Factoria Firs

pros and cons From: -Anonymous- Date posted: 11/3/2005 Years at this apartment: 2004 - 2005   We moved from Timberwood apartments in Bellevue into Factoria Firs because the latter had these qualities: lots of storage: an entry way closet, bedroom closets in each bedroom, a linen closet, a closet off the deck, two pantries in addition to the kitchen cabinets. The atrium (the small room attached to the master bedroom) is like a second walk in closet; we use ours as an "attic." a washer and dryer in the apartment: we'd had enough of scrounging around town for quarters and carrying our laundry in the rain; I'd never go back. a fireplace. windows: this apartment has eight windows, (counting the atrium it is eleven); timberwoods only had 4 and was very dark. Especially nice is the window over our kitchen sink. it's quiet: maybe it's the noise of the 405 that drowns out our neighbors, maybe it is that we only share one living room wall with another apartment, or maybe these residents are just quieter, but I've enjoyed a year and half of uninterrupted sleep since moving here. the underground parking: Timberwoods had covered parking, but you still had to run through the rain from your car to your door. With the underground parking, you never actually have to set foot outside: no getting wet, no having to warm up your car, no chiseling ice of the windshield. it is extremely close to useful shops: so close that other people might find it a turn off, but I like being able to get to Target just by walking across the street. The cons: the one road that goes through the complex is one long blind curve and as narrow as a one way street at the top of the hill. lack of parking: people often park in the fire lanes there is no "club house" or gym or pool or any other such thing, if that matters to you or if you feel a lack of such things ought to be reflected in a lower price A lot of things in the apartment are very old. The specifics, especially with appliances and carpet, vary from one apartment to the next. In ours, the carpet is ancient, the window sills are warped and peeling away from the windows, a lot of the tiles on the bathroom counter, entry way, and fireplace are cracked, the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counters are older than me. Also, the intercom for speaking to someone outside the apartment does not work, at least for our building, nor can we let someone in without running downstairs and manually opening the door. A year and a half ago, this didn't matter to us because they were only asking about $50 a month more than our last place and it was a much better floor plan plus all the things listed above. However, on to my next point: the rent recently went from $850 a month to $1000 month on the grounds that they're making improvements. The only improvement I've noticed is that the underground parking now has doors. Improvements I would suggest: basically, attend to the things listed above and focus on the kitchen. A light over the kitchen sink would be a wonderful thing (in apartment kitchens, I find I'm always standing in my own light while I work, which is very irritating). Add a detachable spray nozzle to the kitchen sink; makes it much easier to wash dishes. Also, fire extinguishers and sprinklers would be nice. Lastly, remove the mystery scultpure from the otherwise beautiful mini-forest in the middle of the complex; ditto for the pool of stagnant water the thing sits in. One last thought: I'm very happy with the staff. Any repairs we've ever required have been attended to promptly and thoroughly, they're very helpful, the office is frequently open, and they're happy to chat with you. It's less of a bargain now at $1000 a month, but I'd recommend it anyway. Dec 3: They've cleared out a number of the trees from the mini-forest (or what was the mini forest)and heavily pruned the remaining trees; now instead of a "tree house" atmosphere, the apartment is left with a view of the neighbors and the shopping complex across the street. Perhaps they're clearing it for new parking spaces' I have no idea but it looks awful.

Recommended: YES Overall Rating

Parking: Maintenance: Construction: Noise:

Grounds: Safety: Office Staff:

I'm the author!

Lived here?

Disclaimer: No attempt has been made to verify or assure the accuracy of the claims made by the author of this opinion or responses. You must judge the truthfulness of any review and accept responsibility for your use of this information.

Pets Not Accepted: Should You Sneak Your Cat or Dog In Anyway? - Sep 29    Apartment Move-In Inspection Tips - Sep 22    How to Get Rid of Mice, Part 2 - Sep 15    Decorating from Smart Garage Sale Purchases - Sep 08    When Your Apartment is a Cell Phone Dead Zone - Sep 01    10 Things Smart Renters Know About Apartment Hunting    How to Break Your Lease Legally