REO Flats

I was one of the first people to move into REO Flats, back when it was still under Madrona management. It was a great place to live. Management was really helpful and it felt like they really cared about your experience. The rooftop has really great views, albeit the gym is quite subpar (no windows and little equipment). I’ve lived in several apartments, and I have to say this was one of the nicest due to combination of location and management. That all changed when REO Flats was bought by Greystar. They immediately fired all the leasing agents and replaced them. Thankfully they kept maintenance (shoutout to Azad, who is amazing). The new management was both unhelpful and rude. Often I would email them about a problem or packages only to get a reply days later or sometime never at all. 70% of the time I would go to the leasing office, it would be closed with no one in sight (when it was during office hours).
Those issues, while annoying, were not the worst of it. When I had a question about my rent, the leasing agent had no idea what to do and advised that I met with the property manager, Kevin. I asked when he would be into the office and the reply was «he rarely comes, usually he spends his time at Greystar’s other property, Sunset Electric». I then asked to make an appointment and they said they couldn’t give me his contact information but to keep checking in. I did that a few times to no avail, each time they said they would pass on my name and number to him. I never got a call back. It took me a month (I kid you not) to finally speak with him. He treated my concerns about my lease and the property callously and made no effort to address or even acknowledge any of my concerns.
Now that I’ve moved out, I am getting exorbitantly charged for unexpected move-​out and re-​painting fees. I tried to call and inquire about the nature of these fees and was told that I need to deal with another office who now handles moved out tenants (in case you were wondering, it took me 7 calls before someone answered during office hours).
There are many nice new apartments in Capital Hill. I’d suggest those in the market for an over-​priced apartment in the area, spend your money elsewhere.
UPDATE: I reached out to Greystar’s account receivables department to discuss my move-​out charges and had the misfortune of speaking with Julieana. I asked her numerous times over email to help explain the move-​out charges and she would continually reply back with random sections of my lease highlighted that did not even relate to the charges that were shown. I called her to try to get a clearer understanding and had the absolute worst customer service I have ever experienced. During our phone conversations, she was extremely unprofessional and rude, often times even yelling during a call or resorting to name-​calling. I didn’t think my experience with REO Flats and Greystar Management could have gotten worse, but it did. At this point, it’s worth my sanity to just pay the unlawful move-​out fees to be done with the terrible establishment that is Greystar. For the future, hopefully this Unilocal review will stop anyone who is on the fence about living here.

The REO is a nice building, but since the new building management company (Greystar) has taken over, things have gone a bit downhill. The building common areas used to be cleaned daily. Now, the lobby is almost always unclean… fingerprints on doors, and crumbs on the floor. Little things, I know, but it’s the small details that matter to me. REO does have a great location, one positive aspect.

