The Verandah

Current Resident 182164

Resident • 2003 - 2004

great until the end of your lease

I really liked the property, nice landscaping, pool is really cool place in the summer, inside of the apartments look nice, but that is where it stops. They office was offering our exact apartment for $175 less a month than what we were paying when our 60 day notice was approaching. When contacting the leasing office they wanted to increase our rent by $100. That's a $375 a month difference for a "valued" tenant. The chalky paint on the walls will show anything, the fake wood tiles on the kitchen floor will come unglued, great closet space, very "confident" and "proud" leasing staff to say the least

phantom1949

Resident • 2004

I'm living in paradise!!!

I moved here about a month ago and only have praise with the office staff, the maintenance staff, the grounds, etc.<br><br>OK, here we go, the leasing staff is first rate. I understand there is a new staff there but they are friendly, really care and are very helpfull. If I go into the office with a small issue, they immediately take care of it. Very impressive. The staff is not pretensious but genuinely friendly.<br><br>When I moved in there were only a few things wrong with the apartment but they were fixed almost immediately. <br><br>I just moved here from a large 3300 sq. ft house and am in the largest two bedroom, two bath that has a very large two car garage. I packed the larges U-haul truck (26') plus a 12' trailer behind and everything fits in.<br><br>The apartment is clean spaceous and beautifully set up. The kitchen feels like one you would se ein a home not an apartment. The real wood floors in the kitchen and bathrooms is wonderful. The applainces seem and look like they wer enew when I moved in.<br><br>The pool area is definitely not standard and is one you would find if you went to a resort or Las Vegas. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and well maintained.<br><br>The property has security gates whihc are closed in the evening so there is a feeling of safety. <br><br>The only thing I had to get use to are the clickers. They use clickers to access the computer use and pool table, etc areas, the pool, the entry gates, the wonderfull exercise gym and the garages if you have one. They have had some problems with these clickers as I read before renting here but mine workd fine. I do have some problems entering the ecercise room but trying the clicker by the third or fourth time has alwasy worked.<br><br>I have lived in a home for most of my life and thought I would hate living in an apartment complex. Well I love it here.<br><br>Lastly, if you are moving to Austin as I just did (from Flrodia), you will find the people in Austin just plain friendly. I have lived in different parts of the USA and have met some very nice people, but the people in Austin are unbelieveably nice.<br><br>The first week I was in the Verandah's, they had a get together and I met some very nice people. I would like to see these get togethers more often (once a month would be nice). but overall I am extremely happy here.<br>This place is a winner!!!

Current Resident 732879

Resident • 2004

How does that song go?

New boss, same as the old boss.<br><br>New management, no changes. OF course this is still new.<br>Parking is still a complete free for all, boats are left on the property and several vehicles that should be towed are left in prime parking spots as an eye sore to residents.<br>I noticed cats were mentioned in an earlier post. My God these cats are everywhere. Some are ferrel some are resident's cats who are apparently as clueless as they are inconsiderate. These things releave themselves everywhere. I've had to shoo them off my balcony more than once. They are a nuisance. I just hope the coyotes I sometimes hear eat them up.<br>The staff, luckily I have not had to contact them. It's never an enjoyable experience, I hate even picking up packages. Hopefully BH will either hire professionals are retrain the ones we have.<br>The property really is nice otherwise...except for the location. No red light to cross on 620!!! Of course that is a county issue, and my own fault for not thinking about it.<br>The building could use a better paint job,they look drab and unimpressive. The inside is what sols me...plenty of room, nice layout.<br><br>So in short, if you like cats, can afford your own garage, can handle the traffic, I say move in. It's nice enough. I've heard horror stories when contracts end...we'll see. I'll let you know....

