In a remarkable achievement for the local community, Bellestone Villas, a 60-unit apartment complex and a proud recipient of the Business Facade Reimbursement Grant from the Hobby Area District, has been honored with the prestigious “Apartment of the Year” award for properties under 100 units by the Houston Apartment Association. This accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team behind Bellestone Villas, who have transformed the property into a shining example of excellence in residential living, further enhanced by the support of local grant programs.

A Diamond in the Rough

Adam Murray, one of the owners of Bellestone Villas, provides an overview of the apartment complex. He explains that they acquired the property in November 2022, which was in need of significant repairs and revitalization at the time. However, Murray saw it as a “diamond in the rough,” with a great layout and a homey feel. “The 60-unit complex is conveniently located near the highway in the Hobby area, but also tucked away from the hustle and bustle, offering residents the best of both worlds,” Murray shared.

As part of the renovation process, Murray and his team took advantage of the Business Facade Reimbursement Grant offered by the Hobby Area Management District. “Part of our renovation process included taking advantage of multiple rounds of the two matching grant programs offered by the Hobby Area Management District. These reimbursable grants encourage business owners to improve the appearance of their properties and/or to promote a sense of community and safety. It is a straightforward application process that has allowed us to make additional improvements that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to make, and our residents are enjoying the benefits. I really appreciate the Hobby Area Management District making these funds accessible through such a program and for all the other services they offer the local community,” Murray emphasized.

Under Murray’s leadership, the property has undergone significant improvements, enhanced by these grant programs. The result is a quiet, close-knit community that offers the convenience of city living with the comfort of a smaller, more personal neighborhood.

Earning the Recognition

The Houston Apartment Association’s “Apartment of the Year” award is no small feat, especially considering the large number of eligible properties in the greater Houston area. The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation by a team of judges who visit each finalist’s property. According to Murray, this in-person visit was crucial in demonstrating the commitment of the Bellestone Villas team to excellence in property management and resident care.

“The judges got a chance to see firsthand how well our staff treats our residents and the condition of the property,” Murray explained. “They were able to get a feel for the community we’ve built here, which I believe was a significant factor in our selection.”

Key Factors for Success

When asked about the factors that contributed to Bellestone Villas being chosen for the award, Murray pointed to several key areas. “There were several criteria that the judges looked at, including resident service, the physical appearance of the property, community service, operating performance, and unique features and amenities,” he said.

One standout feature of Bellestone Villas is the strong sense of community fostered by regular events and initiatives. “We just had a back-to-school event where we gave away backpacks and school supplies,” Murray shared. “These events help to build a sense of community among our residents, which is something we’re very proud of.”

The financial performance of the property also played a role in the award. “We’ve worked hard to increase the income from what it was when we acquired the property, which is another aspect that the judges considered,” Murray noted.

A Shout Out to the Q10 Property Advisors Team

Murray was quick to acknowledge the efforts of the Q10 Property Advisors team, who have been instrumental in the success of Bellestone Villas. “We have a full-time leasing manager, Felicia Gutierrez, a regional supervisor, Monica Morales, and a full-time maintenance man, Juan Almaguer, who all do an exceptional job,” he said. “I really appreciate all the work that they do. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”

The commitment of the Q10 Property Advisors team to maintaining a high standard of living for their residents is evident in every aspect of the property, from its immaculate grounds to the responsive, attentive service provided by the staff. Murray emphasized that the recognition from the Houston Apartment Association is a reflection of this collective effort.

Looking Ahead

As Bellestone Villas celebrates this significant achievement, the focus remains on continuing to provide a top-tier living experience for its residents. “We’re quite proud of the award, but we’re not resting on our laurels,” Murray said. “We’ll keep working hard to maintain and even improve the quality of life here at Bellestone Villas.”

The award has also provided a boost to the visibility of Bellestone Villas in the community. A banner proudly announcing the “Apartment of the Year” award now greets visitors to the complex, and the team has updated the property’s website to showcase the accolade.

As the Bellestone Villas team looks to the future, their dedication to excellence in property management and resident satisfaction will undoubtedly continue to set them apart as a leader in the industry. The recognition from the Houston Apartment Association is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for this exceptional community.