Samaras Associates INC

I was surprised to hear such negativity about Samaras/AcerNW. In reading thru the other reviews, it was interesting to read they were mostly renters, and not owners. I am an owner, and have been with them for many years. Initially, the experience was great. They really cared, had good property managers, and my tenants stuck around for several years, meaning they were happy where they were living. If I ever had a problem, I talked to the head guy directly, Harry, and he would resolve it. Very candid fellow. Lately, Harry has left due to health problems, and the office has gone downhill. And fast!! The property manager I had seemed to establish rapport with the tenants instead of working for me, was disorganized in her management of the property, the assets, and even the accounting. The new head manager there, Geri, tries to help, but only when convenient. She seems protective of her property managers even though her business relies solely on us, the owners and the renters. I've already taken away one property, and am considering taking away another. I can't speak for other companies, but this is certainly not the way I would run things. Other owners out there - look for another solution. This office won't be around much longer if they don't change their attitude towards all of us!! more

Having read the other negative reviews, we are surprised. We've been renting the same house for years and have had no problems with either the rental unit or the managers. In the years we've been here, the rent has gone up only 80 dollars. John is our manager. No problems at all. Pros: repairs and maintenance done quickly more

We decided to rent from Samaras Properties really not knowing what we were getting into. We moved into a house without a move in inspection and we were vacated from our property because of septic issues and black mold. We had a transfer of property managers half way through our three month stint there and they said it was due to the owners non-compliance with the property managers. We then found black mold in the house with an inspection and then a month later we were given a release from the current lease and the renewed lease. It was an absolute mess and would not recommend any one renting from them because they are unthorough. The office staff at Samaras was very helpful with the refund of the security deposit and forthcoming with our situation but it was a cluster. Cons: Slumlord, Black Mold more

I was stuck in a hard situation and was in need of an apartmart with in a week, I went onto craigslist found an ok looking apartment in west seattle and called the number provide which was to John, I stated in my message that I wanted to walk through and possible move the foloowing weekend, I have a 5 year old daughter and trying to ove out of my boyfriends place, I had to call back the next day and leave yet another message with him. I continued looking on craigslist and noticed that there was another listing but had his assistants name and number Lindsey, I called her told her my desperation and she said that he would call me, I waited all day and before 5 pm I called back agian (its very hard to find an ok apartment in west seattle for and ok price) she sounded very irratated with me told me that i was not the only one and basically just hung up. They are not a professional company at all. DO NOT RENT!!! more

We recently applied at one of Samaras group's properties. (1702 Dexter ave, Seattle, WA) We were accepted by the leasing agent. The terms were, 1,300 per month, 1,000 dollar deposit, both due at lease signing.\r \r Upon being accepted, we immediately were contacted by Samaras' agent John Yeung. He was very rude, and told us that; contrary to the advertisement in the paper and leasing agents email, (which we still had on file,) these were the terms:\r \r 1,300 deposit, 1,300 rent, and 1000 dollar dog deposit, (we dont have a dog.) When we told him we didn't have a dog, he still insisted that we pay 1000 dollar deposit for our 1 cat. Contrary to their site, ( samaras dot com/) where they state the pet deposit is 250.00.\r \r He stated that the full balance of the deposits, would be due BEFORE we even signed the lease, in the form of cash, cashiers check, or money order. And that no receipt would be given. He said it would be taken, ""in good faith,"" but that if the lease signing did not go through they would not be obligated to refund any of the money. Even though we had already been accepted, and put down most of the deposit.\r \r Finally I went to the head of the company, to request another agent to work with us. Instead of handling it, she handed it off to their broker, Harry Obedin. When I tried to explain the situation, he said, ""thats just how we do business."" I told him I wasn't comfortable giving that much money up, before we even signed the lease. I also did not understand why a post dated check, or paying in full on the move in date would be a problem. He basically called me a liar, threatened me, and the leasing agent who we dealt with. Finally I just told him I needed to get in touch with the tenants union. He immediately said, ""in that case, we won't rent to you."" According to him they don't accept tenant union members, or want renters who know their rights. \r \r DO NOT RENT FROM THIS COMPANY, THEY ARE SLUMLORDS. Cons: slumlords, accountability, illegal use of consumer info, refusal to abide by federal law more