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Pine Crest Apartments Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Real Estate Associates is your finest resource for real estate asset management. There is not much that we currently have not seen, solved, and stored for future reference. For more than 30-five years, REA has served the real estate asset management and commercial brokerage requirements of property owners in Durham, the Research Triangle Park area, and beyond.
Reviews (27)
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Dianne Williams
Apr 13, 2022
I want to say a huge thank you to Adrian who did not hesitate to help me today. I love living at Georgetown for the sense of community, beautiful grounds and REA's commitment of making the residents feel our apartments feel like a home. Thank you Adrian
Bill Aulicino
Dec 19, 2021
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value There may be some better associates employed by REA but I had the misfortune of dealing with the worst. He was unmotivated, dishonest, oily, and greedy. You'd be wise to do business elsewhere.
Katelyn R.
Aug 25, 2021
This is going to be a long one, so buckle up kiddos. I've been renting under this company for a little over three years and at first it was tolerable but I quickly realized that it was all continuously going downhill. The quality vs price of the condos I am in doesn't match up at all- black mold, caving ceilings, leaks- you name it. We were forced to move suddenly and so we had no choice but to take what was available- but we were never shown that property and when we asked we were not allowed to see due to them "preparing" it.

What we got, after that (for an increased price as well) Drooping ceilings, water damage and mold that had been painted over, carpet that had paint on it in many areas, holes in the walls ( the shelf in my closet actually collapsed due to the hole they never repaired ) The heat went out the first night, we tried to be understanding but turns out the wiring had caught fire but there was no alarm in the apartment so we got lucky that it went out on its own.

The beginning of summer I reported issues with the ac over and over- for two months I was ignored or told it was fine. It was hitting 90+ inside on days where it was 75-80 outside. For two months we were left without AC despite the repair company sending an estimate on replacement the same day they came to examine it- I had to call the company myself to find out that the manager here never even responded to the estimate.

It was weeks later that we learned this. They then continued to tell me that we could discuss reimbursement for the 200+ dollar portable ac I had to buy as they said they could not move us anywhere or cover a hotel, but since June 17th I never got another response or call about this despite multiple attempts to contact them. That's only part of the issue- we moved into an apartment that had roaches and gnats, and they no longer have exterminators come to any of the buildings here.

There are roaches literally everywhere. If you step outside at night you'll find at minimum 5-6 by the doors. Originally we wanted to renew our lease before moving upstairs, but when we asked about setting that up we were ignored for two, almost three months. We were forced into a month to month lease with no communication despite our efforts to reach them, even when there was an active manager working at this complex.

The health department literally threatened them and that's the only reason the roof got repaired- the mold is still here. Black mold will literally grow on your front door- it's everywhere here. So basically, if roach infestations, black mold and being ignored by the workers sounds like fun or something you'd enjoy, definitely hit them up. Otherwise, run and go literally anywhere else.
Fatima M.
Feb 27, 2021
Had to edit and add this. It's funny that once I posted the review, I got the quickest response despite all the unanswered phone calls. I said what I said and I stick to it! Your explanation is to make you all look good. Again I said my peace and I stick to it! Didn't have much of a problem renting from them but when I moved out and received the security deposit and had questions regarding it, no one seemed to be able to answer my questions.

The office had no information on the payout, who then referred me to the maintenance man who I had a hard time getting up with, to him telling me ( after finally being able to contact him), that he would have to get the details from the person who inspected the apartment/house once I moved out. All of this did not make any sense because you mean to tell me that no one in the administrative office nor the maintenance man knew what the breakdown was.

You just had some person give you numbers and you not know in detail what was being paid for. I wanted explanations for things I was charged for that I did not agree with and was considered normal wear and tear. How do you charge $15 for a blown light bulb? $40 for a sink stopper that was never there? There are some items that I do take responsibility for but the others that I do not understand or agree with, I would like to discuss. Which I have yet to receive a call from him. Don't have to worry about me renting from them again or recommending them.
Brittany Weber
Jan 27, 2021
DO NOT RENT FROM THIS PLACE. They are terrible communicators. Avoid working with Tiffany Ivy at all cost; she is the least helpful person you could ever imagine trying to work with. This company will steal your money and clearly do not care about their customers or doing what is right. I'm not sure how this company gets away with what they do, but stay away! I wish I would have read reviews prior to signing a lease with them, as plenty others have had the same terrible experience unfortunately.
Zan
Jan 05, 2021
Worst rental company in history. Absolutely the worse, do not rent from them. I moved out over a month ago still no word on my deposit and my account is still showing I owe them rent which I don't. Not only did they remove and throw away items out of my home before my lease was up, they haven't given me my deposit yet? They move slow and they're horrible at communicating. They act like they can't answer questions to save their life, it's sad really.
Cindy P.
Mar 23, 2020
Just avoid this company, do yourself the favor. Along with the many other horrible reviews on here, I will also attest to their seemingly okay places until you move in and realize just how awful it is. 1st had the place rente out with a brick in the toilet broken and dented walls, stains on the counters and carpets, all sorts of messes everywhere.

