Venterra Communities: Top Rated Nine Years & Counting

Our communities just got a promotion – a Top Rated oneTo make it even better, the recognitions were given to us by our very on Venterra residents! 

So, what are we talking about? Well, for the ninth time in a row, Venterra 2021 residents have ranked Venterra-owned communities positively for stellar customer service – earning Venterra the 2020 ApartmentRatings.com Top Rated Award. 

Only 5% of all U.S. Properties listed on ApartmentRatings.com qualified for the award, making this a distinguished accomplishment.  

New to the 2020 awards, ApartmentRatings.com evaluated communities based on the epIQ Index. The epIQ Index (short for “Experience & Performance Intelligence Quotient) provides a grade on a community’s performance based on four variables: Renter’s Ratings, Response Rate, Review Volume, and Reply Time. To be eligible for the award, communities must earn an epIQ Index grade of at least A- and have at least five new reviews submitted in the current award year.  

“Resident satisfaction is a top priority for us. Receiving Top Rated recognition at such a large scale across our portfolio is not only reflective of how we conduct business and property management operations, but how our business is positively impacting the lives of those who call Venterra communities home,” said Venterra CEO, John Foresi. “We thank our residents for always being open to providing productive feedback, as it allows for insight into what can be improved. We are pleased to see such positive reviews despite the challenges in this past year, and we look forward to continuing to deliver industry-leading experiences for our customers,” added Andrew Stewart, Venterra Chairman.   

Not only have our communities received this recognition nine times and counting, but we are also extremely proud to say that our residents have provided over 15,348+ positive reviews. We know that moving into a new place is more than simply picking up keys. It’s about creating new, exciting experiences. That’s why we are constantly looking for ways to improve – and we encourage feedback. In fact, do you have an idea of how your community could improve or what your dream community would look like? Share with us! 

Wondering if the community you live at or are interested in is on the list? Take a look here for the full list of winning properties! 

Resident Satisfaction Scores Earn Venterra Top Management Recognition

 

Our residents have done it again! For the fourth consecutive year, Venterra renters have shared increased resident satisfaction when it comes to the management of their communities and have earned Venterra recognition as a 2021 Kingsley Excellence Award winner.

The Kingsley Excellence Award distinguishes communities that outperform the Kingsley Index™ industry benchmark for overall resident satisfaction. Communities that receive this award go above and beyond to ensure their residents are satisfied with their living experience from start to finish.

It’s true what is said about us – we care more! From our executive team to our on-site teams, resident satisfaction is our top priority. We know caring is more than a warm smile or cookies in the office; it’s fixing things when they break and replacing them when we can’t; it’s being honest and doing what we say we’re going to do; it’s being consistent and having fun every day; it’s getting to know our residents and making their living experiences the best they can be.

Venterra has received numerous awards for our commitment to exceptional service, but when recognition comes from the satisfaction of our residents, it further inspires our teams to continue to raise the standards of apartment living.

 

“Consecutive recognitions of this kind can be directly attributed to the work ethic and dedication of our property teams,” said John Foresi, CEO of Venterra Realty. “It is our goal to continually improve the lives of our residents by delivering industry-leading customer experiences, and we are proud to see the positive satisfaction surveys continue to rise year over year.”

 

The Kingsley Index™ is the most comprehensive performance benchmarking database in the real estate industry. Compiled from 30 years of analyzing the performance of industry leaders, the proprietary index is the standard for measuring tenant, resident, employee, and client satisfaction, as well as broker relations and operational effectiveness.

 

“Databases like The Kingsley Index allow for an additional avenue to compare and track our management performance on an annual basis,” said Venterra Chairman, Andrew Stewart. “Any improvements in our scoring indicate positive growth, though we are particularly impressed to have properties score higher this year given the challenging year that the pandemic brought forward.”

 

Not to mention, we’re only getting better! With the help of renter suggestions, Venterra will be launching several technology-driven innovations in 2021, including:

· Release of a proprietary smartphone app for residents to streamline access to resident services.

· Implementation of a combination of smart devices and connectivity enhancements that accommodates the ever-increasing desire for on-demand control.

· The debut of SmartMove; Venterra’s initiative to provide a seamless move-in experience that is meticulously designed to eliminate all controllable stressors from the moving process.

