Tag: Apartment Living

Venterra’s Resident-Focused Experience Backed by Caring Employees

Posted on by Allie Lewnes

Venterra’s Resident-Focused Experience

At Venterra, we understand that overall resident experience and satisfaction is key to building long-lasting relationships. That’s why we have a team of employees who are committed to creating an environment focused on serving our resident’s needs and giving back to the community. From our maintenance teams to property managers, residents can count on us for exceptional service at every turn. Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable home for all of our residents and foster a sense of community at each of our locations. 

At Venterra, we take pride in the culture of care that we have created in our workplace. Our residents are our top priority, and we are passionate about giving back to them and the surrounding community. However, our corporate social responsibility is not just about making a positive impact on the world around us; it’s about fostering a culture of care that strengthens our company and inspires us to do better. Whether it’s volunteering our time, hosting events, or donating to local charities, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact. At Venterra, we believe that a little care goes a long way, and we’re excited to continue fostering a culture that puts our residents and their needs first.

resident

Our commitment to creating an extraordinary workplace has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named one of the best places to work in Texas in 2020, one of the best workplaces for women, and being awarded with top-rated apartment awards year after year. We truly believe that it all starts with the workplace, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that it remains a positive and nurturing place for everyone. To hear what residents have to say about staff, learn more about team members, or get insights to the workplace culture, check out The 2020 Venterra Experience Book.

People and personal connections are the key to creating a strong sense of community at Venterra. This is why we have developed the WOW Matters program, which is dedicated to ensuring that our residents receive exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations. As a team, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents. We believe that it’s not enough to simply provide a roof over their heads – we strive to create a personalized experience that truly shows that we care. Our employees are trained to listen to our residents and identify opportunities to exceed their expectations. We believe in going above and beyond whenever possible – whether that means helping with a surprise proposal, providing new toys to our residents’ beloved pets, or decorating an apartment to feel more like home. 

Interested in seeing how we’ve wowed residents in the past, check out our WOW stories  here!

Here’s an example of how we WOW our residents:

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. Unfortunately, both dogs passed away and one of our staff members, Barbara, noticed Jay continuing to visit the dog park to mourn the loss of his dogs and reminisce on their memories together. This is when Barbara knew she had to do something to honor his dogs and the memories they shared at the Bark Park. She called the landscapers to come plant a tree and memorial to honor Jay’s dogs. When Jay went on his daily walk the next day he saw the memorial and was touched by the thoughtful gesture.Venterra

We believe that by fostering a culture of connection and compassion, we can create a vibrant community where everyone is valued and supported.

We’ve received tons of positive feedback from our residents about their moving experiences, interactions with staff members, and community events who  have shared their stories on social media platforms such as Google and Yelp, commending our properties and team members who’ve helped make their renting experience exceptional. This feedback reflects how Venterra is committed to making the renting experience stress-free.

 

Here’s what some of our residents have to say: 

  • “I love this community. Mikayla provided excellent service. All of my questions were answered. My neighbors have been really nice. I love all of the technology implemented making everything digitized. Parking is also great.” – Certified Resident

 

  • “The application process was very easy and straightforward. The staff is very friendly and extremely helpful.” – Arion Austin, Google Review

 

  • “I have just finished my 4th year here, and I will be renewing for year #5. The staff is awesome – always friendly, accessible, and responsive. Dogs rule here and there is a community garden if you want to grow something. And my three dogs give it three paws up!” – Jeffery Schnell, Google Review 

 

 

One of our priorities at Venterra is giving back to our communities and supporting the causes that matter most to us. To reflect this commitment, we provide our team members with eight paid hours of volunteer time off each year through the Venterra Cares program. It’s inspiring to see how our colleagues use their time to lend a helping hand to a wide range of organizations, from local food banks and schools to environmental and animal welfare groups. Many of them find opportunities through VolunteerMatch.org or our regional Venterra Cares Ambassadors, while others simply get involved in activities within their community that speak to their hearts. Thanks to their dedication, we are able to give back hundreds of hours of volunteer time each year and make a positive impact in the world around us. 

Stephanie Bruce, one of our team members, recently shared about her volunteering experience and what it means to her: 

“When Venterra started offering paid volunteer hours to employees, I knew I wanted to spend time helping my four-legged furry friends. I found a rescue shelter called Charming Pet Rescue and decided to spend my volunteer time there… I just can’t stay away! I have also fostered a few dogs along the way and currently have Sadie, a true sweetheart, waiting for a forever home. Volunteering to help dogs always reminds me of one thing: when you adopt from a shelter, you save two lives – the one you adopt and the one who will take its place, not to mention the joy and companionship an animal brings to people. It’s a beautiful circle, and that thought is what keeps me going back each weekend!”

