Brisa at Shadowlake Apartments

Current Resident 711918

Resident • 2013

Stay away!! Estancia, now called Brisa is one of the worst places I have ever lived at! There have been so many car break ins it is ridiculous! The staff does not care and claim to say they have on armed officer on duty which is crap. The rent is high for the location and not worth the money at all. There is always trash everywhere and the management is horrible. Again, stay away! I can't wait to leave this so called "Luxury" apartments! So if you do plan on living in this crap place make sure you have a car alarm, renters insurance, (not the one they provide you with cuz it doesn't help you for ----) and your SANITY!

tico808

Resident • 2013

Well if my only complaints are stray cats and water sprinklers that leave bad water spots on my car, this place must be pretty good. Love the location, love the staff, love the lux apartments, love the prompt maintenance, love the neighbors, love the parking, love the amenities. My leasing person was Terrence. He was the best. He was honest, helpful, knowledgeable, and timely before and after I signed my my lease. Choose Estancia... I did :-)

Current Resident 408841

Resident • 2010 - 2013

When we first moved in, we were so excited about how beautiful the landscaping was and how spacious our apartment was. It didn't take long to realize that the walls are paper thin (you can hear EVERYTHING coming from above and beside you!) and that the staffing office was unwilling to help most of the time. There were some office workers that are very nice, however many made you feel like you were a complete inconvience to them and did nothing to help answer your questions. Management is constantly changing and with that, new policies. The swimming pool is always locked up, the gates are chained, and people park all over the place. Finally, we couldnt get rid of cock-roaches no matter how hard we tried. We kept our apartment spotless and had apartment exterminators come monthly, but these bugs just kept coming back.

Current Resident 328644

Resident • 2013

I LOVE it her from the staff, landscaping and my nice spacious 2 bedroom that I got at a wonderful deal. I been here going on two years. All my service request are done in a timely manner and the leasing staff is very helpful.

rimamada

Resident • 2012

When I first went to the complex, i was impressed and looking forward to the place. I thought the staff seemed a bit unprofessional in the way they talked to me by saying, " girl, your gonna love it herr," but i dismissed it as just their vernacular and a desire to make me feel like we were buddies, which i did not like at all. I asked to see my apartment, but they said it was occupied, but they could show me one "just like it." They said they would give me a call when my lease is ready, but three days before my move in date, and they still didn't give me a call, so i did and told them i'll stop by to sign my lease. But, when i got there, they said they just found out that the apartment would not be ready for another week. When I told them that I already had my move scheduled and couldn't cancel, they tried to give me a smaller apartment for more money. When I told them I want the same size apartment, or else I will look else where, they said there might be one more and will have to talk to the manager. I Called again at the end of the day, and they said the manager approved me getting the apartment at the rate I was promised. I asked to see the apartment I would get, but again they said it wasn't ready. I asked if it had a balcony, which is the only thing I wanted, and they said yes. So, i agreed even though this apartment was on the third floor and the one before it was on the second floor. When I moved in, i discovered no balcony. When I Called the office, the lady said she didn't know and the guy who was dealing with me was not in because he was off. So, i asked what i was supposed to do with my movers coming in about 30 mins, she said she didn't know and maybe I can wait until Monday (2 days later) to talk to the rep.

mr_0007

Resident • 2012

I would like to tell you about my most recent experience with one of your employees at Estancia. Terrance was the representative I worked with before moving to Estancia, and I am so happy with the way Terrance handled my application and move in process. Terrance was very professional and answered all of my questions, it was a very pleasant experience working with him and I would highly recommend him. Terrance went above and beyond to clarify certain items on my application. I just wanted to conclude this review with congratulating Estancia for having professional and very well trained staff!

Current Resident 39261

Resident • 2012

I just moved to Estancia this month. The apartments a clean and spacious. Staff have been very helpful in the transition. The property for the most part has always been clean. I have seen doggy poop on the street but that's the pet owners responsibility. I like the trash valet I just wish it was more convenient for me. It's just been a month but so far so good.