Do you have an idea or suggestion for how to make apartment living better? What would you do differently if you owned and operated an apartment community? Tell us! And if we implement your idea, we’ll give you $100! Click this link to submit your idea!

Moving Out of an Apartment: Ways to Manage the Dreaded Task

Moving: typically a term that that is said before or after a long sigh. We get it, taking hours to search for the perfect complex and moving into a new apartment can be stressful. Packing only to unpack, organizing only to remember you need the one thing at the bottom of the box – and the worst of all, having to clean your living space before turning in your apartment keys. 

While moving into a new apartment is a chaotic process, you certainly are not alone. According to moving.com, 32 million people in the US move to a new residence throughout the year. To put that into perspective, that is over 10% of the population that are packing up and relocating each year. Even more so, those in the millennial generation are reported to be on the move to a new living space once every two years on average

 young man moving in to new apartment with boxes

Why are people moving so much, you ask? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are various reasons why Americans tend to relocate, a few being:  

  • Wanting a new or better home/ apartment (17.4%) 
  • Establishing own household (12.2%) 
  • New job or transfer (10.8%) 
  • Cheaper housing options (8.2%) 
  • To be closer to work/easier commute (6%) 

Knowing these statistics, it is clear that the moving process is not going away anytime soon. What can be alleviated, however are the headaches that come along with moving into and out of a new apartment community.  The sections below will outline ways that you can make your relocation the easiest one yet!  

Find the right time to move 

Different times of the year call for changing rates, availabilities and moving benefits within apartment management companies – and ultimately the decision you make on timing will depend on what you value as important. For instance, are you more interested in saving money on monthly rental rates and moving company costs, or would you rather have the option to choose from a wide range of available floorplans? While it may sound silly, going through the exercise of asking yourself questions like these can point you in the direction of the values you want to prioritize.  

After determining your top priorities, visit apartments.com, which has created an entire outline of the drawbacks and benefits that fall, winter, spring and summer moves offer so that you can make an informed decision to move in and out at a time that best fits your specific needs.    

Outline your moving timeline 

After you’ve weighed the options, and made the decision on what time of the year you want to move into a new apartment complex, you may start to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to “get done” before your move out date: think changing your address and decluttering the items in your closet. To stay on track during this chaotic time, it may be useful to create your own moving timeline with an itemized checklist to help you save valuable time when it comes to managing your productivity, while keeping you organized so you don’t miss any important tasks when the big day comes.  

Research moving companies 

If you choose to go the route of using a moving company, the options can seem endless – and with good reason, as the American Moving and Storage Association counts around 7,000 companies just in the U.S alone. Instead of spending hours on Yelp, Google and other platforms to compare pricing, check out and download the MoveAdvisor: Moving App. By using the app, you will have access to thousands of reputable moving reviews and performance ratings based on real customer experience at your fingertips.  

Move out efficiently  

If you’ve followed your timeline and checklist, one of the last remaining items will be to clean the apartment after everything is packed up and moved out. At Venterra, we know this is one of the most dreaded tasks – getting on your hands and knees to clean small crevices after a long day of packing or, even worse, taking the time-consuming task of calling to get quotes for an affordable maid service to clean your residence. 

cleanmove logo

Luckily, if you have chosen to reside within a Venterra property,
 our CLEANMOVE initiative allows you to sit back and relax once everything is all packed up and ready to go! CLEANMOVEa new addition to our move-out process, guarantees that our team handles the following*: 

  • wiping down of surfaces and appliances 
  • cleaning fans, vents or baseboards 
  • vacuuming carpets or mopping  

Not only will CLEANMOVE save you the energy of cleaning, according to the average price of a maid service plus added gratuity, you can save upwards of 22% through CLEANMOVE.

couple dancing and cleaning

“I love CLEAN
MOVE!  I’m a single mom, and my recent move was very stressful for me. Going back to clean was the last thing I wanted to do. I love knowing that my Apartment at Ventana will be just as clean as when I moved in 4 years ago with little effort required.” Johnna, Ventana San Antonio Resident 2016 – 2020 

At the end of a long moving day, the CLEANMOVE process helps you save time so that you can focus on the next phase of your life… and clean less! 

*CLEANMOVE does not cover: apartment damages, furniture or trash left behind, odor or pet treatment, paint pro-rate charges or sheetrock repair, or any heavy cleaning. 