Our team at Venterra is committed to cultivating the highest standard of living for our residents. Through impactful action and meaningful connections, our staff is passionate about community service and creating positive experiences for those around us. Our commitment to unity in our various neighborhoods goes beyond just providing a safe place to live — it’s about fostering an environment where everyone belongs.

Benefits of Moving in the Wintertime

Posted on by Allie Foard

Winter might not seem like the most obvious time to move into a new apartment, but it actually has a lot of benefits. Here are just a few reasons why winter is the best time to make a move:

  1. Less Competition:

    • There is typically less competition for apartments during the winter months. Many people prefer to move in the spring or summer, when the weather is nicer and school is not in session. This means that there is less competition for apartments during the winter, which can make it easier to find a good deal

  2. Moving Company Availability:

    winter

    • Moving companies are often less busy during the winter. If you are hiring a moving company to help with your move, you may be able to get a better deal during the winter months when they are not as busy. This can save you money on your move and make it more affordable.

  3. Easier Physical Moving Process:

    • Winter weather can actually make the moving process easier. While it might be cold outside, the dry winter air can make it easier to move heavy furniture and boxes. In the summer, heat and humidity can make it more difficult to move, as everything is more likely to be sweaty and slippery.

  4. Holiday Sales:

    • You can take advantage of holiday furniture sales to make your new apartment feel cozy and festive. Moving into a new apartment during the winter also means that you can decorate for the holidays and make your new space feel warm and welcome.

  5. Fresh Start:

    • It’s a good time to start fresh. Moving during the winter can be a great opportunity to start fresh and get organized. With the holidays over and the new year beginning, it’s a perfect time to declutter and get your new apartment in order

  6. Time to Relax and Get Settled:

    • You’ll have plenty of time to unpack and get settled. During the winter, there are fewer outdoor activities and events, which means you’ll have more time to unpack and get settled in your new apartment. This can make the moving process less stressful and give you the opportunity to really make your new place feel like home.

Overall, while moving during the winter might not be the most popular option, it can actually be a great time to move into a new apartment. With less competition, lower prices, and the opportunity to start fresh, winter can be the perfect time to make a move. So if you’re considering a move, don’t let the cold weather hold you back – embrace it and make the most of your winter move.

Interested in moving but not quite sure when? Schedule an apartment tour today – we’ll be ready to answer any and all of your inquiries and get you in the perfect space to start off the new year right!

Venterra Residents Added 236 Pets in 10 Days!

Posted on by Allie Foard

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

Questions to Ask on Your Apartment Tour

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

Apartment searching can be difficult, overwhelming even, especially if you are in a city filled with communities to choose from.

apartment tour

That’s why it’s always recommended to take an apartment tour of your options to get a first-hand feel for the type of living experience you would have, should you decide to sign a lease.

At Venterra, we love tours as they give prospective residents a chance to walk through the community, view the amenities and see their potential floorplan in person. Whether our prospects are taking an apartment tour with a leasing agent, or utilizing Venterra’s self-guided tour option, we always recommend that they ask questions. After all, they are signing a contract for a lease, and we wouldn’t want any surprises to pop up later on.

What we have found over the 20+ years that we have offered tours is that sometimes renters might not know what questions to ask, especially if they are first-time renters. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of questions that will help any renter get the answers they need to find the perfect home for them.

Application Process:

  • What is the application process?
  • Is there an application fee?
  • How do you decide on approval?
  • How many paycheck stubs do you require?
  • How do I add an additional applicant or occupant to my apartment?
  • What if my roommate has to move out, can they be taken off the lease?

Venterra’s Advice: The application process should be simple and seamless. In fact, with SMARTLEASING by Venterra, all you have to do is 1.) complete the 5 minute form 2.) click submit 3.) get approved in 5 minutes – and you don’t pay any fee’s until you’re approved! Typically, apartments consider 3 things when processing applications: criminal history, credit history and current income and will ask for your two most recent paystubs.

