE REPUTATION IN THE 2022 DIVISION ORA® POWER RANKING, PUBLISHED BY MULTIFAMILY EXECUTIVE. 

This award is exciting as it recognizes Venterra’s positive online reputation! We are so thankful to our current, former and prospective residents for their positive and helpful reviews and feedback – and to our onsite teams for continuing to deliver market-leading customer experiences.

online reputation

Developed by J Turner Research, the ORA® Power Ranking is based on monthly online reputation research of over 128,000 properties’ lifetime reviews across multiple review sites and Internet Listing Services (ILSs). Using a statistical model, J Turner assigns an independent ORA® Score to each property on a scale of 0–100. The ORA® Score was developed to simplify how online reputation is measured, and it serves as the multifamily industry standard to measure a property’s online reputation.

“Venterra is dedicated to building exceptional communities for people at every point in life with a focus on service and care. This ranking and our stellar online reputation are a direct reflection of our colleagues living out our 7 Core Values, and in turn, creating personalized experiences for every person living at a Venterra property,” said John Foresi, CEO of Venterra Realty.Online reputation

“Feedback is key to understanding and responding to our resident’s needs and is key to helping us provide a great living experience to all our residents. We are pleased to receive such positive reviews, allowing for Venterra to be eligible for this recognition,” said Venterra Chairman, Andrew Stewart. “This ranking is a notable accomplishment and can be attributed to each of our property’s efforts to ensure we are offering quality communities, perpetually creating improvements that enhance renter experiences, simplifying processes for renters, and expressing unmatched genuine care.”

At Venterra, we value feedback and are always open to exploring better ways to provide market-leading customer service – which is why we put a large emphasis on online reputation. Looking for ways to provide feedback on your experience with Venterra? Share your experience on our Google Reviews Site or on ApartmentRatings.com. 

Tips on Renter-Friendly Design

When moving into a rental space, it can be challenging to come up with affordable and efficient renter-friendly design options for your new place, while staying in compliance with your rental agreement, we’re sharing creative,  non-permanent ways to customize your space along with convenient decor and tech-forward appliances that will make your apartment a fresh, new space.

Semi-permanent decor alternatives  

  • Adhesive wallpaper: 

Not only is adhesive wallpaper cost-effective, it also allows you to personalize your apartment without the worry of permanently changing yourRenter-Friendly Wallpaper walls within your rental space. With its easy to use application, this wallpaper can be put up in seconds around your home! Here’s a great video that shows the effortless steps of using adhesive wallpaper: Everything You Need to Know About Peel and Stick Wallpaper. You can find adhesive wallpaper anywhere from Walmart, to Target, to Amazon for as little as $6 per 14.5 feet

  • Peel and stick backsplash: 

A peel and stick backsplash is a great option for those who have moved into apartment rental spaces that have neutral kitchens and bathrooms and are looking to jazz up the colors of the room. These easy-to-use adhesives are durable and long-lasting for anyone looking to accomplish a high-quality look in a quick period of time. You can find a stick and peel backsplash at any department store for around $15 per 24in x 6in piece of adhesive. 

  • Interlocking tile/wood flooring: 

The most convenient way to make a big change to your space is by changing the flooring to modernize and create contrast for a more open-looking space.  These durable and waterproof tiles lock into place and can be easily taken apart when it comes time to move out. Another great way to utilize these tiles is by using them to floor your outdoor spaces. Anyone can purchase interlocking flooring at stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot for around $60 per bundle of flooring. 

  • Magnetic/adhesive wall attachments: 

One of the best hassle-free ways to hang up decor is by using command strips or magnetic hooks rather than damaging your walls by using nails. You can find these appliances at most grocery and convenience stores at very affordable prices. A good alternative to nailing in shelves is using “No Nail Ledges” found at any home decor store or online at Amazon or Etsy for about $20. These ledges are sustainable and can hold up to ten pounds. A great way to store anything from books to decor on your walls without the damage or hassle that comes with nails. 