Current Resident 680281

Resident • 2009 - 2012

I have been a resident at Estancia at Shadow Lake since November 2009. During that time I have never encountered any problems from neighbors or the property management team. Estancia is a well managed and maintained property that is conveniently located to several near by stores and restaurants. Honestly anytime that I have had a maintenance request it has been attended to promptly and effectively. To say the least I am quite pleased with my residency.

RJ_Raul_Ramirez

Resident • 2006 - 2012

To be honest, I believe Estancia is a well associated home with plentiful social neighbors in regards to the simply everyone I know so far. Estancia is well capable of holding a successful apartment and making most of this society content based on its construction and choice of acceptance in these apartments. This unique environment obtains features that many other homes do not have such as a car-wash facility, a friendly-like volleyball court, etc. This is a satisfying place for me to live on and am proud of the years I've spent with it. Sincerely, Raul(RJ)and Parents from Estancia

spiveylynda

Resident • 2010 - 2012

I have been here for 2years, with no problems,and i plan on continuing living here,as long as my Rent price is within my means!! But try them, I guarentee you will like it there!! Thanks, See u there soon!!!

Current Resident 429181

Resident • 2012

I truly enjoy living here at Estancia. The apartments are spacious and very clean. Everyone in the front office is always welcoming and willing to help in any matter they can. Our complex always remains clean and well kept!!

IrichOspN

Resident • 2012

Estancia was fine for the money, stayed 6 Months. It's about 200 cheaper than the next places directly around, so you get what you pay for. Nevery had any major problems. Never saw any violence, never saw any hookers or terrorist or whatever else these crazy people are writing on here. Friendly staff. Pool could be cleaner. And they had some parking issues for a while and my car was towed, but they fixed that with the permits. Now they bumped the rent up, and we're simply moving somewhere else. There's nothing wrong at all with Estancia though.

HTWNSMASHER01

Resident • 2012

THIS IS THE WORST EXPENSIVE PROPERTY I HAVE EVER LIVED!!!! MANAGEMENT HAVE THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR ANY ISSUE U MAY HAVE HERE NO EMPATHY OR SYMPATHY FOR UR LIVING COMFORT JUST EMOTIONLESS!!!! I HAVE MICE AND COCKROACHES COMING FROM MY GARAGE IN THE WALLS EXTERMINATORS HAVE BEEN OUT HERE TWICE NO ISSUE RESOLUTION. VALET TRASH IS A RIP OFF THEY DID NOT TAKE MY TRASH FOR MONTHS AND ITS MANDATORY 25.00 A MONTH COME TO FIND OUT U NEED THERE SPECIAL TRASH CAN THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO PROVIDE AT THE DAY OF MOVE IN MANAGEMENT BLAME ME FOR NOT HAVING ONE WHEN I WENT TO COMPLAIN FOR PAYING FOR SERVICE THAT I WAS NOT RECEIVING STATING THAT I WAS SUPPOSE TO DEMAND A TRASH LIKE I WORK FOR ESTSANCIA ITS THERE JOB TO TAKE CARE OF U AND THEY PUT THE BLAME ON U AND ALSO THREAT U WITH LATE FEES FOR TRASH AND EVICTION LIKE 25.00 IS THE WHOLE ISSUE ITS CRAP OF SERVICE THAT THEY PROVIDE I HAVE ONLY BEEN HERE 4 MONTHS AND IM ALREADY REQUESTED A NOTICE TO TERMINATE MY LEASE THIS PROPERTY HAVE POTENTIAL BUT NEW MANAGEMENT IS THE CAUSE PPL ARE MOVING OUT EVERY OTHER WEEK CORPORATE NEEDS TO GET ON THE BALL AND READ THESE HORRIBLE REVIEWS THIS PROPERTY IS RECEIVING THEY NEED TO CLEAN HOUSE OR SELL THIS TO BETTER MANAGEMENT O YEA AND IF U THINK I,M LYING LOOK AT THE PIC OF THE MOUSE HERE IN MY HOME DOWN AT THE BOTTOM THIS PLACE SUCKS THIS IS NOT A PLACE TO CALL HOME IM TAKING MY 1200.00 A MONTH AND TAKING IT TO A PROPERTY WITH GOOD REVIEWS THAT CARE CAUSE THIS IS SOME BULL!!!!!!