Lease Logistics:

  • How long is the lease term?
  • How much is rent? Does pricing fluctuate?
  • What is included in the rent (utilities, electricity, trash, etc)?
  • How much do utilities cost, on average, if they are not included?
  • Will I need someone to co-sign my lease? Is a guarantor a co-signer?
  • How many people are allowed per apartment?
  • Is a security deposit required?
  • Is renter’s insurance required? If so, is there a minimum coverage required? Do you have a recommended provider?
  • What forms of rent do you accept? How can I pay rent?
  • What happens if I have a late rent payment?
  • How often does rent go up, and by how much?
  • Are there plans to update the building?

Venterra’s Advice: Good property management companies will offer flexible lease terms that allow you to choose options that work best for you. While pricing can fluctuate daily and costs can vary per property, it is important to be upfront, honest and realistic with your leasing consultant about your budget, that way they can ensure they set you up for success.

Community Amenities:

  • What community amenities does this property offer?
  • Are there any restrictions of use on the amenities?
  • Are my guests allowed to use the amenities?
  • Are the amenities available 24/7 or are there specific hours of operation?
  • Do your community areas offer free wi-fi?
  • Are there any planned upgrades to the amenities?

Venterra’s Advice: Be sure on your apartment tour to get a full understanding of when and how you can use the community amenities. For instance, you wouldn’t want to cancel your gym membership for a community gym that doesn’t allow 24-hour access, would you?

Personal Apartment Amenities:

  • Does the apartment come with all appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.)?
  • What finishes are used throughout the apartment?
  • How am I able to access my apartment?
  • What internet/cable providers do you offer?
  • Am I allowed to paint the walls and/or hang pictures?
  • Are there any restrictions on decorations?

Venterra’s Advice: This is your opportunity to ensure you get the perfect apartment for you. Voice your opinions about lighting, finishes and personal décor with your leasing consultant during your apartment tour to make sure they understand your vision for the space. That way they can notify you when the apartment with your dream view of the skyline becomes available!

Access and Maintenance:

  • What are the leasing office hours?
  • How are maintenance requests made?
  • What is the average response time for a maintenance request?
  • Is 24-hour emergency maintenance available?
  • What is the parking situation? Can I have multiple cars? Are there any restrictions on cars?
  • How secure is the property? How is access to the apartment being handled?
  • Do residents consider the complex safe at night?

Venterra’s Advice: Access and maintenance are essential questions for your everyday living. Be sure you understand the parking situations and that access to your community and unit are easy whether it be through a key, fob, or code. Unfortunately, maintenance issues don’t always happen during business hours. So it’s important to know if resources are available to you 24 hours a day and that your problems will be fixed for you in a timely manner.

Guests:

  • What is the guest policy?
  • Is there a limit to how many guests you can have at once?
  • Where do guests park?
  • How are guests able to access the community?
  • Is there a clubhouse? Can the clubhouse be rented?

Venterra’s Advice: Most renters have friends, cleaning services, or maybe even dog walkers that will need to access their unit at some point. Understanding the guest policy will help make their visit enjoyable from parking to accessing the property to entering your unit.

Pets:

  • How many pets can I have?
  • Are there weight restrictions?
  • What are the costs associated with pets at the community? Is there a monthly pet fee or pet deposit?
  • Can I pet sit for a friend?
  • How can I register my pet with the office?
  • Are there restrictions on where pets are allowed on community grounds?
  • Do you have a place where I can walk my pet?

Venterra’s advice: All communities should love furry friends, we know we do! In fact, we love them so much that we allow you to have up to 3 of them! We’re pretty alone in that respect as most communities only allow up to 2. With that said, If you’re a pet parent, be sure you understand any restrictions and costs associated with adding pets to your lease as well as what community amenities your pets can have access to run-off energy!

Referrals:

  • Do you have a referral system? Do I get a reward for referring residents?
  • Do I get referral rewards for referring to a sister property?
  • Can I receive referral rewards after I move out?

Venterra’s advice: Want to get paid to have someone you know move into your community? If so, you better ask if that’s a program the community you’re looking at offers! Through Venterra’s resident referral program, residents will receive a credit on their account for every resident they refer. To top that, Venterra even offers rewards for sister properties, if you refer someone to

another Venterra community, even in another state, you will receive the referral reward.

Packages:

  • How do I receive packages?
  • Can I pick up packages 24/7 or are there specific hours?
  • What happens if I am late to pick up a package?
  • Am I able to send packages through the community?

Venterra’s Advice: Don’t wait until the holidays when your 20 packages are on the way to realize your community doesn’t have a place to deliver them or you have limited access to pick them up! Ask these questions upfront so there are no surprises down the road.