The toilet was constantly giving me problems and running up my bill, one day the Top Literally exploded off, in the middle of the night. The runoff from the washing machine had a hole in it, they came to check it and were like ehh, it just floods your front yard. I had to clean maybe 2 years' worth of leaves and dog poop from the yard( not from my tenancy), about 5 or 8 massive black bags full.

It was a mission to have them come and clean the gutters. The cherry on top, windows, and insulation was so awful you could hear the wind whistling, had to insulate all doors and windows myself. Also, these windows were so bad they would literally BREAK, had two broken windows in my time there and one time was in the winter and they took TWO DAYS to come to fix it.

Oh and not to mention there was a hole leading to the outside when I moved in.had to ask them to come and fix that too. Now a lot of things were fixable you know what was not? The bug and mice problem. Not apparent in the first 4 or 6 months obv because it was treated but after? oh boy. I had a specialist come and tell me that they need a LONG term treatment if not they'll just reappear every 3 to 6 months.

And hey I had found roach traps and mousetrap in the house the first three months but me being the naive person that I am didn't even know what they were and thought nothing of it! Add to that the fact that the flooring wobbled where you stood and it felt like you would fall through. When you turned the washing machine on you had to hold on to your possessions because the house would shake. Good luck to you!
Chris S.
Nov 07, 2019
In December 2016 I suffered a stroke and was incapacitated. Over the next several weeks I had to regain the ability to walk straight and suffered severe memory loss. I notified REA of my situation, and told them I'd be moving out when my lease was up in March. Because of some Financial drama I was unable to pay the rent on time and then an eviction was filed, fair enough. So, I contacted REA and was told by them AS LONG AS I PAID BEFORE THE COURT DATE the process would be put on hold.

I paid amd wouldn't you know it. REA's attorney did not check that the rent was paid and continued with the eviction, which ous now on my record. Needless to say in my 51 years I've never had an eviction until this motley unprofessional group decides to do everything in their power to not re- pay out the deposit.
Sharde Peaks
Jun 01, 2019
I rented from them for 2 years! Everything was fine until my last year. The home I was renting was being sold an Real Estate Associates felt the need to make me wait 60 days for my deposit to come up with ways An fees not to give me my deposit back which was over $3000! Never returned any of my calls or messages! Made up things an charged me for anything they could things I didn't even do or things that wasn't even damaged.

Then added a extra $1000 to my bill! Greedy, Greedy Vultures! Basically built a new house to sell on my dollar. I should have hired a lawyer. Can't trust them to be honest An fair with your deposit, or even to return your calls!
Catherine Cooper
Sep 26, 2018
I signed my lease today with REA. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Renee, whom I named my "housing angel". She is such a sweet and helpful person. She was very knowledgeable about the properties that I was interested in and she went beyond the call of duty to assist me. I won't move into my new townhouse until July, but what I've seen so far from REA, I would definitely recommend them to others.

They processed my application within two days and then called me with an approval. Ms. Renee sits at the front desk and greets everyone with a smile. I want her supervisor to know that he has a special employee and should be grateful to have her. Thanks Renee for all your time and patience. You are the reason that I give REA 5 stars!
Catherine C.
Jun 06, 2018
My name is Catherine Cooper and I have recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Renee while looking/applying for an townhouse to rent through REA. Words can't describe how helpful she has been. I admit that I have been a handful and a bit needy, but she has been super sweet and helpful the entire time. Ms. Renee is very knowledgeable about the properties and really wants you to be satisfied.

I would recommend everyone to use REA for their rental housing needs. I have not yet been approved for a property yet (just turned in my application on today), but regardless of what happens, Ms. Renee has gone beyond the call of duty to help me. Her new name is my "housing angel". I want her supervisor to know what a special employee he has. I have said it numerous times, but Ms. Renee thank you for speaking up on my behalf and assisting me and being so nice the whole time.
Tina A.
Mar 31, 2018
I am a current tenant and i am EAGERLY anticipating the day i can move, unfortunately i have only been here 3 months. What is NOT on the lease agreement is if you break the lease there is a addendum that makes you responsible for the rent after you move out until some other poor soul rents the property. The office staff is wonderful when getting you to take possession of the property but it all goes down hill from there.

