Here is a copy of the upgrade specifications form letter we received. Of course, this may change over time, but it might be helpful to know what's coming!
Dear ___,
My name is Ryan, and I will be working with you to decide whether on the options selections and upgrade specifications for your Red Frog Villa. Lot 83 has now come up on our schedule, and I am writing you today so that we can go ahead and begin the process of really making your Villa very special as your Tortuga is to be built on a beautiful beachfront lot. I feel like this process will be enjoyable, and I believe that we will be able to move through the Villa Specifications Process smoothly and without any real complications.
The Villa Specifications Process is divided into two parts. First, we will need to define and finalize any options selections that you may choose for your Villa and the interior. These selections include appliance upgrades, exterior color combination options, additional TV outlets, etc. This part of the process is relatively simple and straight forward, and we should initiate this part of the Villa Specifications Process right away. Then, in the coming weeks, we will initiate the second part of the Villa Specifications process: finalizing the designs for the Pool & Patio areas of your Villa.
As the machinery gets rolling again at Red Frog Beach within the next few weeks, maintaining and keeping up with our construction schedule is obviously a very high priority. The date that I have been given for finalizing and submitting the options selections for your Villa’s interior to our Construction Operations Department is Monday, July 9th, 2007. This gives us two weeks to discuss and finalize any selections that you may choose for your villa, and I really do appreciate your investing the time to move through this part of the Villa Specifications Process within this time frame. To facilitate this part of the Process, I have already prepared an initial quote for the various upgrades and options that we have available for your Villa’s interior. I am sending the quote as an attachment to this email so that you may review it, and I will also have a hard copy of this email and the attached document sent to you via UPS so that you will have it for your records. Finally, I’ll go ahead and have some exterior color paint chips sent to you by mail so that you can begin considering which of our five color combinations you will want to choose for your Villa. We should go ahead and plan a time very soon that we can speak by phone and discuss in greater detail the various options that appear in the attached quote document. The sooner we can begin discussing these options the better, and I’ll have Erika from our office call you tomorrow so that we can schedule a time to speak by phone sometime this week.
This is all I have for now. Please take a few minutes to review the attached document, and please take a look at your schedules to see when might be a convenient time for us to speak by phone. I really look forward to talking with you very soon, and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me should you have any immediate questions regarding the attached document or the Villa Specifications Process in general. I am traveling this week, but I will be checking and responding to my emails regularly. If you write to me directly, I will certainly get back with you but it may be later in the afternoon or early the next morning. I appreciate your cooperation, and please work with Erika to schedule a time for this week that we might speak by phone.
I am in no way criticizing this letter. I am posting it so that others may see what they can expect in anticipation of their villa and/or condo construction. (I would have loved to see this some months ago so I would know what I was to expect. The only complaint I had was the timing which may have been exaggerated because of the holiday week.)
Ryan has been great. All of our questions by e-mail were answered promptly, either the same day or early the next morning.
Mick @ Lot 83
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Naturally we're eager to get going, but...
A short post about the construction call we had. On June 25th of this year (2007), Ryan Bullock contaced us by e-mail saying that he wanted to have a conference call to get our Villa Specifications because our villa had been put on the construction schedule.
That basically gave us the following week to make our choices because the week after that was the 4th of July week where we (and practically every other Californian) would be out of town. His report was due the following Monday, July 9th.
The paint selections didn't arrive in the mail until the end of the week that we were out of town (and it may have even been as late as the Monday that Ryan's report was due - another Interior Jam issue) so we could not make an informed decision.
My only point is this... the lack of flexibility. We have been on hold since 2004 when we first made our purchase and then given "10 minutes" (I'm exaggerating, of course) to make all of our choices. Certainly owners should have a little more time to make these very important decisions. It's frustrating.
So to possibly help alleviate other people's frustration, we are willing to share our experience with anyone who may need help figuring this whole thing out. If you have any questions about the process that occurs BEFORE the furniture selection call, let us know and we'll be happy to shed some light on what we know!
Mick & Janis @ Lot 83
That basically gave us the following week to make our choices because the week after that was the 4th of July week where we (and practically every other Californian) would be out of town. His report was due the following Monday, July 9th.
The paint selections didn't arrive in the mail until the end of the week that we were out of town (and it may have even been as late as the Monday that Ryan's report was due - another Interior Jam issue) so we could not make an informed decision.
My only point is this... the lack of flexibility. We have been on hold since 2004 when we first made our purchase and then given "10 minutes" (I'm exaggerating, of course) to make all of our choices. Certainly owners should have a little more time to make these very important decisions. It's frustrating.
So to possibly help alleviate other people's frustration, we are willing to share our experience with anyone who may need help figuring this whole thing out. If you have any questions about the process that occurs BEFORE the furniture selection call, let us know and we'll be happy to shed some light on what we know!