Lease Renewal and Cancellation:

  • Can I transfer to another apartment?
  • How are apartment lease renewal rates selected?
  • When will I be notified about my apartment lease renewal options?
  • Is there a penalty for breaking my lease contract?
  • What happens if I don’t submit 60-days’ notice for my apartment?

Venterra’s advice: Things can change and most property management companies get that, offering varying degrees of flexibility. What if you need to upgrade to a larger apartment at the end of your lease? Or downsize after your roommate moves to a different city for that job offer? At Venterra, transferring apartments at the end of your lease is always free!

Now that you’re equipped with the right questions, it’s time to find the perfect home for you! Schedule an apartment tour today – we’ll be ready to answer any and all of your inquiries! Or if you’ve experienced a Venterra tour with someone from our leasing staff, leave us a google review and let us know if it was helpful!

New Venterra Community: The Villages at Oakleaf

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

We have added yet another amazing community to our growing portfolio in the Sunshine State, The Villages at Oakleaf!

The Villages at Oakleaf, a 512-unit, garden-style multifamily, located within the Oakleaf Plantation master-planned community consists of Gemstone, Fieldstone, Cobblestone, and Village at Oakleaf Plantation in suburban Jacksonville, Florida.

The Villages at Oakleaf is the only apartment community in Oakleaf Plantation, giving it unique access to the centralized multi-million-dollar community recreational amenity center, which includes swimming pools, a water park, picnic areas, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and indoor fitness centers. What more could you ask for?

The community is perfect for growing families, with many floorplans offering 3- and 4- bedroom options, as well as many kid-friendly amenities including a playground. The area is known for its desirable school system and all three schools to which The Villages at Oakleaf are zoned are highly rated and within walking distance!

Oakleaf offers excellent connectivity to residents, with First Coast Expressway within 1.5 miles of the property. The Oakleaf Town Center, a 44-acre regional lifestyle center featuring Target, Publix, Walgreens, PetSmart, Starbucks, and Epic Theatres, is located within 2-miles of Oakleaf, providing convenient day-to-day shopping needs.

We know Jacksonville is a popular location for renters, in fact Jacksonville was ranked as the fastest-growing Florida city by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020, ranking 9th in the country in terms of highest migration in the U.S.

We will implement our resident-focused programs such as the Live it. Love it. Guarantee.™, the 48-Hour Maintenance Guarantee, SMARTHUB, as well as our overall commitment to providing a world-class living experience for which Venterra has become known.

Are you looking to move to Florida or interested in The Villages at Lakeland? Check out pricing and availability here! If you find something you like, with Venterra’s SMARTLEASING application process all you have to do is 1) complete the 5 minute form; 2) click submit; 3) get approved in 5 minutes – and you never have to pay any fees until you are approved!

10 Ways to Prepare Your Apartment for Winter

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

Winter Solstice has come upon us which means that the winter season is officially here. While it may not feel like winter in some areas yet, history has taught us that winter weather can strike at any moment. After all, who can forget the great Texas Freeze last year or the Snowmagedon that fell upon many of us? No one was able to fully predict how bad it was going to be. Many were not prepared with tips on getting their homes ready, stocking up on perishable food and bottled water, or having emergency aid kits available. Even the electric companies weren’t prepared for the cold which resulted in more than 4.5 million homes being left without power for days on end. Pipes and hot water heaters burst flooding homes and hundreds of dollars of food spoiled. And tragically, many people died because they did not have the resources available to support this type of winter storm.

I think we can speak for all when we say, WE DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN!

Fear not, though. There are many ways to prepare in advance for these sudden surges of freezing temperatures and blasts of arctic cold air so none of us are left out in the cold wishing we had taken action sooner.

Together, by each of us taking these precautions we can be better settled, prepared, and at ease when the frigid temperatures fall upon us.

What are some of the best ways to prepare in advance for freezing temperatures?

  1. Test out your heat.
    • Make sure it works properly by turning on, adjusting the temperature up and down and waiting for your space to heat up. If you have any issues, contact your maintenance team ASAP.
    • Please keep your thermostats set to at least 68 degrees. It’s important when the temperatures begin to dip to cold/freezing to have your thermostat set to at least 68 degrees. This will ensure that your space is warm and acclimating accordingly to the fluctuating temperatures.
    • Vacation: If you leave for winter travel, leave the heat on low to keep pipes warm. Even if it’s warm when you’re leaving, it’s important to turn heat on to 68 degrees in the event that the weather changes rapidly.