SEWOH1247

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Complete --------. Looks nice compared to some of the "hood" apartments but it isn't. There are hookers, drug dealers, jiggs, muslims, and cockroaches. Just last month my wallet was stolen out of my car. I know, my fault for leaving it there around these savages. Cant wait until i come home and they're in my apartment, only then will justice be served, with my .45. HUGE COCKROACHES!!

Current Resident 663824

Resident • 2011 - 2012

This is what they call "Luxury" Living and this is what $25 a month mandatory "valet trash" gets you! There is literally trash pouring out of the compactor, on the stairs, under the stairs, down the parking spaces....and this is at the FRONT of the complex. It is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!!! These pics were taken from the morning and throughout the day...even though the ones at night are dark you can see how the mounds of trash sitting ON THE SIDEWALK has continued to grow! I havent had my trash "valet picked up" in days, I have had to take my trash to the compactor myself!

Grateful0911

Resident • 2010 - 2012

Trash Problem

I have spoke to Dollie and her staff on numerous occasions about the trash at the dumpster. Residents are throwing trash on the ground vs. putting it in the dumpster. I feel it will eventually turn into a breeding ground for rodents and other creatures. Management is not helpful, but was quick to react when someone stole the rental check from their dropbox. I can't wait to move out! Maintenance men are lazy, never see them walking the grounds. The managers before this group were outstanding.

cologne02

Resident • 2012

VERY BAD PLACE TO LIVE NOW

This place is getting worse by the day and the management is not helping. Car got vandalized in this complex and I was told by manager that it was an isolated event and they were not obliged to notify other residents. Hopefully this doesnt happen to someone else.

Current Resident 282311

Resident • 2012

Not a bad place to live.....

Okay, first of all are things I like about this apartment. I like that the outside of the apartments themselves look professional. I like that the playground is adequate and that you are not far away from any stores that you need. Overall, to me, this is a pretty good place to live. I like valet trash pickup. A lot of apartments do not have this luxury and it is nice not to have to walk a long way to throw away your trash. Things that I don't like about the apartment. I do not like the amount of dog doo on the grounds but of course, like another person said, that is the responsibility of the residents here and in my opinion, if you can't pick up your dog's excretions, then you shouldn't have a dog. I do not like the parking. There is too many residents and too little parking spots. I do not like the amount of trash that is left on the grounds. Trash pickup to me is everyone's responsibility. If you drop something, pick it up.

DorianStandberry

Prospect • Visited 2012

I'm loving it here at Estancia!

I don't see what all the fuss is about with the other reviews but I'm loving this place. The apartments are very diverse with all kinds of races who all happen to be in the engineer and medical field like myself. I picked this place with the help of the leasing agent Terrance who helped me get into my new home. I moved from out of town not even being in Texas but he put me at peace with the decision I was making. I have been in this complex for a few months now. I have a huge floor plan with a great place. The office staff has been awesome and I only have had minor service requests that were fixed quickly. I'm glad they have private garages and the 24 hour gym. I see they have been doing many updates which I'm more than happy about. The only thing I will agree about with the previous review is the dog poo clean up. It could be better but doesn't that start with us residents. They provide the bags and containers but folks are too lazy to clean it up.