Consider a Venterra property for your next home 

It is clear that the moving in and moving out processes are not something that can necessarily be avoided; however, they can always be improved. Venterra Realty is dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible, and even provides a 30-Day Live It. Love It. Guarantee™ which provides new residents the option to move out if they aren’t completely satisfied with their apartment for any reason.  

If you’re in the midst of looking for a new apartment property, consider browsing through one of Venterra’s communities located in 15 cities across the U.S. and contact us if you have any questions on the move-in or move-out process.    

Features That Define the Perfect Neighborhood

If you’re searching for a new apartment, one of your top concerns should be the neighborhood in which it’s located. While you’ll definitely need to think about the size of the apartment, as well as its layout, aesthetics, and amenities, the neighborhood will come to define how you live, how you travel to and from your apartment, and more.  

Sowhat makes a neighborhood “ideal,” and what features should you be looking for?  

The Role of Subjective Choice 

The “perfect” neighborhood doesn’t exist, and for a very simple reason: people have different preferences. To some, the perfect neighborhood is one where all the homes are close together, so neighbors can see each other, interact with each other, and build a community together. To others, the perfect neighborhood is one where the homes are spread apart, so you can have more privacy and solitude. While there are some general features that most people agree on (for example, low crime rates are better than high crime rates), you should understand that much of your decision will be based on your personal preferences.  

That said, we’ve assembled a list of priorities and factors most important to consider for your decision.  

Location  

First, you’ll need to consider the overall location of the neighborhood. Is this close to where you work, or close to where you want to go to school? Is it close enough to the city that you can get there with a short drive, but far enough away that you don’t have to deal with issues related to the city? This is one of those variables that means different things to different people, so make sure you consider the location carefully.  

Accessibility and Walkability 

How easy is it to get to this neighborhood? For example, are there public transportation access points nearby? What about the roads—does this neighborhood have a multitude of well-maintained roads nearby? Is it close to a highway so you can get where you’re going faster? An accessible neighborhood can make your life easier in many ways.  

Similarly, how walkable is this neighborhood? Are there plenty of well-maintained sidewalks you can use for exercise or transportation? Are they well-lit at night, and protected from traffic? 

Crime Rates 

Crime rates are a variable that just about everyone can agree on. The lower the crime rate in a given neighborhood, the better. No neighborhood is exempt from crime, so even a near-perfect track record doesn’t mean you’re 100 percent safe; however, you’ll rest much easier at night knowing you’re in a well-protected neighborhood. Make sure you look up both overall crime statistics and violent crime statistics, as they may differ.  

School Districts 

If you have children, you’ll definitely want to think about the schools associated with this neighborhood. Different schools can provide very different opportunities for your kids; if they get a good education, they’ll be much better equipped to live a productive, happy life. Of course, even if you don’t have kids, you’ll want to think about school districts. Good school districts tend to attract attentive, responsible parents, and tend to positively influence property values at the same time.  

Outdoor Activities 

What kinds of outdoor activities are available in this neighborhood? Depending on your personality, you may thrive on time spent outdoors. For example, is there a playground where your children can release some energy and meet and play with other neighborhood kids? Is there a walkable trail where you can run, walk, or bike for some exercise? Is there a wooded area or a nature reserve nearby? Is there a community pool you’ll have access to?  

Population Density 

You’ll also want to think about the population density of this neighborhood. For some people, high population density is a good thing; it means you’ll never feel lonely, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with your neighbors. It can also make the neighborhood feel cozier and more alive. By contrast, a low population density can also be favorable to some; they may prefer more personal space and the perception of greater privacy.  

Aesthetics  

Next, consider the aesthetics of the neighborhood, including the types of homes available there. This is largely a question of personal taste; some people love the polished, sleek look of modern architecture, while others prefer the unique nature of older homes. Walk or drive through the neighborhood and consider how you feel when you look around; is this a place that feels like home?  

Amenities  

If you’re moving into an apartment community, you’ll also need to consider the amenities available to you. What kinds of perks or bonuses are available to the people who live here? Is there park, dog park, community pool, or a fitness center to which you’ll have access?  

