Bella Vida Voice – August 2025
End of Summer, Full of Momentum at Bella Vida!
Summer is winding down, but things are busier than ever here at Bella Vida. Whether you’re planning your personalization selections or have finished up with personalization and are considering how to right-size your move, every step brings us closer to the vibrant community we’re building together. We’re excited to share this month’s highlights with you!
Architectural & Design Update Webinar and FAQs
If you weren’t able to join us live, we invite you to watch the recording of our latest webinar. In this session, we shared an overview of Bella Vida’s architectural vision and walked through the exciting interior design concepts for our community and amenity spaces. The webinar closed with a Q&A, and while we covered a lot, there were more questions than time allowed. We’ve included a list of answers to those additional questions so you don’t miss out on any of the details.
From Selling to Downsizing: How Kandy and John Planned Their Move Forward
Kandy and John Campbell, Bella Vida VIPs, know firsthand what it takes to prepare for a big move. Their story includes selling their longtime home, choosing what to keep (and let go of), and planning for the exciting new chapter ahead. In sharing their experience, they highlight what worked well, what they might do differently, and how fellow VIPs can prepare with confidence.
Why Did You Decide to Sell Your Home Now?
Last year, we decided it was best to sell our house in 2025 rather than wait until late 2026 when we hoped our Bella Vida villa would be ready. We didn’t want the stress of trying to perfectly time the sale of our house with a direct move into Bella Vida.
We were also mindful of the uncertainty of the real estate market and wanted to ensure we could use the equity from our home for our Bella Vida entrance fee.
What Was Your Experience?
In early 2025, Rose Harte at Bella Vida recommended that the Jason Glast Group of Phyllis Browning sell our house. After meeting with Jason and realtor Lauren Figueroa Lampel, we knew they were the perfect fit. We listed our home in mid-April and had an accepted offer by mid-June. Jason and Lauren delivered on their promise to sell for top dollar.
Lauren went above and beyond—not only guiding us through the sale but also tirelessly helping us find a rental home, touring more than 20 properties until we found the right fit. She was knowledgeable, supportive, and a joy to work with throughout the process.
Our move and estate sale were also made easier thanks to Bella Vida’s recommendations. Peggy Brown and her Generations Team helped with the move, while Kyndra Vigil of Alamo Estate & Liquidation handled our estate sale. Both did an outstanding job, and we recommend them highly.
What Was Your Experience in Downsizing?
Downsizing was the hardest part of the move. With help from our interior designer, we virtually mapped which of our current furniture would fit in our new villa. Much of it was too large and sold in the estate sale, but that gave us the exciting opportunity to choose new pieces that will work perfectly in our Bella Vida home.
Do You Recommend This Strategy to Other VIPs?
It worked well for us, but it does involve the cost of a double move and putting some belongings into storage while waiting for Bella Vida to be completed.
What Would You Do Differently?
Some of our cherished belongings were packed into climate-controlled storage before listing our home. Looking back, Kandy wishes she had labeled the boxes in more detail so she could have brought a few of those special items to the rental house.
Rachel’s Corner
A Note from Rachel
Dear Future Neighbors,
With many of you now moving into the personalization phase, I wanted to share a few helpful updates and answer some of the most common questions I hear during appointments. My hope is to make this process feel clear, welcoming, and even a little fun.
It’s such a joy to be part of your journey to Bella Vida, and I look forward to helping you create a home that feels like you from day one.
Sincerely,
Rachel McGowan
Personalization/Move-in Coordinator
210-641-5549 | 945-225-3302 rmcgowan@forefrontliving.org
Personalization Office Hours
Friday Come and Go Hours Now Available from 2-4 p.m.
You are welcome to stop by the personalization office any Friday between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to browse samples, ask general questions, or get a better feel for your finish options ahead of your appointment. No need to schedule in advance. Just pop in when it works for you. However, due to the popularity of these sessions and the limited space in the office, we kindly ask that you limit your visits to two or three times. We are thrilled by the level of interest and are grateful for the success of these hours, and this approach helps ensure that everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and review samples.
Most-Asked Questions Lately… Answered!
What are the hardware options?
