I was scrolling through Archstone Smith's website (it's only fair, folks from the company regularly scroll through this site - no doubt looking for tips on how to be less evil? Ok, so probably not that).
Every property I was looking through in the DC area had a $500 community area fee listed. It didn't matter if the place had a pool or not, a useable roof or not, a common room that is more than a lobby or not. They all had $500 community area fees.
Just when I think these folks can't find any more places to grab money from renters.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Funny Stuff
Just ran across this from an Archstone press release:
"Through its two brands, Archstone and Charles E. Smith, Archstone-Smith strives to provide great apartments and great service to its customers – backed by unconditional service guarantees."
Gee, that's two big whoppers in one sentence. Great service and "unconditional service guarantees."
Maybe by unconditional they mean that there are no conditions under which they would provide guaranteed service?
"Through its two brands, Archstone and Charles E. Smith, Archstone-Smith strives to provide great apartments and great service to its customers – backed by unconditional service guarantees."
Gee, that's two big whoppers in one sentence. Great service and "unconditional service guarantees."
Maybe by unconditional they mean that there are no conditions under which they would provide guaranteed service?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Another Non-Glowing Consulate Recommendation
For the Consulate building in DC. Again - it's the Archstone Smith greed that ruins what could otherwise be a good apartment living situation. So typical of this group.
My problems with the Consulate. The apartments (1 bedroom anyway) aren't exactly the largest in the world and you pay alot. We currently pay $1600 a month and just received a notice that our rent was being raised to $1885. For about 700 sq ft, not worth it. Also, the no utilities thing is really a downer. When I moved in I was painted this picture that utilities would be minimal. On top of our $1600/month we pay around $30 for trash and water and our electric as ranged from $150-$200/month. NOT the $60/month that was estimated. EVERYTHING in the apartment is electric including stove and heat/AC. The patio glass doors are nice but provide little insulation. Although you can usually find street parking, you are sharing the street with the Consulate, the Massive Van Ness Complex across the street, UDC, and Howard Law School. I've had to wait 30 min for a parking spot since I refuse to pay the $165 for a parking spot.
We've been living in the Consulate about a year and a half. Overall it's been a great experience and we haven't had any problems. I do agree with previous poster that the constant construction has really been annoying (Especially since we were on the pool side and woken up by jack hammers every morning). The new elevators are almost done, and they're also re-doing the weight room and basement facilities. It's a block from the metro and grocery store, very convenient location and it's a super safe neighborhood. The management and front staff are always super nice.
If you have expendable cash or have a cushy job making 6 figures this is great place to live. But for the average person living on minimal salary it can make for a financial crunch. If it wasn't for the cost I would definitely stay here but I know there are much cheaper option in D.C.
My problems with the Consulate. The apartments (1 bedroom anyway) aren't exactly the largest in the world and you pay alot. We currently pay $1600 a month and just received a notice that our rent was being raised to $1885. For about 700 sq ft, not worth it. Also, the no utilities thing is really a downer. When I moved in I was painted this picture that utilities would be minimal. On top of our $1600/month we pay around $30 for trash and water and our electric as ranged from $150-$200/month. NOT the $60/month that was estimated. EVERYTHING in the apartment is electric including stove and heat/AC. The patio glass doors are nice but provide little insulation. Although you can usually find street parking, you are sharing the street with the Consulate, the Massive Van Ness Complex across the street, UDC, and Howard Law School. I've had to wait 30 min for a parking spot since I refuse to pay the $165 for a parking spot.
We've been living in the Consulate about a year and a half. Overall it's been a great experience and we haven't had any problems. I do agree with previous poster that the constant construction has really been annoying (Especially since we were on the pool side and woken up by jack hammers every morning). The new elevators are almost done, and they're also re-doing the weight room and basement facilities. It's a block from the metro and grocery store, very convenient location and it's a super safe neighborhood. The management and front staff are always super nice.
If you have expendable cash or have a cushy job making 6 figures this is great place to live. But for the average person living on minimal salary it can make for a financial crunch. If it wasn't for the cost I would definitely stay here but I know there are much cheaper option in D.C.
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