Current Resident 819993

Resident • 2011

UPDATE: Reading all the negative reviews is a little worrying as I'm a resident here, however based on my experience I still stand by my review below. I live in Block 1 it would be interesting to know in which blocks all this activity ( drug dealing, prostitution, break ins etc ) are taking place. PARKING: Recently Estancia have sent us a note that they will be issuing Parking Permits for all residents and any vehicles seen without one will be towed away at the owners expense. This should hopefully resolve the parking space issue, however what worries me is that it's still relatively easy for a non resident to enter the complex. I've seen so many cars waiting by the gates to tail gate behind a resident that enters. Security needs to be tight especially at night. TRASH / DOG POOP - There is a valet trash service. Management have provided us with garbage cans and residents are supposed to place their rubbish in a bag inside the garbage can provided and leave it outside their door between 6-8 pm. There is a system in place, if residents aren't following then management need to fit cameras and impose fines. This needs to be dealt with as we can't have trash lying around same goes for those pet owners who don't pick up their dog poop. ------ / DRUG DEALING / PROSTITUTES / ' MUSLIMS ?? - You have to be seriously racist and ignorant to mention Muslims as a reason for being put off by an apartment complex. Houston has a multi cultural community and there are people of all races in every apartment complex so if that's not to your linking there's always the jungle !! As far as the other issues go if the complaints are all genuine then management need to wake up and come up with a strategy to deal with these issues in their specific areas as it's clearly not the entire complex. I live in Block 1 and have never witnessed any criminal type activity or trash lying around etc etc. There does seem to be a communication breakdown between the leasing office and residents. Security seems to be a cause for concern. Management need to step up and take these issues seriously rather than sweeping them under the carpet in the hopes that they will fade away. They threw a pool party last Saturday. How about a residents meeting informing us of what steps you're taking to deal with the residents concerns ? Having thought about it my previous review was a little too harsh. The minor issues and problems we faced initially could have been avoided with a little more effort on communication from staff but I'm glad to say all is now resolved. So here's a refreshing update : Dog Poop: Pets seems to be under control it's been clean around our block. This is the pet owners responsibility, however if residents don't follow the rules that's when management need to step in. Maintenance: So far they've delivered within 48 hours but if the problem requires further attention this may take more time. Property Maintenance : Very clean, the entrance to the property is particularly impressive and beautiful. Safety: Absolutely no problems so far. I haven't witnessed any fights or so called drug dealers and police cars around, it's actually a peaceful complex. Location: So central to everything 2 mins away from Westheimer, we're surrounded by shops, grocery stores,a 15 min drive to Galleria. The property has a 24H Gym, Nice Pool and Business Center. Pegasus have taken over this property and I guess when new management take over implementing changes and introducing new rules to existing tenants takes time and one needs to be a little patient with that. In summary we're enjoying it here now and I hope it stays this way.

kriskue

Resident • 2012

------ apartments

When my husband and I first moved in everything was great. Sandra (leasing consultant) helped us with the lease agreements, she even helped us find a parking spot nearby so we could unload our stuff. Well 3 weeks later we met the new manager, unfortunately because my husbands car got stolen RIGHT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT! We went to Dolly (the manager) and she said that the video camera's in the front do NOT work, however I spoke to Sandra, and what do you know, the camera's do in fact work. They state that there is a courtesy officer who comes by, I have never seem him or her. Even after my husband's car got stolen, management did not find the need to notify everyone of the situation so they too could be on the safe side. Well Sandra had gotten bumped up to assistant manager. She would work way past closing hours, and just a few short weeks later she no longer worked there, given the fact that Sandra has worked here way before the new management took over. There are drug dealers here (my neighbor) the gate is always broken because people feel the need to ram the gate with their car, especially those who do not live here. The walls are very thin. It is so thin that I can here my neighbor's alarm clock go off at 4:30 AM EVERYDAY! Swarms of cops are here at least once or twice a month because of a fight breaking out, and there is NEVER any parking spots. This place has really gone down the drain since Sandra has left. I hate talking to the newer employees here because not one of them know how to handle any situation. For instance, I had put in a work order to fix my leaky kitchen faucet, one of the employees said that someone would come the same day to fix it...nope...it took them a week before anyone did anything about it. Also they don;t like to keep employees employed too long, Since Dolly has been here as the new management, I have not seen any employees more than twice. I absolutely hate it here and we are planning on leaving as soon as our lease is up.