Nearby Businesses 

Think about the types of businesses that exist in and around your neighborhood. For example:  

  • Restaurants. Are there places to go out to eat? Can you see yourself becoming a regular at any of these restaurants?  
  • Bars and clubs. What’s the nightlife like? Are there opportunities to socialize with other people?  
  • Gyms. Are there gyms or fitness centers nearby to help you stay in shape?  
  • Shopping. What kinds of shopping options are available? Are you able to get to a grocery store quickly for some last-minute supplies? What about department stores and other types of stores? Are there convenient options in driving distance?  

Future Value  

Finally, carefully consider the long-term prospects of this neighborhood. Does it look like this neighborhood is going to become more popular in the next several years? Will there be more job opportunities and better amenities on the horizon?  venterra neighborhoods by state

Are you interested in moving into a community with access to all the neighborhood features you’ve always wanted? Consider moving into a Venterra apartment community! Browse Venterra communities throughout the United States, or
Contact Us
for more information today! 

 

Venterra Pets SLAY Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest

 

 

 

Venterra Realty recently held its first-ever Venterra Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest in October and our furry friends did not disappoint. Residents across all our communities dressed up their pets in Halloween costumes ranging from spooky to sweet for a chance to win the purr-fect prize, including a three-month subscription to Bark Box, a pet subscription service, or a $150 gift card to Chewy, an online pet food and supply retailer. To participate in the contest, residents had to snap a photo of their pet in their best costume and post the photo on Facebook or Instagram using the contest hashtag – #VenterraHowloween. The pet costume contest began Thursday, September 24 and wrapped Wednesday, October 21 with over 60 submissions. Check out our grand prize winners and more of our favorite Howl-O-Ween costume entries below. 

 

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

 

1st Place – Kira, Lilo, and Marshall 

Costume: Who Let The Dogs Out? 

Community: South Shore Lakes, League City, TX 

Pet Costume Contest winners southshore lakes Venterra


2
nd Place – Melzinha   

Costume: Chucky, The Cutest Little Killer 

Community: The Vinings, Stafford, TX 

dog in costume Pet Costume Contest winner The Vinings Venterra


3
rd Place – Onyx 

Costume: The Skelli-dog 

Community – Forest View, The Woodlands, TX 

dog in skeleton Pet Costume Contest winner Forest View Venterra

 


Thank you to all of our residents and their furry friends that entered the our first Pet Costume Contest.
Until next time, have a spooky & safe Halloween.

 

Looking for a pet-friendly community to call home? All of our Venterra apartment communities welcome up to three pets with many of them featuring Bark Parks! No matter what apartment community you call home, our team of cat and dog lovers realize that your pet is part of your family.  Find a community near you today and get started with a free price quote. 

View Available Apartments
 

 

What You Can Expect From SMARTHOME Bundles at Venterra Communities

This fall, Venterra Realty will begin offering SMARTHOME upgrades to communities, including a smart door lock, a smart thermostat, and a smart plug. These upgrades will apply to more than half of properties by the end of the year, and have the power to improve the lives of all our current and future tenants. Remaining installs are expected to complete in the Spring 2021. 

 

Venterra Realty SMARTHOME logo

 

 

 

Smart Home Upgrades Coming to Venterra 

These are just some of the smart home upgrades coming to Venterra properties:  

  • Smart hubThe hub is the brain of your smart home system. The hub connects to your local internet via WiFi or ethernet connection to securely communicate with installed devices so you can control your smart home system through the mobile app.  
  • Smart locks. For starters, tenants will have access to fully functional smart locks. Rather than relying on a traditional system of keys, smart locks give you the option to access your apartment with a personalized pin number and/or a mobile phone. You won’t have to worry about accidentally locking yourself out of your apartment again, so long as you have a smartphone with you (or a password memorized). Additionally, your apartment will be more secure, with fewer potential points of entry. The benefits don’t stop there; smart locks allow you to give remote access codes, so you can let your friends and family members into your apartment remotely, without having to give them a key in advance.  
  • Smart thermostats. One of the earliest smart home appliances to emerge was the smart thermostat, and we’re installing these thermostats at all our properties. Once installed, you’ll be able to remotely control the temperature of your apartment, so you can warm it up while you’re on your way home from work on a cold winter’s day, or simply tweak the temperature to your liking from the comfort of your couch. You can also implement things like timers and strict temperature control requirements, so you can reduce your energy consumption while staying comfortable and minimizing the amount of effort you need to spend adjusting the temperature.  
  • Smart plugs. Smart plugs are outlets that can be remotely controlled. Depending on the situation, you can remotely turn an appliance plugged into the outlet on or off, enabling you to save energy or start your appliances remotely.  

