Pirin Rise Owner
Hi Mountain Man, I have just found this forum too and I am actually writing this from my apartment in Pirin Rise. I came over to see the apartment for the first time now that my furniture is in. I think it’s a mixed bag really: The positives - Great Location to the old town and the gondola Really nice finish on the apartment Nice pool and sauna area George is very helpful, he collected me from the airport, and for a fee of course, but it was the cheapest I was offered. The Negatives - Don’t come in November, there is nothing open, but then I was not here to Ski or party. The pool is still not open; George said it would be for the Ski Season George said that there are still 20 apartments left unsold. Now I know there are lots of sold apartments with no furniture, some as a result of the MRI 20% VAT request, but all the apartments on the ground floor are empty. Now I was here to also pay the 400E for categorisation and also sign up with George. However I am not sure I want to now if there is the chance of a long term lease with a travel company. George needs 400E for categorisation and 300E deposit for utilities etc. They also have some deals with tour operators, mainly in the Russian market. Part of the lease states that depending on the time of year I need to give either 3 or 6 months notice if I want to use the apartment myself. I questioned this but was told not to worry and if the apartment was not booked then I could use it or let it myself at short notice. However if I sign this what is my comeback? Has anyone else signed up woth George yet. OR have any other advice? I have not been asked to pay any bills yet, just the management fee when I completed, but that was less than a year ago. Hope to hear back

Hi Again, I have just checked my sent box and I dont think you did get the reply I sent from the airport. I have just sent this again and still nothing in the sent box. Apologies if you get this multiple times. My apartment is on the 1st floor, what about yours? What do you think about the 3 and 6 month notice period for you to use or let the apartment if you do find a long term let in the short term? I spoke to a very nice lady at Alexander Services and she said that the management company in PR seemes pretty good. Apparently there was a flood which ruined 3 other apartments, some under the management of Alexander Svs and she said they got the repairs fixed very quickly. She also said she would recommend going with Piring Rise Mgmt for at least the first year and that the caterorisation although not a legal requirement is beneficial and felt that 400E was not excessive. I am not overly gullible and felt that she was being very honest. She could have said come to us, but she didnt not once. I think that says something. It will be interesting to see the management fee this year as I will refuse to pay a full fee if all the services are not up and running. Anyway I have a solicitor friend looking over the contract. The only part that concerns me is I know it says that they can offset costs against rental amounts received, but I cannot see when and how often they should credit my account for surplus funds? I will probably sign with PR mgmt though. I have opened both Euro and Leva accounts. This was nice and easy with a local bank. Look forward to hearing back Martin

Pirin Rise management company
Hi all I ended up going with Pirin Rise management and again, like a couple of you, questioned the cat. fee of 400 Euros and amendments have been made on the contract regarding using some or all of the rent towards maintenance etc etc. I have to say they have been extremely helpful but I am very weary especially after all the money we lost due to MRI... Mountain Man - is that company you have gone with still looking for an apartment for long term use? We're going out for Christmas so if anyone else will be around, would be great to meet up and celebrate the festive season. Regards Karen

Hi Karen, I asked a solicitor friend to look over my contract and I have also asked for multiple changes. She said that it really was a poorly written contract, but like you the guys at Pirin Rise have been helpful. Although Pirin Rise have not accepted my changes yet. I also did email Mountain Man but have not heard from him. We are plannng on going over in the New Year. I would love to hear if the facilities are finally fully open. Martin

Hi Martin, Karen Apologies, I had tried to reply to Martin, looks like I screwed up somhow in sending it. Forums are a bit bleeding edge for a technophobe like me. Anyway, what I said was I went with the mgt company too. I reckoned the contract was a bit dubious but thought it was going to be little used trying to change it, we'll see how Martin gets on with his requests. With regard to the long term leases, the trail ran a bit cold, I think because it took me so long to find another owner (they were looking for two apartments in the same building). They also mentioned they had tour companies looking to sign up an apartment block for a tour company, but they needed a minimum 20 apartments. So far we have three, so I don't think it's going to work. That would be a similar basis to PR management co. in any event - you get paid if they get a booking. I think all we can really do is keep our fingers crossed that PR do actually get some bookings for us. Last time I enquired they said they had two Rusian travel companies signed up. I will not be going out until later in the season - no date definite yet but probably mid March. I hope you have a great time at New Year - I'm jealous 'cos I'm going to be stuck at home. Let us know how you get on. If I hear any more about block bookings, I'll let you know. Cheers