 

  1. Adjust fans: Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter to circulate warm air.
    • To change the direction on your fan, find the small switch in the center of the fan and switch it to change directions to clockwise.
  1. Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide alarms.
    • Press the test buttons on all detectors in your home to ensure that they are working. If you are having any issues or are unsure how to test, put in a work order for maintenance to test.

  1. Prevent frozen pipes.
    • One of the biggest mishaps that occurs during freezing weather is pipes bursting. When pipes burst, they can cause water damage, flooding, and extensive labor to repair and/or replace the pipes. This can be costly, time consuming, and disrupting to your life and damaging to your things.
    • If the temperature drops below freezing (32 degrees), Turn all of the faucets in your apartment home on to a slow drip to keep water moving; a good rule of thumb for a slow drip is 1 drop every 3-5 seconds. Water running through the system will prevent the line from freezing.
    • Open your cabinet doors to allow heat into the cabinet spaces to heat the walls; this will help prevent your pipes from freezing and possibly bursting.
  1. Caring for your plants – we know you have them!
    • If possible, bring your plants indoors. Plants should remain indoors or covered until the temperature climbs to above 32 degrees.
    • If you aren’t able to bring them inside, water them and cover them with a cotton covering, like a bedsheet. This will trap in any ground heat and help protect your plant from wind.
    • If you are covering your plants, you’ll want to make certain that the covering is anchored to prevent wind getting in or blowing open a small opening.
  1. Be prepared for an emergency winter storm by preparing an emergency winter storm kit. Below are the items we recommend having in your kit.
    • Flashlight with batteries. Ensure that your batteries are charged or new so that you have full charge.
    • First Aid Kid for any unforeseen incidents.
    • Bottled Water
    • Non-perishable foods
    • Car charger for cell phone; you can also include a backup charger that is fully charged and ready
    • Candles and matches – large candles in a glass or tin vase are best to shield the candles from open air.
    • A cooler for storing food if the power goes out. You can place your refrigerated items in the cooler and place outside.
    • Socks, gloves, hats, and extra blankets in case the heat goes out.
    • Ice scraper for your car windows.
  1. Be Careful with Candles and Space Heaters.
    • Take extra precautions when using spaces heaters and other warming devices. Make sure that they are not close to any curtains, fabric, water or anything that could cause a fire to spark. It’s best to have space heaters in an open space unobstructed from objects.
    • Never leave candles, space heaters, and other lit decorations unattended in your apartment—not even for just a few minutes. It is not uncommon for accidents to occur each year because people forgot and left something plugged in or lit and went away to the store or off on a vacation.
    • Do not keep candles lit at night or leave space heaters on. Be sure to blow all candles out before you go to sleep and turn off space heaters.
  1. How to support your furry friends during the cold:
    • Please make sure that your pets are kept indoors at all times, with the exception of necessary bathroom breaks for our canine friends, of course. Just because animals have coats of fur does not give cause to leaving them outside unattended during frigid weather.

 

 

 

  1. Take care of yourself.
    • Please be aware that walkways and roadways may be covered with ice. Make sure to take care when walking or driving within the community.
    • Check in with family and friends when a storm hits or temperatures drop to let them know your status and how you are.
    • Keep your phones charged and ready for an emergency.
    • Have some activities like coloring books, games, and books available so that you can save the batteries on your devices for emergencies.
    • Check on your neighbors to make sure they are okay and have what they need. Remember, we’re all in this together!
  1. Notify your maintenance team of any issues as soon as possible.
    • Keep tabs on your apartment and put in a request for any issues with frozen pipes or issues with the heating system ASAP.

We care first and foremost about you, our residents, and your neighbors. We want to ensure that you are physically safe and prepared for unexpected shifts in weather. We also care about your homes and maintaining routine checks of your heaters, water pipes, and water heaters so that you are prepared for freezing temperatures. Keeping our homes in order by being proactive and prepared will support everyone in ensuring that homes and buildings are stable and ready for any storm.

Start your routine check of your home today by getting the supplies needed for your emergency kit as well as checking to ensure your heater is working and ready to go for temperatures as they begin to drop.

Call the office or put in a work order for any support you need.

Stay safe. Stay warm.

Together we can protect ourselves, our neighbors, our pets, and our apartments from reliving the events that took place during the Snowmagedon last year.