SMARTHOME Thermostat from Venterra Realty

 

Best of all, nearly all of these installations can be centrally and remotely managed using an app on your smartphone.  

The Benefits of Smart Home Technology 

Why are these smart home upgrades such a big deal?  

Let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits:  

  • Remote and keyless entry. You won’t need to worry about losing your key when you have the power of keyless entry. You can also selectively let people into your apartment remotely with the help of your mobile app.  
  • Personal control and convenience. Smart home fixtures give you more control over your living environment. It can help you feel more confident and more secure. Enjoy the convenience of starting your coffee maker, turning off a lamp or tv, or even a curling iron.  
  • Centralized management. It’s also noteworthy that nearly all your smart home appliances can be accessed using the same, centralized app. You won’t have to jump back and forth between multiple systems to exercise control over your life.  
  • Energy consumption reduction. If you’re concerned about your energy consumption and carbon footprint, smart home appliances offer many advantages. You can make sure your lights are turned off at a certain time, and dim them when you don’t need them at full power. You can also keep your apartment at the perfect temperature, and avoid heating or cooling it while you’re away. 

Are you interested in taking advantage of this smart home bundle? Or are you interested in learning more about what Venterra properties have to offer?

View Available Apartments

Apartment Features That Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Your quality of life matters, and possibly more than you realize. With a better quality of life, you’ll feel happier, you’ll experience less stress, and as a result, your physical health can even improve.  

There are many factors that can influence your quality of life, such as the nature of your job, your family status, your circle of friends, and your personal health habits. But you might not realize how much your apartment can affect your quality of life as well.  

With a better apartment, you can sharply improve your quality of life, and ultimately live healthier, happier, and with greater peace of mind.  

 

happy family outside with kid expanding arms

 

Security and Peace of Mind 

First, you need to think about the security of your apartment and the peace of mind you experience on a regular basis. If you live in an area with high crime rates, and your apartment has minimal security features, you might feel constantly on edge. If you’re ever the victim of a crime, like a break-in or a robbery, you might never feel truly safe again.  

By contrast, if you live in a safe neighborhood surrounded by good people, and you have multiple strong security features associated with your apartment, you’ll be able to sleep much better at night. No area is crime-proof, but you’ll be at much lower risk of being the victim of a crime.  

Smart Features and Convenience 

The right apartment should also come equipped with lots of smart home features, all designed to make your life more convenient and less stressful. For example, you can access your apartment remotely with a smart lock system, and grant access to your closest friends and family members—and you never have to worry about being locked out. You can control your lights and the temperature in your apartment centrally, with the help of a mobile app and/or voice commands, and you can reduce your energy consumption in the process 

Accessibility and Comfort  

Good apartments are highly accessible, and offer many types of comfort. They have lots of parking spaces available, including covered and/or reserved spaces, and are easy to get to. They’re easy to walk around in, and offer plenty of space. Some apartments are even equipped with furniture you can use to rest easy; otherwise, you can supply comfortable furniture yourself.  

Appliances and Functionality  

You’ll experience a higher quality of life with the right appliances, granting your apartment the full functionality it needs. For the most part, modern appliances are better; not only are they more functional, more reliable, and more aesthetically pleasing, they also tend to use less energy. 

While you’re at it, think about the storage space, counter space, and other fixtures that can impact your quality of life. Do you have enough room and resources to take care of things like food preparation and personal organization?  

A View  

Though not a strict requirement, a good view can greatly improve your quality of life. An apartment with lots of windows can help you take in more sunlight, boosting your mood throughout the day; you can always close the blinds if you want privacy. Plus, it’s helpful for those windows to be overlooking something you find beautiful or majestic. Depending on where you live, that could mean overlooking a natural lake, a vast forest, or even a well-maintained pool area or backyard garden.  