Elle77077

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Going down-hill

I used to be pretty happy here, but it just keeps going down-hill. First, the management: As far as the office, yes, it is prettier with a fresh coat of paint and thousands of dollars spent at Ashley Furniture. The new staff seem nice. I have had good experiences with Al. The turn-over at this office is extremely high. I moved in less than 1 year ago and only one person has lasted through-out that time, Sandra. Sandra was awesome and truly an advocate for residents... But, she "no longer works here," as I found out this past weekend. I have not met the new manager in-person, but have experienced her via e-mail. Upon giving notice that I would be moving out, I never got a response from her. I had to go into the office (not convenient as I travel for work every week) to verify they had received my notice and finally received an unprofessional e-mail from the manager. Parking is kind of a problem. I have a garage, so I always have a space, but there are so many cars lining the curb all around my garage that getting out of it can be quite difficult. Maintenance: The maintenance has become a joke. Maintenance used to be prompt, taking 24-36 hours, at the most. Now it has come to a screeching halt. It took 156 hours (yes, that's nearly 1 week) to replace the lightbulb in my kitchen... and that was after my third contact with the office requesting it to be fixed. The past few months have also presented a new low in the grounds appearance. There are constantly garbage cans all along the breezeways on non-trash days. This used to be maintained via the resident receiving a note reminding them of the valet trash days, but now the trash just sits out there for days, making a mess (torn up by animals) and causing an odor, in some cases. This also attracts animals to the area. There is also litter all over the grounds. People will set a half-eaten cake on the grass or a deflated air mattress will sit at the entrance to the breezeway. There are also Wal-Mart shopping carts sitting by the stairs and they are there for over a week. The appearance is just so trashy, thanks to all the trash literally sitting around. You may also notice that there are ants running around the breezeways and going up the stairs. They also like to go into the apartments. The bug guy will do as much as he can in the apartment, but there appears to be no effort to rid them from the exterior, so it is impossible to keep them from repeatedly gaining access to the apartment. When I moved into the apartment, I was told that there was a schedule for air filter replacement, every several months... that never happened. That thing is absolutely filthy. The one thing I do not miss about the old management is the constant visits into my apartment to check this or that. Residents: The residence here are pretty nice, but not ideal as far as volume and cleanliness. The number of unattended children is alarming. There were a group of kids under the age of 10 running aroundand yelling in the parking lot at 1:30am a few months ago. Two weeks ago I experienced a kid who was on the curve of the stairs between floors 2 and 3 in the breezeway and he had climbed on top of the iron railing and was talking to his friends down on the play ground, while they looked up in shock, because the kid looked like he was about to fall 25 feet onto concrete. There were no parents anywhere in the playground area. Dog poop is everywhere, despite the large amounts of cleaning stations. Avoid the grass at all costs. People park poorly. They leave their trash out by the doorstep on non-trash days, litter the grounds, and steal shopping carts from Wal-Mart to be parked in the middle of a breezeway, parking spot, or in the grass. They can be very loud. My upstairs neighbors liked to listen to loud music, fight and have very loud make-up sex. So I would come home to some crappy 90s song being blarred loudly enough for me to hear the words, then wake-up at 2am on a weekday to some chick screaming the F-bomb and doors slamming and a week later at 4am, it would should like the filming of a B-grade horror film. The side neighbors cannot be heard so easily. If they have a phone right next to your connecting wall, you will hear it. If you are in the bathroom and it is along-side another apartment's bathroom, you can hear your neighbors getting onto their kids about brushing their teeth in the morning. The note writer: Whomever wrote the anonymous note that everybody is freaking out about seems to have already tried going to the manager. That doesn't always work for everybody and I think they were trying to warn other people. It's just their opinion. I personally disagree as far as safety... I feel pretty safe at Estancia (not extremely safe, but not scared as I walk out to my car). I do get annoyed about the gates not working frequently, but one must remember that gates are for privacy, not security. The crime is not terrible in this area. Katrina has definitely brought an increase in undesireable tenants to a previously good part of town.

Current Resident 328937

Resident • 2010 - 2012

Good and quiet community!