Maintenance is HORRIBLE, and requests/complaints to the office fall on deaf ears once you start renting. The home I am renting has numerous ONGOING issues and my requests are either ignored or they will do the minimum to "fix" the issue. The house has a CONFIRMED termite problem, nothing done. The dishwasher leaked to the point it obviously warped the floor.

A new dishwasher was put in WITHOUT treating the floor AND the new dishwasher is too big for the space (which took almost a month). I have CONSTANTLY complained about the front door of the home not fitting the frame of the door, air came in to the point it was FREEZING in the house. Instead of replacing it maintenance put so much weather stripping on it you have to fight to lock, open and close the door.

It SAD that a tenant pays too much rent for a home that is not worth the headache. No apologies, No attempts to do better. I would not recommend this company to an enemy and I would give negative score if I could. Maybe I am asking too much to have a comfortable and safe living space.
Rita C.
Jan 08, 2018
Very professional and caring agent. Always have completed my maintenance requested within 24 hours. Office staff is very friendly and I can always count on a good laugh with Renee when I go in to pay my rent. I hope to stay with them for a long time.
Lenora B.
Apr 05, 2017
Reliable and Friendly I worked with John at Real Estate Associates for years. He was the only property manager to respond to my cold call to property managers in the area when I bought my house and asked for someone to come out for an interview and to see the house. John arrived quickly and on time and got the contract. Throughout the years, Real Estate Associates responded quickly to all maintenance issues and the rent was collected and sent to me consistently on time every month.

Real Estate Associates also did a great job of screening tenants and putting quality tenants in my property who all took great care of my home. I recommend you check out Real Estate Associates if you're looking for a good property manager in the area.
Loretta M.
Nov 29, 2016
Real estate & Associates really did a number on me and I think Julia might be a racist as the other reviews said if you want to live with your landlord rent from Real Estate Associates and you get to see your landlord every day in the detached garage behind your house, plus I'm being sued now for the last month's rent and they have my security deposit which is the rent and a 200 pet deposit and I left the house in remarkable great condition they're just really unprofessional and I would not recommend renting from them the only people who have had great experience with real estate and Associates are caucasians, and they only get one star from me because I have to rate them or I would of left it blank, be aware and stay clear of real estate & Associates
Rachel A.
Jun 13, 2016
I was very surprised to see the negative reviews for Real Estate Associates on Yelp (tip for potential tenants - check out their Google page. It has dozens of positive reviews!). My housemates and I have had nothing but positive experiences with REA in the year and a half we've lived in one of their properties. Maintenance calls have always been handled promptly with friendly service.

I don't write reviews often, but last week Julie from REA saved my butt with an act of generosity that cannot go unthanked! I managed to forget my wallet at home when I left for an an important flight. I wouldn't have time to get a lyft/uber/cab back to pick it up, but I wouldn't be able to board my flight without it. I was able to send my dad to pick it up for me but our spare key was misplaced.

I called REA and, although it's not a service they offer and she had NO obligation to do this, Julie drove over to my house to let my dad in. Thanks to her, I made my flight and got to an important job interview on time. Thank you, Julie! We had already been pleased with Real Estate Associates as our property manager, but that experience pushed them over the edge from good service to great service, and great people to boot. Wholeheartedly recommend.
Meghan W.
Mar 25, 2016
I'm really happy so far! One month living in my new townhouse and I love it here. The staff at REA were very helpful and even gave me a bag of goodies before I moved in. Highly recommend!
Denise Simpson
Nov 08, 2015
Thanks to Julie A. and the staff at Real Estate Associates for their excellent service in helping me to find the perfect townhome in Durham. REA has a thorough screening and application process to get quality tenants into affordable rental properties. I also appreciate the recommended upgrades for new carpet and paint from Julie and approval by the owner.

The place is beautiful and will be taken care of. I'd also like to thank the maintenance and cleaning staff for such a quick turnaround time so that I could move in sooner than the original move-in date. I would highly recommend REA for your rental needs without a doubt!
Joe M.
Sep 25, 2015
We had a very similar experience to most of the others here. We were promised items would be fixed or repaired before we moved in but once we signed the lease we were told that if we wanted those items fixed we would have to pay for part of the repair. Which we did. Now that we are moving out they are trying to say those items are damaged and we need to pay for the repair so they kept our deposit.

