I am evaluating a move to Camas for work. I inquired online to the pricing of the units. The reply email contained the sheet with all monthly move in and rental fees. I called in to confirm unit availability, to find out they are completely sold out. Must be a good place.
I received an email today about an upcoming available unit. I called in to confirm the details of the price and spoke with Jackie. It must have been one of Jackie's first few calls, because I could hear the shuffle of papers as she collected her thoughts to discuss the unit.
I mentioned that I did not see a deposit required to move in, but a list of fees. So I asked about the Move In fee of $400 and what it entailed. I was informed that it is a "non-refundable fee to refurbish the unit upon my departure". Nothing more. I am living in San Francisco, and it does not cost the apartments here that much to "refurbish".
I said we have a cat, so asked if the $750 pet fee was refundable, or at least a portion of it. Jackie said it was a "non-refundable upfront fee." Nothing more. Being the first I heard of a non-refundable pet "fee", and of this high price, my silence on the phone must have triggered the self-imposed explanation from Jackie. She offered without question that "every other place charges a monthly fee, so we just charge it up front. Every place, Peter, must find a way to meet their budget." I informed her that most places in the area charge somewhere around $25/mo. On a 12 month lease, which is what we are considering, it comes out to be $60+/mo at your rate. Jackie's response, "well, that is what we charge." No enlightenment of horror stories, or the such, that would garner such a ridiculous price, nor any reason to the randomness of the figure. Are they replacing the entire floor when I leave, or what?
I asked Jackie if either of these fees were negotiable, as would any person looking to find the best value before paying retail. She replied, "no, they are not." Nothing more.
Either Jackie lacks the ability to negotiate, her managers do not allow her to, or this place must think they are the only game in town. The unfortunate part of the whole experience was Jackie's gruff tone during the call. Although I was specific about the hurdles I needed to overcome to sign up, there was no class to Jackie's dialogue with a prospective tenant. One would think there would be reasoning to this price structure, and the leasing agents would be inclined to offer the value in this unorthodox model. I thanked Jackie for her time, and informed her that I would be in touch if we thought Grandview Place was the right fit for our move.
Jackie's response, "Psst..." Click. No "goodbye" or "good luck during your search."
Fortunately, I do not think Jackie represents the majority of people in the area. Typically, my experience with people during our search for a new home has been pleasant. We will continue the search for residency, but will ultimately scratch off Grandview Place from the list. read more