Hi Everyone,

This is being written by the manager Jamie. I want to thank that last tenant who wrote those beautiful comments about Deer Valley which was posted on 8/29/08. You never really see people go out of their way to say nice things. I guarantee the reason why people choose to stay annonymous is because most of the time their stories are fabricated because they just want to complain. I will make a personal promise. If anyone has a complaint and posts their apt. number I will respond to them on this web site for everyone to see. Then that makes them and myself accountable. As I look back at all the posting I can't believe people can embellish the truth the way they do. As of today, 9/25/08 we are 100% occupied with a waiting list. That has got to mean something. I take a lot of pride in Deer Valley and work very hard for every tenant here. If you are interested in moving here I totally agree to stop by the property and talk to the tenants that are out walking to give you a true indication of what Deer Valley is all about.

User Responses
From: iwantahouse7	Date: 09/25/2008
Hi Jamie, I just moved out of apartment 2-20 on June 1st. The reason people post on here anonymously is because it's nobody's business what apartment number you live in. I posted a review about this complex anonymously before, and I'm not going to rehash my hellish experience again. The fact is, we came to you with issues, and left concerns on your voice mail. You never bothered to call us back or reconcile the problem. You had our money, why would you care if we were happy? You may be 100% occupied now, but how many of your tenants will be the same in a year. Not too many. I have never seen such a turnover rate in my life. There were people moving out just about every weekend. Deer Valley may look like a nice place to live on the outside, but once you are suckered into a lease you see Deer Valley for what it is.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/25/2008
I agree with iwantahouse7. I posted my review anonymously, but it was easy for anyone associated with the management to figure out which apartment I lived in. I did not make anything up or 'embellish' the truth, rather I provided an honest review that included the good with the bad. The bad definitely includes all of the maintenance activities, and frequently the attitudes of the 'line staff' in the office. That's the simple truth of it. The reason Deer Valley is 100% full with a waiting list is because it's cheaper than most other Guiderland area complexes, allows pets, and while the address is technically Slingerlands, residents can send their (frequently hoodilum) children through the Guilderland school system, which is one of the best in the area. It's not because the apartments are amazing, because there is a lot of resident turnover (as anyone who has lived there can attest to, with the number of moving trucks coming in and out throughout the year).
From: yodelinginthevalley	Date: 09/26/2008
I am the person who posted a positive review of Deer Valley, and I have posted a couple of times. I live in 4-21, my name is Erin. The reality is that there isn't a huge turnover here. I have renewed my lease to start my 6th year here. There are many of my neighbors who have lived here as long or longer than I. But there is turnover, as there is with all complexes. Few people move to an apartment complex with the intent of staying for many years. Many want to get a house eventually, some are students, some are recently relocated to this area for their jobs and are in transition. And some people have not liked living here. The reality is this, and I am going to be brutally honest: Deer Valley isn't the greatest complex on earth, but the heat and hot water are included- pets are allowed- neighbors are friendly and diverse- we are in an excellent location and in a good school district- the trees and grounds make you feel like you are living in the country when, in fact, you are 10 minutes from downtown Albany and a mile from the Northway- the maintenance staff has 240 units to take care of so sometimes they have to prioritize the list of repairs and issues, and sometimes yours isn't going to be addressed first even if you were the first to put in a work order- I have spoken to the office staff and maintenance personnel regularly for the entire time I have lived here, and all are friendly, responsible, and accountable- this complex is old, probably about 40 years old by now, but it isn't falling apart by any stretch- we have a pool, tennis courts, a recreation room, a weight room, a workout room with great equipment (although it is a bit small), a laundry room, a small playground. Communication breakdowns happen, usually, at both ends. I have talked to Jamie several times and never had a problem. She is direct and always responds to my questions or concerns. She can't always give me the answer that I want. That's not a communication breakdown, that's not Jamie being a jerk. The reality is that Jamie is the manager, not the owner. She does the best she can, as far as I can see, to manage a large tenant population with a small staff. As far as moving trucks going in and out of this place- there are 240 units and so each fall and each spring-early summer you do see some transition. Those are the prime times for people to be moving. I get it that some people have had negative experiences. I just wish that Deer Valley wasn't bashed as a horrible place to live. This is a community. You invest in making the community experience what you want and need it to be. I would suggest to anyone who is currently living here and is not satisfied to call and make an appointment to talk to Jamie in person. It's easy to bash this place anonymously on a website. I always make an effort to not only tell Jamie or the maintenance personnel what my problem is, but I take the time to really listen to what the feedback is- if something can't be done right away then I ask why, and we discuss it, and it has always worked out for me. Lastly, I just want to reiterate what I have said in every post I have put on this site: if you are thinking of moving here, come and visit. Tenants are always around going for walks, walking the dog, sitting outside talking with each other. Ask us how we like it here. If you are outside the Albany area and have to rely on websites to get your information, then take Jamie at her word- she has proven to be someone that you can talk to anytime about any concern you have. I have lived here 6 years and I haven't always agreed with Jamie, but I have always been treated with respect by her and have understood her position. She isn't a miracle worker- she's a property manager for about 350 tenants. Take it easy, folks. -Erin
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/03/2008
Dear Jamie- I am the husband of iwantahouse7. If we left a balance, then why was a check sent to us by Deer Valley for $52 AFTER WE LEFT? We were ABSOLUTELY model tenants. We paid rent EVERY MONTH and DID NOT LEAVE A BALANCE. How dare you insult our integrity and honesty to try to get more people in your complex. You should be ashamed.
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/14/2008
There is nothing wrong with Jamie or the Management!!!! I lived here one year in college 6 years ago and then i moved back 3 years ago and havent moved since. I wont move untill i find a house that i like. This complex is perfect for college students or young adults trying to save money for a house.. I personaly made a complaint about doggie Do Do on the grounds.. Since then Jamie and Management have done a wonderful job taking care of the issue.. They instalded post with doggie bags for your dog and also put up signs asking people to pick up after there dogs.. Since this has occured i havent seen ANY dog do do on the grounds. (thank you). Speaking of the grounds they are in perfect shape.. Its a complete country setting and is still only mins from the mall and Price chopper. The maintenance guys are great too.. If you actually have a real problem they will be right over. Mike doies a great job for them.. The only complaint i have now is similar to other peoples.. I argree that there are too many indian people sharing one bedroom apartments and also the kids are a little loud.. I just feel if you have a family you should have a house and an appartment complex's just isnt for you.. Every appartment complex has its issues but Jamie and Management are def. not one of them here.. Thank you, Mark Tatko
From: jamie55	Date: 10/15/2008
Dear iwantahouse7, This is the beauty of being able to respond when something is reported incorrectly. Your lease ended on 6/5/08 and when you moved out the five days of rent due was not paid. That amount was deducted from your $199 security deposit and we refunded the $54 that was due to you. That explains why you received a check back. I will be more than happy to send you any paperwork again on this. This website is not intended for people to bash each other, but merely a voice for one side to defend themselves when posting are incorrect or unfair. Once again I hope you are happy in your new home and good luck to you in the future. Jamie.

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