Mick & Janis @ Lot 83
Not too sure about Interior Jam
We recently have had dealings with Interior Jam, and are wondering if they are the right choice for Red Frog. Here's my concern:
For one thing, Jan Bartone has a hard time getting names right, even when corrected. I am Michael and I go by Mick. So far I am still "Mike" though she has been told otherwise. Okay, so I'm willing to overlook that. But only one or two of my e-mails has been responded to and that concerns me. She does, however, respond to Janis in a timely manner, so perhaps it's me! :-)
Just as Legacy is history with regard to the retirement plan management for Red Frog because of their poor (and slow) customer response, could this end up being the fate of Interior Jam? Just wondering because here's our biggest concern.
We have dealt with a furniture company in Hawaii called Island Collections. They make their furniture on the mainland and in other countries and are very good at supplying their stuff to island locations using containers... which I would think is key to getting stuff delivered to Panama. When we spoke with Isaac, the owner, he told us he has a factory close to us and would be happy to speak with Interior Jam about being a furniture supplier.
This company has GREAT prices and GREAT furniture, which is essential for Janis who has back concerns. Island Collections has a great recliner that is the only one we've found that suits our purposes... and it was relatively CHEAP! Another point is that they are a huge furniture supplier for lots of large resorts all over the place, so I know they are aware of the challenges of customs.
In short, we asked Jan Bartone at Interior Jam to just TALK to Isaac and see if Island Collections might be a possible furniture supplier. Judging by the prices on the furniture options we've received, her suppliers NEED some competition (plus let's not forget Janis's back issue!). Here was her response:
"...I did not call Issac as; at this time I really don’t have the where for all to set in motion a new vendor..."
You don't have the where for all? I thought it was about service and giving the clients the best deal, not what's convenient for Interior Jam. Now when all is said and done, maybe the vendor choices Janice Bartone has made ARE the best ones. But how does she know??? All we are asking for is one phone call just to see. So here's our dilemma. Does Red Frog know about this lack of flexibility and are we the only ones who think this? I'd love to hear some feedback.
Mick @ Lot 83
For one thing, Jan Bartone has a hard time getting names right, even when corrected. I am Michael and I go by Mick. So far I am still "Mike" though she has been told otherwise. Okay, so I'm willing to overlook that. But only one or two of my e-mails has been responded to and that concerns me. She does, however, respond to Janis in a timely manner, so perhaps it's me! :-)
Just as Legacy is history with regard to the retirement plan management for Red Frog because of their poor (and slow) customer response, could this end up being the fate of Interior Jam? Just wondering because here's our biggest concern.
We have dealt with a furniture company in Hawaii called Island Collections. They make their furniture on the mainland and in other countries and are very good at supplying their stuff to island locations using containers... which I would think is key to getting stuff delivered to Panama. When we spoke with Isaac, the owner, he told us he has a factory close to us and would be happy to speak with Interior Jam about being a furniture supplier.
This company has GREAT prices and GREAT furniture, which is essential for Janis who has back concerns. Island Collections has a great recliner that is the only one we've found that suits our purposes... and it was relatively CHEAP! Another point is that they are a huge furniture supplier for lots of large resorts all over the place, so I know they are aware of the challenges of customs.
In short, we asked Jan Bartone at Interior Jam to just TALK to Isaac and see if Island Collections might be a possible furniture supplier. Judging by the prices on the furniture options we've received, her suppliers NEED some competition (plus let's not forget Janis's back issue!). Here was her response:
"...I did not call Issac as; at this time I really don’t have the where for all to set in motion a new vendor..."
You don't have the where for all? I thought it was about service and giving the clients the best deal, not what's convenient for Interior Jam. Now when all is said and done, maybe the vendor choices Janice Bartone has made ARE the best ones. But how does she know??? All we are asking for is one phone call just to see. So here's our dilemma. Does Red Frog know about this lack of flexibility and are we the only ones who think this? I'd love to hear some feedback.
Mick @ Lot 83
Beach front lot 83
When we purchased the deal was 50% up front because the land was not titled while others enjoyed only having to put up 30%. As we move toward the start of construction, we understand this may change for us, but we'll see.
Our first call was the options call where we chose a rough set of things we wanted to upgrade, such as the maid's quarters, the bigger pool and some other things to get a budget. At that time we were encourage to purchase a furniture allowance to add to the total so that we could finance it along with the villa.
So we had our lot premium, our villa cost, our options cost and our furniture cost. Of that amount we had to put up 50% of the total. We used some of our retirement money, but most of it came from personal holdings. (The condo downpayment was 100% IRA money! More on that in another post.)
Right now we have just had our first pre-construction conference call and made some of our choices. Next comes the furniture choices, then the pool and patio conference call. I'll keep you updated.
Mick @ Lot 83
Our first call was the options call where we chose a rough set of things we wanted to upgrade, such as the maid's quarters, the bigger pool and some other things to get a budget. At that time we were encourage to purchase a furniture allowance to add to the total so that we could finance it along with the villa.