 

WOW Story: Starting On The Right Foot

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

Rocio Ferrera, Better Living Manager, Experience Maker
Valencia at Westchase, Tampa, FL
Employee since 2018

 

Sometimes our WOWs are inspired by literally thinking about being in the shoes of our renters. That’s just what happened in this WOW Story. Kyle, a resident at Valencia at Westchase, happened to come into the office and notify our team about a loose dog on the property and ended up chatting with Rocio, the Better Living Manager, about how excited he was about starting a new job. While Kyle spoke about how thrilled he was to help his mother with their bills, Rocio couldn’t help but notice the state of Kyle’s sandals — his feet were almost touching the pavement. As Kyle continued to speak about helping his mother and working two jobs, our team was secretly planning a way to WOW him with comfortable, new kicks to start his job on the right foot!

The Opportunity

Kyle had found a loose dog on the property and kindly called the office to see if we could help him find the owner. After our team met him in the leasing office and were waiting to hear back from a few residents that owned similar dogs, a lighthearted conversation started. During the discussion, Rocio, the BLM in the office, noticed Kyle’s sandals were extremely worn out, with the bottoms almost paper-thin. Kyle was busy explaining how excited he was to finally be able to work and help his mom with the bills. Kyle had just turned 18, graduated high school, and now had 2 jobs to help provide income for this family. Looking at Kyle’s shoes during their talk, Rocio immediately had a light bulb moment! And luckily in their conversation, he was able to get Kyle’s shoe size: a 14, Wide! Kyle even mentioned how difficult it was to find shoes that fit him (challenge accepted!), and also said he didn’t have much money left over after bills. Our team knew they wanted to get him a nice pair of sandals to enjoy for his days off, but also a comfortable pair of sneakers since he walks to work.

The Epiphany

Kyles New Shoes

Rocio brainstormed with the office staff to figure out a way to gift Kyle the shoes with both him and his mom in attendance, it was important that our team was able to share that moment with the both of them together! they knew getting them to the office to “sign a document” would create urgency, and they were right!

The Wow Moment

On the day of the gifting, the Valencia team told Kyle and his mother they had to come to the office to sign new paperwork for their lease, since he turned 18 and was now considered an adult. A few minutes later, they were in the office! Rocio presented Kyle with his gift and he was so confused! He asked why the Venterra team would do something like this for him and Rocio explained to him that it’s what we do — it’s a Venterra thing! We love to WOW our residents. Kyle was so excited for his new shoes, and they fit perfectly! Ms. Nadia was extremely grateful to our team for our attention to detail. The Valencia team frequently sees Kyle hanging around the community wearing his new shoes and it always brings a big smile to their faces.

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 Begins Community Wide Wi-Fi Roll Out

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

At Venterra, our goal is to make living at our communities simple and seamless, and we have been cooking up the newest integration to make the lives of our renters even better.  

One of these areas is Wi-Fi. We know just how frustrating spotty internet service can be. That’s why we have started rolling out our latest innovation: Community Wide Wi-Fi. 

With Community Wide Wi-Fi, our renters will no longer need to worry about switching on and off to different Wi-Fi services based on their location at a Venterra community, as this new system will provide residents with fast, reliable, and accessible internet throughout all areas of a property – whether it be at the dog park, gym, or relaxing by the pool.  

With 98% of residents having between one and 20 online devices in their apartments according to a 2020 NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Report, we understand that devices are important to our renters so we want to make sure they can use and access them whenever and wherever they want at the community.  

Enter our partnership with Comcast Xfinity. This partnership will help to install Fiber-Optic Internet services in our properties, and through the placement of an access point and ethernet port inside each apartment as well as in common areas, a Community Wide Wi-Fi network will be created that not only helps renters have internet access in any space within the community but will also offer a significant savings over the standard retail rate! So, no longer will renters have to worry about:  

  • Long buffering times 
  • Restricted internet access based on location 
  • Limitations on hours or types of services accessible  
  • Unpredictable connectivity
  • High internet bills

The first implementation of the Community Wide Wi-Fi was installed at The Preserve at Colony Lakes in Stafford, TX and the results were successful, with 90% of residents opting into the new service during just the first week. The install took only 8 weeks with little to no renter disturbance to those residents who requested to opt-in received instant access to a private Wi-Fi network inside their apartment as well as the ethernet port with download and upload speeds of up to 500 Mbps for just $60 per month. 