In response to Jenny K., while I agree that it may appear that Greystar came in and changed things quickly with new rules, they did so because of all the complaints that Madrona was not taking care of during their management.
I’ve lived here since October of 2014 and there are residents «DORMING» it up on my floor, yelling at all hours of the night, slamming the doors, and having loud parties. It’s disrespectful to us all and actually against the community policies found in our leases. I also might add it’s against the law and a tenant can be evicted after 3 complaints in 12 months. (see excerpt from
below)
I’ve seen many a party on the rooftop where broken glass was all over the ground, beer bottles, trash, food ground into the clubhouse floors and carpet, and even clothes hanging from the ceiling. How disrespectful is that to all of us tenants who have to live around a bunch of teenager slobs who could care less about the other tenants in the building. What about Azad and Hater (maintenance) that have to clean up after these disrespectful tenants?
Greystar is only following up on all the complaints that Madrona didn’t handle and actually holding tenants to their lease agreement. Also the 12:00 am rule for the rooftop being closed has always been there and even posted on the roof; however Madrona didn’t follow it’s own rules. Can you imagine being a tenant on the 7^th floor and having to listen to all the parties from the rooftop especially with summer getting closer?
I’m personally glad they are cleaning house and actually feel like they could be harder on these tenants. I’m still not getting any reprieve from the «dormers» on my floor, I’m losing sleep, and my quality of life is being sacrificed because of some inconsiderate tenants.
It’s unfortunate that it has to effect all the good tenants and you are losing your ability to head to the clubhouse after hours and relax. I’m sure we all wish it were different, but the few bad seeds ruined it for everyone. Management wouldn’t have to do this if there wasn’t a reason to act and make it a more peaceful place for the other residents.
Here’s what Seattle City police state according to Seattle Municipal Code 25.08.505:
«RESIDENTIAL DISTURBANCE ORDINANCE
What can I do about loud & rowdy house parties?
Seattle Municipal Code 25.08.505: It is unlawful for any person to knowingly allow real property under one’s possession or control to be used for a residential disturbance, as defined in SMC Section 25.08.225
Seattle Municipal Code 25.08.225:
„Residential disturbance“ means a gathering of more than one (1) person at a residential property located in a single family or multifamily zone, as defined SMC Section 23.84.048 between the hours of 10:00 P.M., (11:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday nights) and 7:00 A.M., at which noise associated with the gathering is frequent, repetitive or continuous and is audible to a person of normal hearing at a distance of seventy-​five (75) feet or more from the property.
Penalties: Officers may issue a civil infraction (citation) on the spot. The fine for the infraction is $ 250. A person who continues to be in violation of this ordinance after receiving an infraction or who again violates this ordinance within 24 hours of receiving an infraction, can be charged with a crime. If found guilty, a judge may impose a maximum sentence of up to 180 days incarceration in jail, and/​or a fine up to $ 500.
In addition to criminal penalties, the property owner is notified when a tenant or other person has received more than one citation. A residential property at which 3 or more violations have occurred within a 12-​month period may constitute a nuisance and be subjected to an abatement action provided that the person (s) responsible for the violation were residents of the same housing unit during this time. If the property owner does not take action to evict the tenant responsible for the 3 violations or otherwise abate further violations, the court may prohibit the property owner from renting the property.»

Alright, this is an update to my previous post, which was less than stellar (sorry REO). But when someone makes repeated attempts to make things right, I’m totally won over.
REO went through a bumpy transition from the beloved management at Madrona to Greystar, an out-​of-​town professional management company that seemed cold when they first arrived. I attribute this partly being due to the fact that we were given absolutely no warning, whatsoever, that there would be a change in management. And the communication during the transition was not the best. This was followed by several updates and changes to certain policies, which was frustrating for a lot of the residents.
Now that Greystar is here, there are still some things that would be great to get ironed out. But I’m confident that this will happen, as they kept on one of the most competent management folks, Azad, who knows all the tenants by name (and their pets as well). Azad has kept things running smoothly and has been a really nice touchstone for the tenants.
I’m also happy to see the Greystar folks smiling, remembering our names, and making a concerted effort to get to know the residents. Sometimes, when I’m in a hurry, I feel a little embarrassed that I can’t always return their warm overtures as I rush out the door. However, to give you an example: I had the worst. possible. day. It was one of those marathon days at work, and I ended up walking home in the rain, to boot. The friendly gal at the front desk gave me a warm smile and said, «you’re home now.» And you know what? It certainly felt that way.
Manager Kevin has also been addressing me by name, holding doors open, and generally just being a nice guy.
There are a couple of things I really don’t like, but I can live with them, I suppose. My chief complaint is that I can’t use the upstairs late at night to get work done. (I work odd hours and it’s nice to get away from being stuck in your apartment all night.) And that if I have to walk my dog in the middle of the night, it’s an ordeal.
Using the dog area late at night was a major convenience (and selling point) when I considered REO, and I’m one of those lazy bums who throws a sweatshirt on over her pajamas and then crawls back into bed after I take the dog out. Also, the Hill is still the Hill. It’s a city, and going out late at night isn’t always super safe. So I don’t like seeing someone getting arrested, or another person using drugs in front of REO at 2:00 am. However, as a city-​dweller, it’s not really that bad.
Anyway, this is all to say that REO has a few kinks to iron out. but is really on its way to cultivating a great community where I enjoy living. There are also some cool new people who have recently moved in. I will probably stay put when my lease is up.