Effortless and affordable decor 

  •  Lighting: 

Lighting is the foundation of creating an open feel to your space. To welcome more natural lighting into your space, incorporate renter-friendly mirrors into your decor around the room. This will reflect any existing natural lighting to make the room appear lighter. Aside from natural lighting, artificial lighting is just as crucial to creating a bright and welcoming home design. In order to save space, renters can purchase lamps that attach to a bed frame available at any home decor store for less than $20. Purchase LED strips that stick to your wall, under your bed, or behind furniture to access hassle-free and easily hidden lighting. LED strips are available at almost any store for an average cost of $15 per roll. 

  • Decor pieces: 

renter-friendly plantsA common and affordable way that renters can add design aspects to their apartments is by adding plants. Plants can add color, height, and life into any room at very low maintenance if you get your hands on the right plants. Colorful pillows on top of light furniture brighten up a room while simultaneously allowing you the freedom to decorate to the aesthetic you’re going for. Changing appliances such as door knobs, cabinet knobs, and the shower head in a rental space can dramatically change an outdated space to look more modern.

Smart home devices for rental spaces

  • Smart speakers: 

Smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home are common yet underrated renter-friendly devices that make life easier for a renter. Smart speakers are small, reducing the room used by large speakers. Any renter can control the lighting and music in their space with their voice or mobile device. renter-friendly speakers

  • Google Nest Hub Max: 

The Google Nest Hub max offers the most convenient features for anyone moving into a new space. This device is a small tablet that can be placed anywhere throughout your home and control lights, temperature, sound systems, and security systems, and allows you to make calls and view any platform of social media. As one of the highest reviewed smart home items, the Nest Hub Max provides so much to new homeowners in one platform for an average cost of $169 available at any technology store.

  • Amazon Fire Stick: 

The Amazon Fire Stick is used by over 50 million people for its affordable price and easy accessibility to multiple streaming services. This remote is only $50 and provides access to Hulu, Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and over 80 other platforms. This device makes streaming convenient for renters who don’t want to keep up with multiple remotes or deal with the hassle of Cable or Satellite TV. 

Many renters run into challenges while finding renter-friendly designs that feel unique to them. However, with the help of a few adhesive alternatives, unique decor pieces, and smart home devices, creating a personalized place for renters can become effortless. Are you in the market for a new space to make your own? Check out our available apartments at venterraliving.com and find your new home at one of our communities across the U.S!

Venterra Resident Blog – Where Everybody Knows Your Name

At Venterra, we are lucky to have residents that are willing and happy to share their positive experiences living at our communities. We were thrilled to recently come across The Single Uncle Blog, a blog run by a resident of Venterra’s property, Ventana, located in San Antonio Texas, and his blog “Ventana: Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” This resident has lived at Ventana for 11 years with the blog detailing the resident’s favorite things about living at Ventana – and it’s so great, we just knew we had to share it! Read along and get inspired!resident

“Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?”
~ Gary Portnoy & Judy Hart-Angelo, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”, 1983
Wouldn’t you like to go where everybody knows your name? Where they’re always glad you came? I’ve lived at the Ventana apartment complex for 11 years. Many would surmise that I simply don’t like to move — partially true. I’ve moved twice within the apartment complex so it’s more I don’t want to move… from Ventana. I’ve got it too good.
  • FRIENDLY: Many of the office staff do, in fact, know my name including the property manager. They always have a smile ready to share.
  • COURTEOUS: The staff are always helpful and kind, showing great care and appreciation for their tenants. Pre-COVID, I would take my nephew to the office and the staff would give him crackers or cookies. Always a favorite part of visiting Uncle John.
  • MAINTENANCE: Whether large or small, maintenance issues are rectified within 24 hours of submitting a request (much less for an emergency). The maintenance staff are friendly to tenants and respectful of personal spaces.
  • COMMUNICATION: We’ve never wondered “what’s going on?” around the complex. Text messages backed up by emails over the littlest to largest topics — food trucks, Fiesta celebrations, breakfast tacos at the gates, community maintenance, inspections, and expectations — all to make our experience better.
  • residentLOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: You can’t beat it! Nestled in the Huebner Oaks shopping center which hosts a farmer’s market on Saturdays; close to USAA and the medical center; Regal movie theater across the street; eateries like Snooze, Flying Saucer, and Panera; 5 minutes from La Cantera and the Rim.
  • AFFORDABLE: For property/unit amenities, one of the best bangs for your buck. Two community pools, dog park, smart-home technology, stainless steel appliances, vinyl wood floors, contemporary feel, reserved parking spaces and attached garages (for some units), secure package delivery lockers; all under a canopy of oak trees throughout the property.
  • GENEROUS: Last year the property manager, assistant manager, and maintenance staff randomly showed up at my door with a beach pail, beach towel, sunscreen and $500 in Southwest gift cards. They wanted to thank me for being a long-term; valued tenant and send me on vacation, which resulted in a memorable trip to Hawaii. While this may not be applicable for every tenant, it demonstrates the generous nature of those who manage the Ventana complex.
I’ve heard horror stories from tenants living at other complexes. Liking the apartment is not enough. We need to feel safe and secure. We want to know we will receive a level of customer service commensurate with our month ly rent. Rest assured, Ventana is that location.