“Installing a true ‘Community Wide’ Wi-Fi network has always been a crucial factor in truly making a community ‘Smart’. With this innovation, we are thrilled to finally be able to provide efficient mobilization and Wi-Fi access to the employees, residents, and visitors the second they step foot on our properties,” said Venterra CEO, John Foresi.    

While innovative in of itself, the Community Wide Wi-Fi implementation is part of a larger focus of Venterra’s, which is creating a SMARTCOMMUNITY, which includes SMARTHOME optimized technologies including smart locks, thermostats and lighting that can be controlled via an app and SMARTPACKAGE lockers allowing for fully automated package delivery notifications and contactless pickup.  Also, renters at Venterra’s SMARTCOMMUNITY can take advantage of SMARTMOVE, Venterra’s contactless move-in process, SMARTRENT, a location-driven experience where future renters can complete self-guided tours of the community using Wi-Fi connectivity.

Speaking of moving in, how nice is it to think that you could move into an apartment with a managed Wi-Fi solution where there is no need to call a service provider to install your Wi-Fi? We think that sounds pretty ideal.  

The Preserve at Colony Lakes was just the beginning of the rollout. “We will now be rolling out the upgrade to our infrastructure across the rest of our communities, allowing our residents and employees to stay connected no matter where they are on the property and ensuring our communities are well prepared with the technology infrastructure they will need in the future,” said Venterra Chairman, Andrew Stewart.  

Interested in living in a SMARTCOMMUNITY? Check out Venterra’s technology-enabled apartments here! Or, if you’ve experienced Venterra’s SMARTHOME technologies, leave us a google review telling us how much you loved them!  

WOW Story: The Gift of Time

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

Terry Luckett, Assistant Maintenance Manager, Experience Maker
Villas at Newnan Crossing, Atlanta, GA
Employee since 2015

This past year has reminded us all that nothing in life is certain or guaranteed. Fortunately, the silver lining of this lesson is to make the most of the time we are all given! That also includes never losing our sense of gratitude. When a beloved resident’s health took a turn for the worse, Terry Luckett stepped up for a WOW moment and gave the gift of his personal time, and ended up learning a valuable life lesson in the process.

The Opportunity

Morris Tolbert, age 56, was a retired military veteran from California who chose the Villas at Newnan Crossing three years ago to be his forever home. He lived alone and his family lived out of state. This past summer, Morris was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He expressed to the Villas staff that his condition was worsening and that he was beginning to get a bit scared. Everyday activities that we take for granted like breathing, walking, doing errands became more and more difficult. This was the moment Terry knew he had to do something for Mr.Tolbert to bring a smile to his face and decided to WOW him!

The Epiphany

In his final days, the Villas staff had asked Morris if he wanted them to contact any friends or family for him. He stipulated that under no uncertain terms that he wanted anyone to know he was dying. It was disheartening to the Venterra team that he was alone. He gave Terry permission to visit him at the hospital multiple times. During Terry’s last visit to the VA Hospital, Morris, hooked up to heart monitors and multiple tubes, managed to express how truly grateful he was to Terry and our staff at Venterra. He was so appreciative that he requested that Terry make a video of him with his cell phone so that others could see how he really felt about our staff and how wonderful the Villas had been to him. At first, Terry felt uneasy recording his testament, but he insisted. During his final days, Morris was persistent in showing his gratitude. After filming the video, Terry could barely contain himself with my emotions, he held Morris’ hand and played his favorite music. It was at this moment that Morris found peace. He was no longer scared.

The Wow Moment

As Morris’s health quickly deteriorated, he was in and out of hospitals until he finally was under hospice care. In the waning days of his life and one of his many hospitalizations, Terry delivered flowers, a card and a balloon for his WOW gift, a token to express his Venterra family’s care and concern. Terry wanted to let him know that the Villas staff and himself were here for him and would assist him with any needs that he may have. The true gift though, was the “Gift of Time”. Knowing the physical hardship that Morris was enduring, Terry was trying to help him out any way he could. There were days  Terry would take Morris’ trash out, help him with his groceries, push him in his wheelchair so that he could enjoy the great outdoors and pick up his packages. In Terry’s services to help Morris, he truly began to form a deep friendship with him. In a way, Terry views this friendship as a WOW to himself! Morris thanked the Villas team for the flowers, balloon and card, but was even more appreciative of the time and fellowship that was given. In the end, it was Morris that WOWed us! This dying man gave Terry and the Villas his parting gift: the “Gift of Gratitude.” Terry paid my final respects by attending his funeral and visiting his gravesite. Morris will forever be in Terry’s memories not only as being a resident from our property, but as an endearing friend who taught him that in the end gratitude is one of our greatest gifts!