After moving our daughter in REO Flats, we are happy with the location, great walking distances for dining and most all other needs. Safe environment and clean. Staff is friendly to work with!

— Reo is a hidden gem in Capitol Hill
It’s been two years since I moved to Seattle. I moved here out of state with nothing planned, and I can assure you that I’ve visited most of the leasing offices in Belltown and Capitol Hill.
First of all, from a guy coming from the east coast, I must say I was shocked that Seattle didn’t seem to be really effected by the housing crisis at all. No. Not in the ‘pacific northwest’. There are literally constructions EVERYWHERE and new apartment buildings are putting up leasing signs every day. It’s hard to find a good one when there are new flashy ones popping up every day.
In a huge stream of new apartments, one thing I noticed is most of the apartments are rushed to construction, and comes with a high price tag and phony modern architecture tailored to all the yuppie transplants out of state.
Then I found REO Flats. It was perfect. Not too upscale and posh, and best of all, great space management and just. ‘Smarter’.
As a full time working student, there are only few very important things I look in a apartment.
1. Washer/​Dryer in Unit (Saves time and money)
2. Grocery stores close by. (Saves time and money)
3. Energy efficiency and insulation. (You get the idea)
What I loved the most was that Reo had three major grocery stores around it’s mile radius. Nice restaurants and bars in ever block away. Energy efficient washer/​dryer and dish washer in every unit.
Here’s something more important I wanted to mention.
Reo flats has LED lights in every unit.
Led light bulbs cost more but uses less electricity and last longer. And the fact that they included them in the not only the elevators and hallways but also the units, shows how much they care in detail.
The units are beautiful with high floor to ceiling windows which is a trend right now, and I particularly love the staff here. In the leasing office Ms. Kim Storment, and Eben Corliss always cheerful and pleasent. Very cool people. I had few incidents where I needed the staffs help and they were always more than happy to help. So different from what I experienced in belltown.
I love this apartment…
Now the few drawbacks, the parking garage is tighter than most apartments so that is something to look out for. And another thing is not really a bad thing but the apartments are very new. Roof top lounge is still to be finished with new furnitures. Also the restaurant located in the first floor of the apartment is still in construction and may cause some noise during the day.

Great location! You can walk anywhere in the city. The view is the best I have ever seen of Seattle. The leasing agents and management is wonderful. Real people who actually listen to you. I would recommend Reo to anyone. I’m happy with it.

As the second person to move in to the REO Flats, I have had quite a bit of time and experience with the community and building, and they are fantastic.
The location is great, I love being able to walk to get a drink or dinner without being directly in the middle of the bustle. The rooftop deck has views of the water and downtown, and I have never had any problems with the gym being too crowded. The building seems to be insulated very well, as I have never had an issue with noise coming from my neighbors.
Kim Storment was especially helpful in my leasing process, as she was my point of contact and leasing agent. This was my first lease in Seattle, and she made the process a breeze. She walked me through the process and was always available for my minute and silly questions. As a very detail oriented person, it was very important to me to have good communication through every step of the process. Kim didn’t feel pushy, the conversations were very comfortable and I never felt like I was being pressured. She did an excellent job.
Eben has also been very helpful to me in my time at REO Flats, and is a very concise and hard working agent.
I only have the best of things to say about both the staff and the building of REO Flats, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice, new apartment on Capitol Hill.

I moved out here pretty much on a whim from Philly and shopped around Seattle for a week before choosing on Reo Flats. Honestly, when we first saw the apartment, we knew this was the one, but we didn’t realize how great it would be. We have been here now for about 3 months, and we love it. The little problems we had were solved within a day and Kim, Eben, Azad and the team are all fantastic. We absolutely love living here and if we knew people who needed a place to stay and there was an opening we would recommend Reo Flats right away!