resident

You rent an apartment because it fits your needs. You stay in an apartment due to the property’s management. I’ve lived at the Ventana for 11 years — ‘nuf said.
“Sometimes you wanna go
Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came
You want to go where people know
People are all the same
You want to go where everybody knows your name”
Have you had a great experience at your Venterra community? We’d love to know! Share your story with us at Venterramedia@venterraliving.com or   let us know by sharing a Google Review here! Who knows, you just may be featured on our blog one day!

WOW Story: Bark Park Memorial

Barbara Carrillo, Community Manager, Experience Leader
Coles Crossing, Cypress, TX 
Employee since 2016

The Opportunity

Jay and his wife Janet have been residents at Venterra’s Coles Crossing community since 2011. During their time at the property, they had 2 furry family members who were whippets, a fast and intelligent type of dog breed. They had Brittany when they first moved in and she was with them for 11 years. After she passed, they decided to get another whippet and they named him Ace. Ace was friendly and loved throughout the community. Unfortunately, Ace passed in April of this year after 3 wonderful years with the Spiegels.

The Epiphany

As a dog owner herself, Barbara could see the pain and sadness in the resident’s eyes whenever he came in the office in the following month and a half after losing Ace. Jay still was visiting Bark Park every day and sitting on the park bench to chat with other dog owners and remember the good times he had with his dogs in the space. This is when Barbara knew she had to do something to honor his dogs and the memories they shared at the Bark Park.

The Wow Moment

The landscapers installed a tree and the memorial stone in the Bark Park. Jay went on his daily walk to the Bark Park to sit at the park bench, where saw the newly planted tree and went over to investigate what the sign at the base of the tree said. He said he lost it when he saw that the stone was in memory of his beloved dogs Brittany and Ace. He came in the office two days in a row to say how thoughtful this was and how grateful and touched he and his wife were by this memorial of their sweet furry family members.

The Result

Jay came in right after he saw the tree and the memorial stone to say Thank You. He could hardly get his words out because he was so choked up, but he wanted the Coles Crossing team know he saw it. and how much it meant to him. The next day, he came in again to let us know how grateful he was. He said he couldn’t really say anything the day before, but he wanted us to know that he thought Barbara went above and beyond with this gesture and he was very touched by it.
Have you experienced a WOWMatters experience at your property or did we WOW you in some way? Let us know by sharing a Google Review here! Who knows, you just may be featured on our blog one day!

WOW Story: A Window Shade of Opportunity

Eric Benazeraf, Maintenance Manager, Experience Leader
Silverbrooke, Stafford, TX 
Employee since 2017

 

The Opportunity

During a recent call,  Eric met Joshua, a very nice young man living at Silverbooke. In conversation, Eric learned that Johsua acts as a server for his company and has a very large computer system in his study which tends to heat up the area. Joshua mentioned that he added a fan system to one of the windows to support with the airflow. While that was a clever setup, residents, unfortunately, aren’t able to have systems like this exposed in the window sills of Venterra apartments – but Eric knew of a way that he could help Joshua with his situation. 

