The View at Sapphire Bay

Michelle_M747

Resident • 2024 - 2025

THE VIEW AT SAPPHIRE BAY BAD REVIEW VS 5 STAR REVIEW

I would like to share my experience at this outstanding property. I have resided here for an extended period and have consistently encountered exceptional service from Carrie, Cathy, and Janie. They have demonstrated kindness, professionalism, and a responsiveness that truly sets them apart. For instance, during a difficult time when my dog passed away, Carrie reached out with a heartfelt message expressing her sympathy. Such personal gestures are rare and reflect a genuine commitment to tenant well-being. From the initial viewing to the approval process and my move-in, my experience has been outstanding. I would rate The View at Sapphire Bay six stars if possible, as it is a wonderful place to live. The staff exemplifies excellent customer service, and the community is diverse and welcoming. Thank you, Carrie, Cathy, and Janie, for your outstanding support and dedication. Best regards, Michelle M.

Prospective Resident 464142

Prospect • Visited 2025

Do Not Rent Here

I toured The View at Sapphire Bay on Friday, July 25, 2025, hoping to find a new home. Over the following days, I had several interactions with their leasing and management staff, including phone conversations on Saturday, July 26, and Monday, July 28. Unfortunately, this entire experience was marked by unprofessionalism, pressure tactics, and poor customer care, for which I hold Zale Properties fully accountable. My Experience: • During my tour on July 25, the leasing team, including Janie Gonzalez, pressured me to apply immediately after the tour, despite me still processing the information and without proper transparency on the application process. I did not have my physical ID, yet instead of accepting a digital copy, I was required to hand over my personal phone, which was held by staff until the end of the tour. This felt invasive and unnecessary. • Despite my reservations, I submitted a $225 application fee in good faith. • When I followed up on July 26 and July 28, I spoke with Carrie Schneider, the Property Manager. The phone calls were shocking in their disrespect and lack of professionalism: • Carrie was dismissive, rude, and aggressive. • She told me, “You shouldn’t have even applied here.â€� • She used unprofessional language and raised her voice repeatedly. • When I questioned the refund of my application fee, Carrie promised in writing via email that I would receive a full refund of the $225. However, this refund has still not been issued. • On July 28, I also spoke with Karen (last name unknown), another on-site property manager, who followed up but continued to display a defensive and unprofessional tone rather than focusing on resolving the issue. Additional Concerns: • The unit I was shown had visible spider webs on the balcony, which is unacceptable for a community advertising itself as “luxury.â€� • The property lacks basic amenities such as a fitness center or pool, yet the rent for a one-bedroom unit is nearly $2,000 per month, justified only by its lakefront view. • Multiple calls and voicemails to Zale Properties’ corporate office remain unanswered. The main phone line leads to voicemail with no clear process for follow-up. • Honest negative reviews appear to be filtered, removed, or buried. Family members and associates who submitted reviews from emails and reported posts disappearing shortly after publication. Summary: This experience reflects poorly on the leadership and values of Zale Properties. The behavior of staff like Janie Gonzalez and Carrie Schneider, along with the lack of corporate responsiveness, indicates systemic issues in training, professionalism, and respect for prospective residents. If this is how applicants are treated before move-in, I can only imagine the issues renters face once signed in. To Zale Properties Leadership and Ownership: I urge you to thoroughly investigate and address these concerns, especially the conduct of Carrie Schneider and Janie Gonzalez. The handling of this situation, including the failure to promptly refund a paid application fee and the dismissive, aggressive communication, is unacceptable. I expect immediate corrective action, transparency, and a refund as promised.