So we had our lot premium, our villa cost, our options cost and our furniture cost. Of that amount we had to put up 50% of the total. We used some of our retirement money, but most of it came from personal holdings. (The condo downpayment was 100% IRA money! More on that in another post.)
Right now we have just had our first pre-construction conference call and made some of our choices. Next comes the furniture choices, then the pool and patio conference call. I'll keep you updated.
Mick @ Lot 83
Early Days
I posted a similar story on Ron at 11's blog before it went kaput about our early dealings with Red Frog. I think it is insightful as to how the business practices have developed.
In the beginning, I went on the exploratory tour that Red Frog offered very early in the process. We were not in the first phase, but we were close. I heard about the project at a Wright Thurston real estate investing seminar and decided I wanted in.
At that time we were told no investors were allowed in until they had made the trip. I made it clear that, although we could not make the journey for a couple of months, we wanted a beach front villa.
When I finally arrived (Janis could not make that trip... and I'm glad she didn't!) I was told that all the beach front lots had been sold. Of course, I was livid, since I was very specific about what we wanted or I would not have made the trip. Dennis Stears assured me there were going to be plenty of beach front lots. After talking to several of the principals (Chris, Scott, Darrell, etc.) and making my objections clear, they were very accommodating in offering an option on one of the lots which had not been surveyed yet. As a result we ended up with our lot 83. So right off the bat, they got my vote as being very honorable guys. I was promised a beach front lot before I went on the tour, and I left with one!
The reason I was glad Janis hadn't gone was that there was nothing to see! This is very common when one wants to get in on the ground floor. The risk is higher, so the prices were lower. Anyway I spent several days hiking up hills to look at lots and got spattered with mud from the rain soaked dirt tracks that were "graded" for the ATVs.
I remember getting stuck and the tractor shooting up mud into the trailer where some of us sat and thought, "Boy, am I glad the Queen is not here!"
Shortly after that, the first condos were offered and we immediately invested in a penthouse in building 200. And when the boat slips were initially offered, we jumped on one of those too. Eventually Janis did take the trip and enjoyed her time there. The roads were wider, much of the power plant had been built and some of the homes had been started. We plan to go again before the end of the year... as soon as Janis gets her new passport!!!!
We'd love to hear your stories, both funny or sad.
Mick @ Lot 83
In the beginning, I went on the exploratory tour that Red Frog offered very early in the process. We were not in the first phase, but we were close. I heard about the project at a Wright Thurston real estate investing seminar and decided I wanted in.
At that time we were told no investors were allowed in until they had made the trip. I made it clear that, although we could not make the journey for a couple of months, we wanted a beach front villa.
When I finally arrived (Janis could not make that trip... and I'm glad she didn't!) I was told that all the beach front lots had been sold. Of course, I was livid, since I was very specific about what we wanted or I would not have made the trip. Dennis Stears assured me there were going to be plenty of beach front lots. After talking to several of the principals (Chris, Scott, Darrell, etc.) and making my objections clear, they were very accommodating in offering an option on one of the lots which had not been surveyed yet. As a result we ended up with our lot 83. So right off the bat, they got my vote as being very honorable guys. I was promised a beach front lot before I went on the tour, and I left with one!
The reason I was glad Janis hadn't gone was that there was nothing to see! This is very common when one wants to get in on the ground floor. The risk is higher, so the prices were lower. Anyway I spent several days hiking up hills to look at lots and got spattered with mud from the rain soaked dirt tracks that were "graded" for the ATVs.
I remember getting stuck and the tractor shooting up mud into the trailer where some of us sat and thought, "Boy, am I glad the Queen is not here!"
Shortly after that, the first condos were offered and we immediately invested in a penthouse in building 200. And when the boat slips were initially offered, we jumped on one of those too. Eventually Janis did take the trip and enjoyed her time there. The roads were wider, much of the power plant had been built and some of the homes had been started. We plan to go again before the end of the year... as soon as Janis gets her new passport!!!!
We'd love to hear your stories, both funny or sad.
Mick @ Lot 83
Hello, everyone!
This is Mick (and Janis) at lot 83. We are sad that Ron at lot 11has shut down his blog, so we decided to start one up.
Our first task will be to contact all we know who are owners at Red Frog and ask them to contribute. In order to add you to our list, please e-mail mick@SFResidence.com and ask to be added as a contributor using your e-mail address.
We hope this proves to be a well read blog loaded with ideas, tips and articles helpful to the community at large! Welcome!
Mick Orton
Lot 83
Our first task will be to contact all we know who are owners at Red Frog and ask them to contribute. In order to add you to our list, please e-mail mick@SFResidence.com and ask to be added as a contributor using your e-mail address.
We hope this proves to be a well read blog loaded with ideas, tips and articles helpful to the community at large! Welcome!
Mick Orton
Lot 83
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