Apartment Quality -- The apartment at move-in was in very good condition. I believe each apartment goes through a rigorous quality check-off before new tenants arrive. Fixtures, appliances, and flooring seem to be of good quality. I've had little need for maintenance throughout the 2 years I lived there. There is a online maintenance request form that you can submit. Response times are usually 24-48 hours and they usually get it correct the first time around. The bathrooms in the apartments are nice (large tubs, big mirrors, walking room)...not the tiny ones that you see in newer buildings now.

Staff -- The staff are generally polite and professional. The concierge remembers who you are and will stop you if you have packages waiting. Be sure to talk/act polite with them. You never know when you will need help getting out of a jam (lost keys, parking pass, etc). Management Office has there act together as far as following procedures. Charles E Smith has been around awhile so the staff are well trained to handle difficult situations and follow talking handbook scripts . They are willing to help as long as it falls within the company guidelines don t expect special treatment/deals.

Pricing Strategy -- Charles E Smith properties utilize some computer software program that analyzes upcoming vacancies and outside market demands (other apt building prices, overall vacancies). They in turn will quote you 12 rental prices...each representing different lease terms in months. While they tell you "It saves you the most and offers great flexibility", the reality is that they are just trying to twist your lease to a summer to summer time frame (when demand and rent prices are highest for apts). For example, current leases on there website show a 12 month lease (Jan 2007) at $1960 while a 6 month lease is $1710. Obviously no one in there right mind will pay the huge premium for the year lease and accordingly sign a 6 month lease. Once you're in the summer time leasing pattern they can charge you the premium summer prices.

The other issue is the rate rental renewal rates. Over the last couple years I ve seen double digit percent increases in rent. While I understand areas gain in popularity (and Ballston does not fall short as the location is ideal), a apartment community should want to reduce overall turnover by at least offering some type of deal to re-sign a lease. The sole reason I moved this time around was that my rent increased from $1550 to $1965 (for 10-12 months) for a 1 bedroom. $465 for 1 year is absurd. I told them that they re rates were over-inflated for the area. The response was This is the rental price If you don t want it, you re welcome to find another apt in the building or move on. Someone will pay the premium and it doesn t cost much to paint/re-carpet/clean a apartment for a new tenant . They wouldn t budge on the rental price what-so-ever. They re not after keeping people but rather just maximizing revenue. The flip side that is not considered is the bad press it creates with upset, forced out tenants.

I gave notice and found a more affordable place right across the street to live. Ironically, my old unit sat vacant on there website the whole 60 day notice time fram and is still vacant. They ve dropped the price to $1650 and still can t get a bite. Their loss.

Parking -- Parking is $50/month and unassigned. In general, parking has never been a problem regardless of the time of day. I tend to park at the lowest level so I remember where I park and the spots are bigger. The management/towing company is EXTREMELY ---- about towing...Make sure your permit is visible, your tires are within 1 parking spot and that you always stay on the Ballston Place side of the garage (the parking is shared with another condo).

Overall, I recommend this place if you play it smart. Don t intend to live there multiple years and watch their website rentals like a hawk before your rent. The prices can fluctuate substantially day-to-day. It would pay to wait until the prices drop in the competitive range .and be ready to move after a year.

It s a nice experience and you can t be the location.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/15/2007
Very nice, comprehensive review.
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/16/2007
could you tell me about the across the street place and give a comprehensive review

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