The Epiphany

He could understand Joshua’s need for having the fan system and wanted to find a solution that would serve as a win/win for both parties. Rather than telling Joshua that he has to remove the unit altogether, Eric got together with his team and brainstormed some ideas to help keep Joshua’s apartment at a comfortable temperature. The team completed research and found some great shade options on Amazon that could support both Venterra’s community guidelines and Joshua’s need for extra airflow in his unit.

This is when Eric decided to bring up the idea to Joshua. He explained his reasoning about why residents can’t have fans in the window and explained that he understood the resident’s need for increased airflow. Eric then asked if Johsua had ever considered a patio shade to help solve the issue. It turned out he had and just hadn’t purchased it just yet. Eric picked up on the fact that Joshua had been researching this on his own and understood that this truly was an issue that was affecting Joshua’s everyday living experience. Eric told him to be patient for a couple of days and that the leasing office would see what “options” were available!

The Wow Moment

The leasing team purchased a nice brown shade that would compliment Joshua’s outdoor area and provide the needed relief. When the shade arrived, Eric contacted Joshua and told him he needed to speak to him. When he opened the door, Eric said, “Surprise!” with the shade in hand. Joshua was so excited to know that Eric had found a solution to his problem. Eric even made the special touch of taking the time to install the shade for Johsua so he wouldn’t have to worry about any added stress.

The Result

Joshua was very happy and appreciative that we were able to provide such a quick and easy solution. The shades allowed him to keep his fans while serving as a win/win solution for us all. It is the goal of our leasing staff to always want to ensure our residents are happy while maintaining our own standards to provide exceptional living experiences. The team was happy that they could find a way to support Joshua and his need rather than having him continue to deal with excessive heat in his apartment. 

Have you experienced a WOWMatters experience at your property or did we WOW you in some way? Let us know by sharing a Google Review here! Who knows, you just may be featured on our blog one day!

Venterra Residents Added 236 Pets in 10 Days!

At Venterra, we LOVE furry friends. Once you’re a resident at one of our communities, you are family and that includes your furry companions! Walk into any of our communities and you’ll instantly bePets greeted with affection and excitement from the many pets that call Venterra communities’ home. However, we know the reality is that there are still tons of amazing pets waiting for their fur-ever homes.

That is why we celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and National Pet Month by making it easier than ever for our residents to welcome pets into their homes. To support National Adopt a Pet Day, a day was created to raise awareness for the millions of animals waiting to be paired with families in shelters across the country, we participated by encouraging our residents to adopt an animal, and to support this initiative, we waived all pet deposits for any animals added to leases from April 20 – 30. To maximize the adoption impact, new and current residents were able to take advantage of the promotion!

WE ARE THRILLED TO SHARE THAT OVER 10 DAYS WE ADDED 236 PETS TO HOMES ACROSS THE VENTERRA PORTFOLIO 

PetsWe love our four-legged residents and look forward every year to welcoming new furry faces each year. And what’s great about living at a Venterra community is that we are extremely pet-friendly! Most apartment communities only allow for a maximum of two animals. At Venterra, however, we understand that animals are family so we welcome three animals per apartment home! Who else can say that??

Pets add extra value and affection to our world. So, it was no surprise to learn that during the pandemic, more than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted an animal during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). These numbers show how many of us have been craving that unconditional love that pets are so genuinely good at as well as that companionship and connection.

Whether you’re a current Venterra resident or a pet parent looking to move into one of our beautiful communities – you are in the midst of so much animal love! We can’t wait to help you find the purr-fect apartment for you and your furry friends! So, if you’re in the market for a new apartment, or are interested in adding an animal to your lease, check out our outlined Pet Policies to learn more!

pets

How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Renting

Carrie and Ryan found the perfect apartment home to start their life as a married couple. They were so excited about the layout, the location, the dog park…everything was falling into place. After touring the community, the leasing agent printed out a price quote showing the monthly rent. She informed them that the quote would be good for 24 hours and after that she couldn’t guarantee the price would be the same. The rent was right at their budget, but they felt like they could make it work. They came back the next morning eager to apply. They had taken time the night before to look over their finances to ensure the fees aligned with their budget.fees