Flexibility and Options  

Everyone prefers a slightly different lifestyle, so it’s hard to create or find an apartment that offers a high quality of life to all people equally. One of the best features you can find in an apartment isthereforeflexibility. How many options do you have here? Are you able to make a few changes to make the apartment cater to your taste? Are you able to make up for some of the design limitations by choosing the right furniture and putting up the right artwork? How much can you really do with this space?  

Social and Community Options 

Social connections are vital for human health. People who feel like they’re part of a community, and those who are constantly surrounded by friends and family members tend to have a much higher quality of life. They tend to be healthier, and they live longer as a result.  

What does this have to do with apartments? Some apartments exist as part of integrated communities; they offer many amenities and features that encourage socialization, such as fitness centers and walkable paths. Living in an apartment here can make you feel a stronger sense of community, and meet new people to add to your social circles.  

Amenities and Nearby Institutions 

Your apartment may also be close to a number of institutions and amenities that can help you feel a higher sense of wellbeing, including:  

  • Schools. If you have children, you need to think about the nearby school districts. Do you feel confident your children are going to get the best education possible? Is there a convenient option for bus pick-up and drop-off?  
  • Shopping. What kinds of stores are available in the surrounding areas? It’s convenient to have a grocery store nearby, so you can pick up whatever items you need whenever you need them.  
  • Dining. Most people love to go out to eat at least occasionally, whether it’s to spare the effort of preparing dinner by hand or as a form of celebration. Are there good restaurants to choose from?  
  • Fitness. Staying in good physical shape is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. Does this apartment offer a fitness center? Are there plenty of options for walking and jogging?  
  • Entertainment. What other options are there for entertainment? Are there cinemas or theaters nearby? What about nearby bars and nightlife options?  

Are you interested in finding an apartment that can improve your quality of life and make you happier and healthier? Everything starts with a tour.

View Available Apartments

12 Things to Look for in Your Next Apartment

There are many good reasons to move. You might be looking for a new job in a new area. You could be interested in getting a better deal for the money. You might just be looking for a change of scenery.  

In any case, you’ll be looking for an apartment that gives you the best possible experience. But with so many variables to consider, how can you tell what the “right” apartment looks like?  

Features to Look for in Your Next Apartment  

These are some of the most important features to consider for your next apartment:  

  1. Location. One of the most important considerations is going to be location, because it has a major impact on your life in many different ways. For starters, your apartment should be close to the things that are important to you; for example, if you work at a physical location, you’ll want to be close to your place of employment. You may want to live close to a high-ranking school district, or you may want to live in an area that’s surrounded by restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options. On top of that, you may want to live in an area that’s easily accessible, with multiple transportation options.  
  1. Community. Some apartments offer a richer sense of community than others. For example, you may choose to live in an apartment community, where you and all your neighbors have access to community features like social areas and shared resources. This is a great way to forge new friendships and feel like you’re genuinely a part of a community. However, some apartments are more sterile, with fewer opportunities to engage the people around you.  
  1. Size and storage. The size of your apartment may be limiting, depending on your personal possessions and how many people are living with you. You’ll also need to think about storage. Are there plenty of built-in options in this apartment to allow convenient storage, like cabinets and drawers? Are there any outdoor storage areas you can utilize for the excess?  
  1. Appliances. Most apartments come equipped with a handful of appliances to make your life easier, such as a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, and an oven. Are these appliances relatively new? Modern appliances are easier to use, they’re safer, they’re more reliable, and they even use less energy. They’re also cleaner and they offer a sleeker design, beautifying your space.  
  1. Kitchen/Bathroom. Speaking of appliances, pay close attention to the kitchen and bathroom of your next apartment. These are key areas for development, and they can set the tone for the rest of your living space. Ideally, you’ll find an apartment with a fully updated kitchen and bathroom, offering modern fixtures and design elements.  
  1. Smart features. Your home should also have at least some smart home features in place. For example, you might have a smart lock on the front door, allowing you to enter the apartment remotely and grant access to the people you choose. You could also have a smart thermostat or smart lights, which can be controlled remotely with a mobile app for your convenience.  
  1. Heating/AC. Temperature plays a massive role in dictating your comfort level, so be sure to inspect the heating and air conditioning systems. They should be in full working capacity, and should be more than capable of helping you hit the temperature you want.  
  1. Outdoor space and amenities. Not all apartments offer outdoor space or amenities for their guests. On one end of the spectrum, you could have access to a private backyard, a walkable community, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and other features. At the other end, you might have nothing.  
  1. Security. How safe do you feel in this apartment? Think about the relative security and crime rate of the surrounding neighborhood, but also think about the doors, windows, and locks on the apartment. Is this an area that makes you feel safe, or do you feel vulnerable to an external threat?  
  1. Noise. Though it may seem like a minor feature, the noise in your environment can impact you significantly. Spend some time in the apartment throughout the day and a few days throughout the week. Can you hear the rumble of traffic in the distance? Are the walls thin enough that you can hear your neighbors? Try to find an apartment that offers at least some noise protection in the form of sound-resistant walls and windows.  
  1. Landlord availability. You should also consider the availability and amenability of your landlord or property manager. If something goes wrong, do you feel confident that you’ll be able to get in touch with someone? Is there a convenient way to issue a maintenance request? Do these people seem willing to help you resolve problems quickly?  
  1. Reasonable rent. Finally, you’ll need to think about rent. You may be able to find the best apartment in all the areas mentioned above, but if it’s going for five times the average rent in the surrounding areas, it may not be reasonable or affordable. Depending on where you live, you should probably count on paying approximately 30 percent of your gross income on housing expenses, though you may be willing to spend a bit more if it means getting the perfect apartment.  