In the end we paid the entire cost. They don't respond or will not fix anything unless it is in writing. Calling their maintenance department is a waste of time. You will be told they are coming right out to fix it but they never show. Be sure to read the 8 out of 11 1 star reviews that are not recommended for some reason. Yelp why are so many reviews excluded? These people are clearly not to be trusted.
Andrea H.
Aug 24, 2015
Let me just say I've had bed bugs for almost 3 weeks with no exterminator and not even a call back from the head of the maintenance department. But they expect their rent to be on time. Not a happy camper being feasted upon at night. I wish they could walk in my shoes.
Bridget G.
Jul 21, 2015
When we moved into the townhome the carpet was dirty and despite our complaints they did not have it cleaned. We had already signed the lease (because we were told it would be taken care of) so we took care of it ourselves. We've always paid our rent on time and are/were good tenants. Now that it is time to move out, we gave them 30 days notice and with two weeks left they want to parade people through our place having absolutely no care or concern for our privacy or the huge inconvenience it causes. I would not recommend them.
Alicia B.
Jun 26, 2015
My experience with the Real Estate Associates team was a pleasant one. The entire staff was very helpful and understanding throughout my rental housing search. The R.E.A. staff showed my family and me compassion and patience. Throughout my search I felt confidence that they had my best interest at heart. I really appreciated the Real Estate Associates team and look forward to working with them in the future.
Monique C.
May 26, 2015
They are very unprofessional, they don't know how to conduct business with that being said as a result they had to fire a good employee named Tim however they have Kevin who is wonderful, John Bowden needs to be replaced along with the entire front desk and back office workers who are rude, slow, and work on their time making you JUST A NUMBER. KEVIN is the ONLY one in the office that cares and everyone else's will do you wrong and have you paying more money and more headache than any rental office I've ever known. BEWARE They will be the put on the list of SLUMLORDS soon and I hope they get an entirely new staff except for Kevin he is wonderful.

They don't listen and only want your money. BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE. Oh and just from experience, within 3 months of me moving into my previous apartment I had MAGGOTS YES MAGGOTS coming out of the floor so be VERY CAREFUL especially those with FAMILIES because once you sign that lease they ou you at the BOTTOM of a huge pile they continuously repeat they have. YOULL FIND MUCH BETTER, keep looking I DID! And I'm much happier and less headaches.
Tracy Brewer
Nov 04, 2014
It is such a blessing to love what you do. As a Realtor with Keller Williams Preferred Realty, there is nothing like working with other agents who work as hard as you to get the job done. I have been blown away with my experience with the Real Estate Associates in Durham, NC. I was on a very short time crunch for a client and immediately went to the Real Estate Associates because they are a branded name, and known for rental of homes in the area.

I never knew this encounter would be as terrific as it was. Kevin Smith, was so professional, kind hearted, and just a great person from beginning to end. He went over and beyond the call of duty and made me feel as if we knew each other for years. Kevin made sure all of my clients request were handled in a timely manner, and that she was satisfied.

Not only did he follow up with me during the process of finalizing the lease, but called and emailed me afterwards. The maintenance team led my Doug, and cleaning crew were amazing. This has been one of the greatest real estate transactions I have had. To all my Realtor friends, family, and associates if you are looking for quality homes to rent, call Kevin Smith and his team at the Real Estate Associates in Durham, NC. Don't forget to tell them Tracy Brewer sent you. Real Estate Associates Inc, 3333 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham, NC 27707
Adam L.
Aug 28, 2014
Don't do business with REA! They let the property owners walk all over us. Even when their maintenance supervisor, Paul said the rental property we left look perfect they still sat back and let the owner keep most of our deposit. Of you rent from REA expect to get screwed at some point.
Sharon A.
May 01, 2014
These folks are very unprofessional. They don't return phone calls nor respond back to you. We made a deposit and qualify financially and then they tell us no place is rented. What a scam for the $75 they took. Renters beware.do not do business with this company.there are so many more reputable folks to deal with. They are not trust worthy.
Anonymous C.
Mar 10, 2013
My experience with Real Estate Associates Inc. over the past 8 months has been nothing but negative. They claimed to lose my application, deposit and key at the office all before I moved in to the property. They attempted to charge me to re-do them until I eventually presented receipts. My rent payment has been lost multiple times and the unpleasant office staff tried to convince me that I did not pay it, even though I present a receipt.

After a big fiasco of moving in (and them not even inspecting the premises), I inherited covered up mold, a leaking roof, full dryer vents, clogged drains and a generally poorly maintained property. The lease agreement robs tenants of rights that would be expected from the high price paid to live in the property (basic upkeep, lawn care, the right to refuse rent in event of crime or sever damage, etc.) Looking past the terrible move in experience, whenever a maintenance request has been placed to address the damages, it has taken weeks to have anyone look at the problem and months to do anything about it. The usual "fix" is to cover the problem but not address the cause. I warn you DO NOT RENT FROM REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES INC.