Current Resident 94711

Resident • 2001 - 2004

Another Locator's Opinion

I COMPLETELY agree with the last review. I am also a locator and have been living at the Verandah for over 3 years now. While I absolutely love the property and townhome that I live in, the former management was, in my opinion, a nightmare. They had absolutely no customer service skills....good example is not saying who they are when they answer the phone. I avoided having to go to the leasing office at all costs. Plus, I have spoken to several people who upon move out have been charged an arm and a leg for "damage" when there really wasn't any. Ridiculous things like making them pay for new carpet in the entire apartment when there is only one little stain. That being said, I am so happy that we have a new management company, and I have heard that the new staff is really friendly. <br><br>This is a wonderful place to live...wonderful residents, great amenities, gorgeous property. I would HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone.

Current Resident 101531

Resident • 2004

Stupid review on 8/14/04

As a locator, I would tell you to disregard the comment by the unknown author who commented on the new management company (BH). I'm not sure they are really a locator. If they were like myself, they would have complete market knowledge and recognize that BH does manage newer, luxury communities as well as a nice student community on the UT shuttle. I don't believe I have ever heard of northwest hills referred to as the "------." Additionally, they manage a newer property in northwest Austin. This is definitely not "------." The staff is very pleasant to work with. Personally, I think that the new management company can only enhance the Verandah at Grandview Hills. Their staff and owners (prior to new management) were less than desirable to work with. I believe it was a problem to ever answer the phone including their name in the greeting. It was always a guess as to who you were speaking to in the office. I'm sure the residents will soon see positive changes, given time for the dust to settle. Realize whoever made the stupid review on 8/14/04 probably has alterior motives.

Current Resident 130733

Resident • 2004

BH MANAGEMENT

THE VERANDAH WILL SOON BE TAKEN OVER BY BH MANAGEMENT!!!!!!! THIS IS AN AWFUL SITUATION!!!<br>As a locator I have worked with the Verandah and the staff for 2 years, it has been my most favorite property...until now. A management company who only owns C and D propertys is taking over. Have you ever seen their apartments???(BH) AWFUL!!! I feel sorry for the residents of the Verandah and the staff, who will soon be replaced with trash from the ------(like BH ).<br>I WOULD NEVER GIVE MY MONEY TO BH!!!<br>DO NOT LEASE HERE. Trust me, this is my business to know the propertys in Austin and the owners.<br>It has started already. I called yesterday and they have a new manager who is a complete tool with no knowledge of his residents or the apartments.<br>If you don't beleive me call and ask the staff, I speak the truth!<br>It has been nice working with you Verandah, but the word is out and locators will be steering clear of your property now!

hgjlkhg

Resident • 2002 - 2003

HORRIBLE

I lived there for only a year, after I left they charged me to replace the carpet and scratches that did not exsist. It was overpriced and the staff rude and obnoxious.

tmcgee629

Resident • 2004

Like it so far and I am picky

I really like living here. I moved here in June 2004 so I have not been here long, but so far I love it. It's very quiet, the apartments are beautiful and spacious and the pool/amenities are the best I saw when I did my research. <br> <br>The staff has been friendly so far. They do not seem to care about people parking in handicapped spaces illegally or rushing through the wrong side of the gate b/c they don't have a key or live here though. And there is someone that revs their engine in the parking lot during the day and it is so loud that I can't hear the TV in my apartment. That is the only thing that bothers me. <br> <br>Anything wrong in the apartment they have fixed within a day. There were a few things left unfixed when we moved in but they fixed them the next business day after I reported it. There were a few nicks in the kitchen flooring and a dent in our refrigerator, but otherwise the apartment is in great condition and seems like new. <br> <br>I'm very picky and researched a lot of places. They have solid wood cabinets, clean bathrooms and the apartment-to-apartment noise is so little that you could almost say it doesn't exist. There are families that live here with children and the atmosphere is very nice and peaceful. <br> <br>I have not experienced a move out here and will write a review when I do. The non-refundable deposit is no surprise. They tell you about it up front. <br> <br>About the reviews: <br>The reviews really helped my husband and I find a place, since we were from another state. People should read them and get an overall impression though, not listen to one specific person b/c you don't know the whole story. It also helps to question the staff about the negative reviews before you sign a lease. You will get a good impression of their attitudes and how they deal with problems by the way they react to your questioning them about negative reports on them.

Current Resident 649301

Resident • 2002 - 2005

Happy to leave!

