Before moving into a new apartment community, it’s really important to do your homework. Unless you are really familiar with the area, or know someone who is, it can be difficult to determine what types of things to look for when researching a new apartment complex. Most developers will announce what they are “required” to show you. They will offer potential residents the basics: square footage of the units, utility information, prices and a host of other essential details.
In some cases, these developments will also provide you with an insight into what “kind” is moving in the community. However, this information can also be used to deceive potential residents into signing contracts. Fortunately, there are web sites online that are specifically designed for real residents to offer their three hundredths around the communities in which they live. But how reliable are these websites? Are they really a great help to someone who is thinking of moving into a new apartment complex?
Subjective opinions
One of the main problems with opinion-based rating systems is the concept of subjective opinion. People looking for different things are looking for a place to live. Thus, descriptions such as noisy, clean, safe are all words that can be represented at various levels. For example, a person who moved from a noisy city in the north may find that the sight of Atlantans “noisy” is only the daily police or ambulance siren(s). For he who is used to all noises, these sounds are only mild interruptions, if that.
Additionally, different standards of people “world”. Some seek the interiors and surroundings, so that they may remain perfectly unblemished at all times; Others can tolerate a “bit of debris” here or there. In addition, a person’s sense of safety may be completely contingent on the security of the apartment complex. But for some, simply being located in a more remote suburban area can mean security. One resident submitting a review on apartmentratings.com warned residents of potential safety issues due to the uncomfortable walking distance between the parking lot and their apartment door. But a resident’s perception of how dangerous other people (or other residents) are will certainly vary from person to person.
However, there are some concrete things to look out for while reading online apartment reviews. Things like insect infestation and lead issues are things that can be systematically considered prior to moving. Because of health issues, apartment complexes are required to ensure that insects are not a problem for residents; and certain plumbing concerns may be reported to county, state or other government officials. Major problems resulting in water waste (especially in light of the recent 2007 sica, in Georgia) will certainly be investigated In short, it’s important to understand what types of personality pet peeves you have, in order to make the opinions of others. It does not interfere with your coloring.
Bias
One thing to note on apartment rating websites is the ratio of good reviews to bad reviews. This is a solid test. Log on to any apartment review site and choose a community that is completely familiar to you. Note the number of bad reviews compared to the number of good ones. If you read between the lines in the many horror reviews, you may detect trends.
For example, another resident in Smyrna, Georgia (reviewing his community on apartmentratings.com) had legitimate complaints about actions taken by the complex after his unit was broken into. Later, however, in the review, the tedium about the management of certain properties of the workers continues;
“the assistant at the table [sp] looks like a crack head… all the rumors time and tell others about your business. ..”
The problem with this particular review is that, while the implant experience is true, it does not greatly reflect the type of treatment that the implant may have in the future. In fact, by the time the residents will even read the review, it should be the customer’s concern, not the company itself. Essentially, many disaffected residents use this anonymous online service to defame individuals with whom they have personal issues. Here’s another way to see it: Every time you go out of your way to contact management in business when the service provided to you is very good ?
Most people rarely ever look for restaurants or other businesses when their service is particularly good. In fact, public comment forums usually reveal more complaints than secondary responses; it’s just the nature of the beast. That’s why even the most luxurious apartment complexes found on internet sites have a significant number of “legitimate” complaints.
Timing
It’s also important to look through the reviews on time for some of the apartment developments. In metro Atlanta in particular, properties tend to be in quite a few different hands. Some communities report ownership at least twice a year. This means that the standards are likely to change for the better (or for the worse) depending on the new owners.
One way to look for a pass is to check out the apartment communities that the company owns. Look at their locations, the demographics of the people in the area, and the prices in the villages. These can tell you a lot about what values a particular company stands for.
Also, it is important to note that some residents may review their rooms after one or two special events. In fact, the same reviewers could have an improved live experience after an incident with faulty plumbing. But because many ignore the writing of positive reviews, readers will never find that those conditions have been improved.
Performance appraisals are great for getting a peek inside communities that may never be heard from. It is always good to hear first-hand accounts rather than relying solely on the sales of “hungry” management personnel. The first trick is to understand what you are looking for in an apartment community. Then understand that understanding and read carefully between the lines when using the customer’s apartment reviews as support.
