Lincoln Real Estate

This review relates to a poor interaction I had with one agent. The review has nothing to do with the quality of the properties (the apartments are beautiful). First of all, DO NOT APPLY FOR THESE APARTMENTS UNLESS YOU ARE 100% COMMITTED. One-​month deposit is required to apply. If you get accepted, the company sends you a lease packet. If you decide you do not want the apartment the company keeps this deposit– even if you haven’t signed the lease. Understand that the minute you sign the application you are committed financially. I share this because I did not understand this and I do not want anyone else to make the same costly error that I did.
In error, I thought I could get this deposit back. When I read through the paperwork I had signed, I realized I was in the wrong and could not. An agent returned my call and I was hoping to discuss where I went wrong in my understanding of the terms of the application. I accepted fault from minute one, shared I was not going to argue or blame or try to get my money back, and calmly started to ask my questions. My questions were immediately met with a defensive tone and the rest of the conversation carried on in very disrespectful manner. This agent insulted my intelligence (Me: «I’m trying to understand where I went wrong.» Agent: «Well where you went wrong was not reading»). He said that I was not serious about finding an apartment and I’m the reason companies need fees, «so people like you don’t waste my time and do whatever they want.» The tension was palpable so I apologized if I was coming off as confrontational and reiterated that I was in the wrong and was only seeking answers. At this point the agent said, «so you don’t want to argue but you’re still talking. Are you getting emotional?» Ladies and gentleman, I took the bait. I got «emotional.» I called the agent an asshole and hung up.
I can handle having my intelligence and motivations called into question– I just finished grad school for crying out loud, welcome to everyday of the last two years. But what I won’t tolerate is being labeled as «emotional» so someone can justify disregarding a voice they don’t want to hear. Am I wrong for thinking I could get my deposit back? Yep. Am I wrong or «emotional» or crazy because I have questions and want answers so I can avoid this in the future? No. The fact that the agent was rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional has nothing to do with my emotions
I recognize this is a Unilocal review and not a Jezebel article, I promise I’m almost done. This company prides itself on being family owned, operated, and oriented. That was really appealing to me, as I assumed people working with their mom, dad, sister, or brother would be helpful, respectful, and kind. Unfortunately my interactions with this one agent were none of the above. The poor customer service combined with the fact that you are required to pay a deposit that doesn’t hold your apartment and you don’t get back if you decide not to accept the lease makes this an agency a no-​go in my book.

Lincoln Apartments are kept in excellent condition as compared to other student housing in the area.

Wonderful apartments in the best location. Perfect for college students! Professional business and great care given to individuals and businesses. These folks really care about their work.

I’ve had a great experience with Lincoln Real Estate. The Prospect St. apartment building in Northampton is beautiful and well-​maintained, and the style is traditional with updated appliances.
The location couldn’t be better, and there’s plenty of street parking. The service requests have always been answered in a timely manner when I’ve had issues.
I’ve been in the area for a couple years now, and I think this is one of the most ideal housing spots. My home guests all agree!

There is nothing like a family business to make sure it’s residents feel comfortable and taken care of. Lincoln Real Estate continues to refine the business and listen to their customers. A very happy tenant!

Lincoln Real Estate is a nightmare to rent from. DO NOT RENT FROM THEM
We constantly received grammatically incorrect, misspelled, blunt and hostile email communications from their office regarding any and all aspects of our tenancy. It is a cutthroat first come first served process in renting, needing a security deposit, first and last months’ rent to secure the apartment as your own, current residents are given NO preference in renewing existing leases. You are forced into an 18 month lease, starting June 1 and finishing the following August 30^th, and as many students renting only need a 12 month lease, they are forcing you to pay the lease amendment/​termination fee.
Moving in there were clear signs of disrepair that had been ignored by the property owners and apparently previous tenants, exposed insulation, holes in the floorboards by door frames and no fan installed in the bathroom or kitchen resulting in mold growth and eventual rain damage as the ceiling leaked. Pertinent repairs were made quickly, but with short notice on timing and length of time needed for repairs.
Additionally I had grave concerns regarding the repayment of my apartment’s security deposit as Lincoln Real Estate/​Grandonico Properties ran into legal trouble this past year and have to pay fines to the town and none of my interactions with their staff gave me any reason to trust that they would be fair and reasonable following the laws regarding returning security deposits. (
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Additionally, the secretary Nancy and the owner Kathryn Grandonico solicited my roommates and I to give them a good review on Unilocal or Google+. Not only do I find this completely unprofessional, but they did not have positive relationships with us over the horrendous one year lease. I DO NOT recommend renting from Lincoln Real Estate, yet their properties are all over the town and with the severe housing shortage for students they are just one of many overpriced realtors students are forced to choose from.

The receptionist at Lincoln Real Estate (now Grandonico Properties), Nancy, never fails to deliver some of the most rude and unhelpful customer service I have ever received. If you plan to communicate with her, be fully prepared to hang up with your blood boiling and without answers to any of your questions.
Despite the lovely apartment, the shifty service makes renting with this company not worthwhile. If you need something fixed, be prepared to be treated like a fool and wait weeks for response and action.

Bad service, rude and COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL nobody should ever rent from them. They take long to do repairs and are insensitive in moments of distress.

You get what you pay for when you rent from Lincoln Real Estate. I’ve been a renter for 4+ years at the Northampton property, and they have exceeded my expectations as landlords. 24-​hour service line, brand new oven without request, and all around terrific property management.