After submitting their application and as they were signing the lease, Carrie noticed a section that said valet trash fee, pest control, admin fee, and pet fee. The charges were adding an additional $48 per month to their rent along with $500 in fees for their pet and admin fee. Carrie asked the leasing agent what these fees were to which she replied nonchalantly, “Oh those are the fees that are added to the rent as part of your lease.” Just like that, their excitement for this apartment dwindled. This would surely push their monthly costs over their budget. They paused the application and decided to take some more time to look.

Does this scenario feel familiar at all? How often do you discover too late that the price you think you’re paying is actually the base without taxes and fees included? In a world where many companies are striving to be more transparent, we still get caught off guard with hidden or unknown fees.

While those who have been renting for years are familiar or used to fees being tacked onto the monthly rent, those new to renting or who haven’t rented in a while may be in for a shock. Apartment management companies may justify it as being “the price of renting”. And while that may be true, energetically it feels a little misleading.

fees

A “fee” may dissuade someone from leasing even if the overall pricing with rent is the same. As consumers we get turned off by extra fees and conditions. Companies are even having to be more competitive about free shipping (for example) because our society is used to having shipping free or included. When we live with those type of expectations, we expect the same to be with other purchases we make.

So how do we find a balance between being upfront with prospective renters about fees while maintaining structure within the systems in place? Let’s go back to Carrie and Ryan. How would their experience have been different if the leasing agent had told them during their tour about associated fees or when they were going through the price quote with them? It would have given Carrie and Ryan more pause (and trust) to look at their budget with the fees in mind to see if they really could make it work financially.

At Venterra, we choose to be upfront with our prospective residents about fees. We want them to know what to expect in all areas including what fees and extra costs to expect. We talk about the benefits of having valet trash and how we love our resident’s furry friends. We start talking about what to expect while touring the community. And when we provide a price quote, we include all of the associated fees, so there are no surprises. This goes for both in-person and virtual tours.

“We put all of our fees on our Price Quotes and our competitors don’t for the most part. This may leave renters feeling like we charge more in fees when in reality, we probably don’t. We’re just upfront with our costs once we capture them as a lead and can explain what those fees are,” Stephanie Gonzalez, Vice President, Property & Customer Innovation

It’s important for us to educate our prospects and let them know what to ask and look for whether they choose to live at a Venterra community or not. While it may feel like showing all the fees could be a turnoff, it’s actually supporting our prospects in what to expect. We’ve witnessed too many scenarios like Carrie and Ryan’s where they think they’re getting a better price because of how our competitors are showcasing the rent price only to find out that they’re paying more simply because the fees weren’t communicated upfront. It’s important to share this knowledge with prospective residents so they are not caught off guard when choosing the “cheaper” option.

So, what type of fees can you expect to find when renting an apartment? Every community will have some combination of rent, utilities, and charges regardless of whether they make them apparent or not. Fees can range from:

  • Common Area Electric
  • Amenities
  • Valet/Trash Fees
  • Billing Administration Fees
  • Technology Package Fees
  • Water/Sewer
  • Electric/Gas
  • Cable/Internet
  • Storage/Garage
  • Pet (optional)
  • Parking
  • Community Bundle (some combination of the above)

fees

At Venterra, we breakdown all of the fees and extra costs in the price quote and go through it in detail with our prospective residents. Transparency is important to us, and it builds an extra layer of trust between us and our residents.

It’s important that you as a customer are informed of what each community you’re interested in charges in additional fees so you can make the best decision in line with your overall budget.

So, if you’re looking at an apartment in the near future, make sure to ask about fees! And know with confidence that at a Venterra community, you’ll know all costs up front! They are listed out on every Price Quote so you’ll be well informed about what you’ll be paying each month.

If a community says they don’t have fees, you can bet they are built into the rent price. When comparing communities and rates, make sure to consider fees, whether hidden or not!

So if you’re looking for an apartment with no surprises – check out Venterra’s communities and put in an application today!