Tag: apartment
Venterra’s Resident-Focused Experience Backed by Caring Employees
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.
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.
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.
Top 10 Seamless Processes to Simplify Your Life, Only at Venterra Realty
Are you looking for an apartment community that prioritizes your comfort and convenience? Look no further than Venterra!
We’ve put together the top 10 ways we’re dedicated to making your move-in journey and living experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible:
1. SMARTLEASING: We’ve simplified the application process with a three-step approach, ensuring you get approved in minutes. We never charge a penny until you’re approved. You’ll never need to pay your deposit until your day of move-in. Say goodbye to application fees, and say hello to your new home in 10 minutes or less. It’s Fast. It’s Free. It’s Freaking Amazing.
2. AutoPay Discount: Never worry about missing rent payments again with our AutoPay feature. Enroll in AutoPay through the SMARTHUB app, and not only will you never miss a rent payment, but you’ll also enjoy an exclusive discount monthly – just for signing up!
3. SMARTHUB: easy access to your account information, lease statements, contact settings, management, maintenance, and much more directly from your mobile device. With 24-hour maintenance support, we’re always ready to assist you promptly.
4. SMARTPACKAGE Package Lockers: Enjoy the ease of receiving and retrieving packages with our SMARTPACKAGE lockers. No more missed deliveries or trips to the leasing office—pick up your parcels at your convenience.
5. 48-Hour Maintenance Guarantee: We understand the importance of a well-maintained living space. That’s why we promise to address your maintenance requests within 48 hours, ensuring your comfort is our top priority.
6. Move Out Advisory Services: Transitioning out of your apartment? Our Move Out Advisory Services are here to guide you through the process smoothly. We’re committed to making your move as stress-free as possible.
7. Smart Home Technology: Experience the future of apartment living with our Smart Home technology. Enjoy the convenience of controlling your home’s features, such as lighting and thermostats, from your smartphone or smart device.
8. Community-Wide WiFi: Stay connected throughout our community with our complimentary WiFi. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows, or simply browsing the web, our high-speed WiFi has you covered.
10. 30 Day – Live it Love it Guarantee: Our commitment to your satisfaction is unwavering. With our Live it. Love it. Guarantee, we promise to provide exceptional service and a living experience you’ll love or you can move out. (For New Residents Only. Must Be Used Within First 30 Days)
At Venterra, we understand that your time and comfort are precious. That’s why we’ve implemented these features and guarantees to simplify your apartment living experience, ensuring that you can focus on the things that matter most to you. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from move-in to move-out and everything in between.
Ready to start your stress-free apartment living journey with Venterra? Contact us today to learn more about our communities and make your move-in process a breeze. Welcome to Venterra!
Simple and Seamless: Making Your Time at Venterra Effortless and Enjoyable
At Venterra, we make the entire move-in journey as simple and stress-free as possible. We know that moving into one of our communities should not only be easy but also enjoyable – that’s why we strive to ensure that each resident’s transition is seamless. We offer innovative technologies and processes like AutoPay, SMARTHUB, and SMARTLEASING that help make leasing with us and moving in a breeze!
Streamlining the Rental Process:
Venterra’s SMARTLEASING takes the hassle out of the application process. With our simple three-step process, applicants can get approved in just
under 10 minutes! First, complete the five-minute application form. Then, simply click submit and finally, wait for our team to review the application. With our innovative technology, applicants receive an approval notification in just five minutes of submitting their application! Plus, there are zero fees until they’re approved. With SMARTLEASING, we make it easy and stress-free for future residents to apply to their new homes.
One of the essential tools available for a stress-free rental experience at Venterra is the AutoPay feature. What is AutoPay? AutoPay is a simple
solution to automate monthly payments and helps ensure residents never miss a payment due date again. With just a few clicks, residents can set up AutoPay in the SMARTHUB app and select the payment method that works best for them, whether it’s a bank draft or credit card. This convenient option not only saves time but also provides peace of mind 
that rent will always be paid on time. With Veterra’s AutoPay, our residents can focus on their busy lives without any worry about rent deadlines.
Through Venterra’s very own app, the SMARTHUB app, residents can finally say goodbye to the hassle of having to go to the leasing office for any type of request. This app offers easy access to account information, automatic payments, and balance statements. But perhaps the most valuable feature is the ability to quickly and easily submit maintenance requests from any mobile device. No more sifting through paperwork or waiting on hold to speak to someone – just a few clicks and our 24-hour maintenance team will be on their way to assist in no time. It’s as simple as that. Plus, with the app available on both Apple and Android devices, it’s the easy choice for any tenant. Make the renting experience easier with SMARTHUB, available now in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
The Venterra Living website is the perfect tool for anyone looking to move into a new apartment. With its simple design, intuitive user interface, and wealth of information, it’s a one-stop-shop for all apartment research needs. Our website is also a fantastic resource for finding information on pricing, amenities, and much more for our different community locations across the United States.
Debating on which location will be the perfect fit? Look no further than our apartment search tool. With just a click, information regarding the restaurants, stores, parks, schools, entertainment attractions, and employers near the selected apartment will appear. Our sitemap is also available to see exactly where the community is located relative to the surrounding buildings and businesses. We understand that location is key when searching for a new home, and we are committed to making the search as convenient and easy as possible.
Users can also take advantage of our virtual 360 tours of apartments allowing them to view their unit of interest from any angle without leaving the desk. Want an in person tour? Schedule a tour on our website with just a few clicks and one of our team members will be ready to show future
residents around the property whenever is most convenient for them. If a solo tour sounds better, feel free to take a self-guided tour as well. Our site also provides access to move-in and set-up information, pet policies, and all the information future residents might need. And to get in touch, anyone can easily find our contact details on the site to chat online, over the phone, or in person, at any time.
At Venterra, we understand that life can be unpredictable and sometimes comes with big transitions, whether it’s a new job or changing relationships. That’s why we offer a convenient transfer option to any of the apartments in our portfolio. Our goal is to provide exceptional service and to make the residents move as stress-free as possible. By transferring to another Venterra property, residents can expect the same level of comfort and reliability they’ve come to know and trust. To transfer, residents must be living at a Venterra property for at least six months with no late payments. What are the steps to transferring? All residents need to do is sign a new lease, show proof that they’ve transferred their electronic account and renters insurance to the new apartment, and move out! We want to ensure that our tenants feel supported during these changes and never have to worry about finding a new apartment alone.
To summarize, here at Venterra, we do our best to provide current and future residents with a stress-free move-in process and living experience throughout their time as a resident. Through the help of AutoPay, SMARTHUB and SMARTLEASING we offer helpful information and tools to tenants that can be accessed quickly on any computer or mobile device making payments, maintenance requests, and leasing applications hassle-free.
We want our tenants and future residents to have the best possible experience with their move so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the process. Take advantage of all that Venterra has to offer and begin your move-in process today!
Benefits of Moving in the Wintertime
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:
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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
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Moving Company Availability:
- 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.
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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.
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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.
- 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.
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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
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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!
WOW Story: More Than Family
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!
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.
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.
“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
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Adhesive wallpaper:
Not only is adhesive wallpaper cost-effective, it also allows you to personalize your apartment without the worry of permanently changing your
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Decor pieces:
A 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
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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. 
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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.
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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!
- 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.
LOCATION, 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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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!