Ever since my wife almost stepped on a scorpion in our bedroom last year we have been looking for something else. After years of price hikes we have found a much better condo in the Arboretum area with a great view. And the kicker is we got a rate that is a little bit cheaper than the Verandah. These apartments are waaaay too remote from central Austin to be charging the prices they are. The commute has been unpleasant. And the noise here is pretty bad. We can hear our neighbor talking on the phone or watching tv as we try to go to sleep. Need more insulation!!!!

Current Resident 672272

Resident • 2004

I would never live here again or recomend this to friends

The office staff will seem all sweet when they want you to move in and the grounds are beautiful, but dont ever plan to move out. They will stick you with all kinds of fees and make up stories about the condition the apt was left in. i hate the management staff at the corporate office. they are rude, snooty, and unprofessional. i would never allow that in my business. i work in property management and we would never allow that type of servivce to happen. i will divert anyone who is looking to move in to this complex to anywhere else, just as long as i can keep them from this complex. total thumbs down.

Current Resident 766977

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Good place to live

Lived in several apartments in Austin and this property is one of the best I've lived in, parking is not bad (try living at Jefferson at Sunset Valley then leave a comment), didn't have to pay a deposit or app fees, staff has been great, awesome pool, rent is cheap for what you get, at least mine was, would definitely recommend.

Current Resident 903749

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Watch your deposits!

Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky. According to the TX Property Code, security deposits are ALWAYS refundable, despite The Verandah's "non-refundable" security deposits. Apparentely they're above the law. Watch out for them!

Current Resident 996439

Resident • 2004

ignorant, pushy and rude office staff

I just moved in to these apartments. I really want to emphasize how horrible the office staff is. When I was moving my stuff into the apartment, I noticed it reaked of smoke. I have asthma and bad allergies so this is something that I was very adamant about not having. First, they tried to tell me that's how it was when I got there and even my girl friend did not remember the smell when we first moved there. The staff tried to feed me some BS on how there is nothing that they could do and they can't call the manager because it was a weekend. They finally called the manager after 20 minutes of pushing them to do so and they finally moved me into a different apartment that didn't have serious problems-- they never apologized once. I would love to mention names but they probably wouldn't post this if I did. <br>

Current Resident 173480

Resident • 2003

Management can not Read Their Own Contracts

submitted this before. But,it disappeared? Manager demanded a lease extention was binding. Their own wording states extentions are not binding unless "both" parties have signed as reflected on the original. Manager wanted to start paperwork and said "it would not really be official" until both parties signed. A week later we decided against the extention(remember,it was not finalized). Manager demanded it was.

Current Resident 432857

Resident • 2002 - 2003

GREATEST PLACE TO LIVE ON 620

I lived at the Verandah for almost 18 months and loved it. I was so happy there. They had a huge one bedroom with low rent and utility bills. I was so upset when I moved into my new apt. I realized what a mistake I made moving there. I got a bigger two bedroom at the Mansions at Canyon Creek and HATE it. I would recommend this complex in a heartbeat. Also, there was no staff turn over while I was there. At my new apt. they can´t keep managers or staff.

Current Resident 627878

Resident • 2002 - 2004

I love it!

I have lived at the Verandah for over 2 years now and I love it! The manager always takes care of my problems and the maintance is GREAT and friendly! The grounds ALWAYS look nice and clean same with the aminities. <br> <br>It is also very beautiful here! And for the most part the residents are friendly!

klt2004

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Enjoyed living at The Verandah.

I enjoyed living at The Verandah for almost 2 years. My apartment was in a great location for easy access and parking. I had a good view and always felt safe. I received excellent service from the office and maintence staff during my lease. I highly recommend The Verandah at Grandview Hills.

davidinaustin

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Highly Recommended

I have read the reviews from disgruntled residents and cannot, for the life of me, relate to what they have written. I have been a resident at this complex for more than two years. Management is friendly and very responsive. The grounds are well kept and the amenities are outstanding. The apartment floor plans and designs are some of the best in Austin. If residents pay rent on time, treat managment and other residents respectfully, and take care of the property they rent (NOT OWN), the Verandah IS the place to live in northwest Austin.