We offer one classic hardware style, with five beautiful upgrade finishes available in addition to the standard hardware finish. This is a low-cost upgrade that can add color, character, and a polished look throughout your home. We’ll look at the finish options together during your appointment and find something that feels just right.
What about countertop height and finishes?
All countertops throughout the apartment homes, including kitchens and bathrooms, are set at a consistent 35-inch height. Kitchen islands include a 17-inch overhang, giving you the perfect space to add barstools and enjoy extra seating. You’ll select your countertop finish during your personalization appointment, and that finish will be used throughout your home for a coordinated and seamless look.
“I’m overwhelmed. How do I pick everything?”
This is one of the most common things I hear. And trust me, I get it. That’s why we have professionally designed selection boards that make the process easier. These curated options help you choose finishes that pair beautifully together without having to start from scratch.
That said, my favorite part of this process is seeing your personal style come through. I genuinely love what I do, and I am here to make sure these appointments feel calm, collaborative, and stress-free. You do not have to have it all figured out. We will walk through each decision together and create something that feels like home.
Design Book Reminder
Your full list of available finishes and upgrade options can be found in the Design Book you received at your seminar. If you missed the seminar or need a new copy, just reach out. I would be happy to email you the digital version.
A Kind Word from a VIP
“I wanted to thank you for meeting with me regarding the MEPs and providing excellent guidance for me. You helped me in a very relaxed, knowledgeable, professional and friendly manner to clarify and solidify my choices.
I came with a number of questions and all were answered in a nonjudgmental and respectful way. I got the feeling your goal was to make sure I had the correct information and help me make the decisions for my future happiness at Bella Vida.
Your knowledge, professionalism, and relaxed manner made me feel like I had a friend I could rely on and go to at any time.
Thanks again for making this transition a pleasant, relaxed, stress-free experience. You are awesome.”
– Linda Staurovsky, Future Resident
Right-Size With a Little Help from Bella Vida
Thinking about simplifying your space while planning for the future? Our RightSize Rewards Program is designed to help make your move to Bella Vida as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This month, when you refer a friend who becomes a VIP, you’ll receive a complimentary 6-hour pre-move session with the Generations Team, San Antonio’s trusted senior move specialists. Whether it’s starting in the garage, cleaning out your junk drawer, or sorting your book collection, these 6 hours will be a great jump start on your right-sizing efforts.
Even better? When both you and your referral move in, the referrer will receive a $3,500 credit on your monthly service fee. We hope it’s a great reward to ease your transition and welcome a familiar face to the neighborhood.
Have questions? Call (210) 660-5558 or email Nathan to get started. Want more details on the RightSize Rewards Program? Click here
Highlights From Our Recent VIP Events
Neighborhood VIP Social: 6th Floor
The Sixth Floor Neighborhood Social had a fantastic turnout. We shared the latest construction updates and displayed new progress photos on the big screen, giving everyone a glimpse of what’s ahead. One of the evening’s highlights was our VIPs eagerly locating their homes on the floor plans and discovering who their neighbors will be.
Crafting for a Cause
On August 11, our VIPs came together for a creative project to benefit seniors in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area. VIPs decorated 65 magnets and attached them to Rice Krispies Treats for a delightful surprise! The laughter and camaraderie were so contagious that they decided to start their own “Ladies Lunch Bunch,” with their first gathering scheduled for September 2nd!
Save the Date for These Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these exciting events exclusively for our Bella Vida VIPs. Stay tuned for invitations with more details on each event coming soon to your inbox or mailbox!
Bella Vida VIP Happy Hour
September 18, 2025, 4-6 p.m., Bella Vida Information Center
There have been a lot of new VIPs for the villas since the last gathering in January, so stop by and make some new friends, enjoy light bites, refreshing drinks, and plenty of laughter. Please note: seating may be limited.
Bella Vida Navigator Series: Health Care Options & Benefits
September 30, 2025, 11 a.m., Webinar
Join us for a special presentation by Forefront Living on Bella Vida’s innovative care program. Discover how the Supportive Care Discount can provide up to $72,000 in savings, the vital role of our Care Concierge in connecting residents to resources, and how Empowered Living delivers personalized services right on campus.