Setting Your Personal Priorities 

There are no hard rules for what makes a “good” apartment; your personal success will depend on your personal values and priorities. For example, one person might outright refuse to live in an apartment with outdated appliances or an ugly kitchen, while another is perfectly comfortable with these features if it means scoring lower rent.  

Spend some time evaluating your own personal priorities before you begin touring apartments. What factors are most important to you? Which features could you compromise on, and which ones are practically immutable?  

Are you interested in finding an apartment that meets all your needs for a reasonable price? Everything starts with a tour. 

View Available Apartments

How to use Venterra’s Touchless Package Management

It’s no surprise that package deliveries have increased with more people working remotely and children attending school from home. Managing online shopping and package deliveries efficiently has resulted in the need of a more seamless and safe experience.

As the pandemic shifts the multifamily industry and how we offer amenities, there have been some unique opportunities to provide innovative and seamless ways to provide package management services. Venterra’s SMARTPACKAGE lockers now offer a safer and easier way for residents to retrieve their packages with a touch-less experience.

Using Touchless Package Lockers at Venterra

 

There are two contact-free package pick-up methods available to properties with our SMARTPACKAGE lockers:

  • Barcode: Scan the barcode included in your delivery notification (email or text) to open the locker door without having to use the touchscreen.
  • Mobile App: Download the Parcel Pending mobile app (available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store). By scanning the barcode or pushing the button in the app notification, the locker door will open without having to use the touchscreen.

 

 

 

Convenient Self-Guided Apartment Tours and Contactless Move-In Experience

Self-guided apartment tours available at Venterra communities.

While some restrictions are being lifted as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we understand it can still be unsettling to be in public, while being respectful of social distancing orders. This fear may cause people to postpone major life decisions, including moving into a new apartment home. Now more than ever, it’s imperative to embrace technology in order to offer a wider variety of convenient touring options, including self-guided apartment tours.  

At Venterra, we have you covered. We’re excited to now offer a no-contact, self-guided apartment tour option at many of our communities. Future residents can now use their smart devices to schedule and perform tours of our available apartment homes.  

We are also taking extra steps to ensure your safety and the safety of our employees and residents at our apartment communities. Aside from implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, we are using LAST™, a hospital grade disinfectant and antimicrobial coating on our hard surfaces, providing an extra layer of protection for up to 30 days.  

If you aren’t interested in selfguided tour, we are also offering in-person tours with our award-winning customer experience leaders by appointment. 

Here’s How to Schedule Your Self-Guided Tour 

  • Visit Venterraliving.com & select a property  
  • Select the apartment that you are interested in, and click on Schedule a Tour
    self guided tours venterra
  • Choose your Guided-Tour option
    self guided tours venterra
  • You’ll receive a link to complete verification and confirm scheduling details 

SmartMove Logo

Once you take a tour and choose an apartment that you have fallen in love with, don’t forget to take advantage of SMARTMOVE, our contact-free way to gain access to and move into your new apartment. Ask your Better Living Consultant for details.