Current Resident 40736

Resident • 2002 - 2003

RUDE OFFICE STAFF

The office staff has never been nice or helpful. They lie and scam when it comes to money issues!!! They have too... because they can not keep their residents around. <br><br> Office and management needs a makeover!!!

apartmentguy12

Resident • 1980 - 2004

The fried chicken was good!

I read the previous post about the fried chicken and I thought the writer was joking but I called verandah and it´s true. <br> <br>Once a week the management serves all the residences free fried chicken and it´s the best in town. You should call them at (512) 401-0444 and ask when the next fried chicken day is. I think it has something to do with specials on rent and they advertise with the fried chicken. It´s good.

joehills

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Love that fried chicken

every wednesday at 11:25 the management of the verandah serves the best fried chicken in austin. I encourage you stop by and have some.

Current Resident 225651

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Loved it

I have lived here since 12/2002, I have loved every minute of it. I never found the management to be rude or unhelpful. I have lived in apartments with bad management, and this isn´t one of them. The layout of the property is fantastic and the apartments are grade A top notch quality. I wish I didn´t have to move out of these apartments. (I am moving to a different city) Give these apartments a look, they are wonderful.

Lorraine78

Resident • 2002 - 2003

Stickin´ up for this place.

I have to say that some of the things said about the Verandah are downright slander. There is no reason why someone would make more money on dishonest ways. As one person had put it. It is much easier to come to this website and bash all the people that work here, rather than think about the many people that have actually loved living here. That is also something to keep in mind. <br><br><br><br> I have lived here for 2 years now. The first time I saw this property, I fell in love wih it. I would come into the office and always ask if they were hiring because it was such a beautiful property. Finally, a year later I was given the opportunity. I have worked here for about 9 months. <br><br><br><br> I know what it is like to be a resident here. I was one for a longer period of time then working here. I can´t speak for everyone. I know that there are people that aren´t happy. We have 536 apartments on this community. Not everyone will always be happy. If it was that way, we would be in a perfect world. <br><br><br><br> If someone has a problem, they need to come to us. If they don´t like the answer, than try talking to someone else. We are here to help you believe it or not. I have always tried to be understanding and considerate of our residents needs. <br><br><br><br> For all the issues that people have had on this website, they really shoud try talking to us face to face, rather than slandering everyone. It´s not like we try to gang up on the people that keep this place going. We don´t go home at night and think of all the miserable ways to make someone have a negative experience with us. <br><br><br><br> As far as rent being lost or notices on doors, we go by what our corporate office gives to us, which is in Houston. We constantly try to communicate and do the right thing. The water company we use, sends us notices as to whom has not paid their bills. Thats all we have to go on. <br><br><br><br> I apologize sincerely for all the people that have issues with us. If you want to come to me directly and tell me face to face, then go ahead. I would much rather know why you aren´t happy and help resolve your issue. <br><br><br><br> I can´t produce miracles, but I do know I love my job. I love where I live and I appreciate all the people who choose to rent with us. <br><br><br><br>As for all who are not familiar with our property, I ask you to come in and see for yourself. We are not going to hide from the truth. Thank you for taking the time to read this. <br><br><br><br> <br><br><br><br>Kind Regards, <br><br><br><br>Lorraine

joerenter2003

Resident • 2003

Not a great place to live

Regarding the management´s post that they have only read nice things about this place, they should read all the posts. I regret finding this site only after I moved in. I am 100 % positive that the "great" posts about this place were posted by the management themselves. Marketing copy is easy to spot. <br> <br>I would not suggest living here to anyone. I live here, I hate it. I just moved in recently and I am already looking for another place to live. <br> <br>This place is not well kept up, the parking is the worst, and its well overpriced for the quality. <br> <br>

newby21

Resident • 2003

Management

I am a member of mgt. I have read all the reviews to this point. I pride myself in good customer service. The "golden rule" applies to every person walking through the door. If you have a problem with the staff, please let us know. We want to hear from our residents.