I, as many others who wrote a review in response to an anonymous letter we received from a neighbor resident, have been a resident at Estancia since 2010. I honestly cannot say that everything he/she wrote in that letter is true. I actually feel very safe living here. The property is very quiet and well lit. The gates were at one point wide open day/night for about 2 weeks and I have to admit that it did bother me. It gave full access for anyone to come into the property. However, they're now up and working and everything seems fine. For as long as I have been here, I have never heard of anyone's home or vehicle being vandalized. Maintenance is great! They always fix our service requests if not the same day, right the next day. Parking is a bit of an issue if you get home past 7 pm but then again, if we want a reserved parking space, we can always pay for a garage! Come on people, we live in an apartment community! Overall, I find Estancia a great place to live! Our neighbors are very friendly and its a very quiet community. I hardly ever go into the office so I don't have much to say about the office staff. Whenever I have called to speak to someone, they have always been prompt and polite. If whoever wrote that anonymous letter has so many issues and concerns then why not speak up and voice them to the manager? Other then that, if you are so unhappy and have so many complaints, why dont you just move? I'm sure no one is forcing you to live here.

Current Resident 308725

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Horrible Place To Live

This place has gone from bad to worse in one year. The staff is unresponsive to whatever you are having a problem with. Dirty trash all over the place since trash pickup (Valet Service) so call my trash and all neighbors sit there without pickup. Cats pick at it until you have to go somewhere and dump it. Unhealthy pool and characters hanging around. Not safe for women with children. Try to avoid this place. We are getting the! H! Out of it.Management here is non-existan.

ELATEDESTANCIARESIDENT

Resident • 2012

PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK!

I am a present resident of Estancia at Shadowlake. I am in the process of renewing my lease AGAIN! I have been a resident for nearly over three years. I am in receipt of the letter sent anonymously by one of my/our fellow residents. I found this letter to be ill-fated, underhanded and vicious. I understand as residents we feel anonymous is better and that may work when reporting loud noise because you never want to agitate your neighbors and suffer unforeseen consequences. In case like this, I think going to Dollie and/or her team would have been more respectful and appropriate. The letter was simply wrong! It was a clear attack and offered no solution so what was the point? If you have ever engaged in a conversation with Dollie you would observe she is very aware and proactive about the changes required in the community. Dollie inherited an overwhelming feat at best. I was left with a horrendous rent issue from Flournoy Management. I tried to deal with them and it was as if they fell off the face of the earth. Dollie and Sandra aggressively helped me with this issue until it was fully resolved. For this, I will always be grateful! Does anyone realize the number of issues Dollie and her team had to clear up before she/they could even get their feet planted in order to move forward in the community? The letter offered no solutions. It s always easier to throw stones from a glass house. We first need to look at some of the things contributed by fellow residents. I can t count the number of times I have observed pet owners walking their dogs and the not thinking of picking up their feces. Also, putting out trash without the designated container which results in pets tearing up the trash and it staying there until maintenance picks it up. So, is it OK, for me as your fellow resident to be subjected to the smell of your dogs feces as I prepare to sit on my patio and read a book? Or walk over your trash to get to or into my home? Let s be reasonable. Did you think of the impression the new residents would have from a letter that served no proactive purpose? I guess blaming Dollie works in these instances. I offer some input to the new residents/my new neighbors. Estancia at Shadowlake has always had a dignified feel, a feel of professionalism and an impressive look for the community. There are instances where we look out for one another day-to-day, when we travel out of town and just as neighbors. Was there any consideration given of how to make things better? How to embrace Dollie and her team? How to sit down and express the issues? How to point out the declining issues that are affecting the community? Is this how you handle your home? You just stir the pot and leave it? This is our home, this is our community and Dollie is our leader. She and her team deserve respect. If the truth be told, the turnover rate in the office has always been high. I have been here nearly over three years and have worked with as many managers. Can you count how many co-managers Sharise had? Let s not bring up leasing agents. It doesn t matter if the change in management was six hours, six days, six months or six years relationships have to be built for anything to be functional; its letters of this nature that tear relationships and communities apart. We can only make the best of this in order to improve our community. Dollie and team, there are people here who stand with you, are here for you and most of all welcome you. You will know this people because they will make themselves and their intentions known. Those who feel they have to be anonymous in situations like this will ride out in the night and never contribute to the betterment of this community. Dollie just keep holding on its always worse before the storm! This is another situation where it takes a village . Sincerely, Elated Estancia Resident (You know who I am :))