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 Delivers 1 Millionth Resident Package!

Posted on by Mark Laufhutte

What’s better than coming home to your apartment and having a new package to open? If you ask us, nothing! That’s why we’re so proud to have reached two package delivery milestones – installing our 50th SMARTPACKAGE locker system and safely delivering 1 million packages to our residents.

To celebrate, we gave a $500 Amazon gift card to the lucky resident who received the millionth package!

“Since having the SMARTPACKAGE lockers installed, our residents are now able to conveniently retrieve their deliveries without the limitations of the office hours. Before this amenity, we accepted and held packages in the leasing office, which limited our residents to either waiting until their schedules aligned with our hours, or having it delivered to their door, exposed. With the SMARTPACKAGE system, residents have an increased sense of safety and ease of use,” said Jo Canares, Community Manager at The Vinings in Stafford, TX.

The average American receives 21 packages over the course of the year – that’s almost two packages a month (no judgment). To add to that statistic, during the pandemic eCommerce sales increased by 25% with consumers spending more time at home than ever before and shopping from the convenience of their computers, phones, and tablets.

While witnessing online shopping and package deliveries soar over the past year, Venterra has been hard at work installing SMARTPACKAGE Parcel Pending contact-free package management systems to offer safer, easier ways for residents to retrieve their packages with a touch-less experience and no human interaction involved. Through SMARTPACKAGE, our residents no longer have to come to the leasing office to pick up their packages. They can simply 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.

Additionally, Venterra’s SMARTPACKAGE lockers offer several additional benefits for residents including:

Security:

In January of 2020,1.7 million stolen or lost packages were reported per day, leading to upwards of $25 million worth of items. When it comes to SMARTPACKAGE, there is maximum security with built-in cameras capturing each and every delivery and pick up. The package is secured in a specific lockbox until it is picked up by the resident, taking out the fear of porch pirates or someone getting the wrong package.

24/7 Access:

Long gone are the days of rushing home to get to the leasing office to grab your package before office hours are closed. Had a long day and the last thing you feel like doing is going to grab your package? Totally fine. The SMARTPACKAGE system provides residents 24/7 access, allowing them to pick up their packages on their own schedule.

Vacation Mode: 

When you’re going on vacation, you don’t want to have to worry about not being able to pick up the late package with the bathing suit you ordered being gone when you come back. Within the Parcel Pending App, residents can jot down out of town and return dates to avoid incurring storage fees after 2 days.

Customer Service:

Let’s say for some reason the door to the locker you need isn’t opening, or you find yourself needing to call customer service for some other reason, Parcel Pending provides access to the customer care team 24/7/365 via phone or email – so no need to worry!

Automatic Integration:

We are often asked how long the process will take to set up the locker system. Luckily, the process couldn’t be more hassle-free. Our residents are automatically set up through integration with Venterra’s property management system, making for a frictionless user experience.

Not only are these package systems convenient and useful for our residents, but they are also a design piece that we look forward to creating for our residents as well! Each SMARTPACKAGE system is customized to that specific property, using a design that best represents the city or community to provide a further sense of home for our residents.

Time is valuable – that is something we certainly understand. With the integration of SMARTPACKAGE, our residents and our staff get time back in their day. Packages are now rarely touched by a leasing agent, maintenance crew or any other Venterra Employee. That’s Parcel Pending’s promise: Courier to locker to customer. So now, you can spend more time relaxing at the pool and our staff can focus on creating a better living experience for you.

“The SMARTPACKAGE integrations have automated the last-mile delivery experiences at our communities. We have received positive feedback from our residents, who now are able to pick up their packages at their own convenience, and we look forward to further installing the SMARTPACKAGE systems across the rest of our portfolio,” said Venterra Chairman, Andrew Stewart. “By installing SMARTPACKAGE devices in 50 of our communities over the past year, we are able to meet our residents’ demand for quick and secure package delivery. We are confident in the systems’ ability to streamline the entire package and management process, providing a better experience for residents and package delivery companies alike,” added Venterra CEO, John Foresi.

Click here to find a community equipped with a SMARTPACKAGE locker in your desired location!