All Forum Posts by: Nick Graziose

@Colleen F. - looks like it was the wifi option. Once we removed all of the wifi connections the batteries have lasted much longer besides 3 of them. But i am now unable to access them from my phone which was the point of getting them in the first place

Hi We started out with the wifi module. I have since removed that in hopes of extending the battery life. This has helped for a few of the locks but has not helped for some. Still trying to work with customer support to get new locks for the few that die within 24 hours of battery replacement. If i was todo this over again i would go with a standard lock. There is no issue with deadbolts being misaligned. I have double checked each lock individually. The one i have on my unit that i live in. I have replaced the batteries and it was dead the next morning. 

All batteries are completely dead within 3 months. some as quick as 24 hours. 

I recently invested in a whopping 28 units of the Yale Assure 2 smart lock, expecting a seamless blend of security and convenience for my home. Unfortunately, the reality has been a cascade of disappointments, with the primary offender being the shockingly inadequate battery life.

The promise of efficient power management proved hollow, as all 28 locks consistently suffered from rapid battery drain. This not only adds an unexpected financial burden for frequent battery replacements but also leaves the reliability of these locks in serious doubt.

What compounds the frustration is the absence of any low-battery indicators or warning systems. Without these crucial features, I've found myself grappling with unexpected lockouts, a situation that is not only inconvenient but raises serious questions about the locks' practicality as a security solution.

The Yale Assure 2 locks' dependence on batteries has transformed what should be a reliable smart home enhancement into a cumbersome and unreliable system. The sheer number of units amplifies the inconvenience, turning what should be a technological boon into an ongoing headache.

While the locks offer attractive features like keyless entry and remote access, the pervasive battery issues overshadow any potential benefits. The frustration of managing 28 locks, each plagued by the same problem, has underscored the need for a more robust and reliable smart lock solution.

In summary, the Yale Assure 2 locks have proven to be a costly disappointment, especially when multiplied across 28 units. If you're considering a significant investment in smart locks, I strongly recommend exploring alternative options that prioritize both convenience and reliability. Additionally, i have contacted customer service and they have not been able to give any support other than asking for the same information over and over again. The warranty will soon expire without a solution if this keeps going as if for the next few months. Very frustrating. 

Hi Zachary - Thank you for the information and the link. Both have been very helpful! 

We are going to have to create an de minimis HOA when we go to sell the project but in the mean time since it is owned by myself the town is not requiring us to create a legal structure yet. I did talk with the development team and not many people in our area use Condos for their legal structure due to the upfront cost. It also looks like NYS had some property tax benefits for Condo ownership for real estate compared to HOAs. I think they closed the loophole this past summer.

Thanks again!

Hi Everyone!

I am building a new 14 unit townhome project near Rochester NY. We have the first building started and am still early in the construction process. Our goal is to build, own and rent these units. When we first started we planned to have an HOA govern the development of 7 duplexes with a fee simple ownership structure for each building. We were talking to another large developer in our area and he mentioned we should pivot from an HOA to a Condo project due to the property tax savings as a condo vs a fee simple ownership model. This land could not be developed as a multifamily development due to the zoning so our tax rate is that of a single family home. If we change the ownership to condos we believe we will be taxes closer to a multifamily project which could save a lot of money in property taxes each year.

I am waiting to hear back from my civil engineer on his experiences with condo development in this town and our area. If he thinks this project would be a good fit and if the town will let us do this. Our legal council is looking for someone in his firm that has done a condo development and what their recommendation would be. I have a meeting next week with the towns director of development and the town assessor to see if this is an option for this project. I have a few books coming this week to get familiar with condos and have been scouring the internet and YouTube. 

Obviously I will have to consider the cost associated with the legal documents for HOAs vs Condos, Engineering fees with additional drawings and time, financing options for a condo vs a duplex, exit strategies for each and everything else that I have not thought of yet! Vs potential property tax savings.

Is there any reason we should not develop as condos? Everything I have found and heard so far we should proceed with a the condo direction. 

Have people had bad experiences being the sole owner of a condo project?

Is there anything obvious I have not thought about yet that would be a deal breaker as condos?

Thank you!