okay we've decided to rent a house now...

[kaylajr]

how do i choose there are thousands on the net

any suggestions?

we rented one 2 years ago and had a good time but the management company was horrible so i don't want to repeat that mistake

anyone have any ideas

thanks

oh and we are going for Oct 1 if that makes a difference

[djm99]

I would rent directly from the owners. It cuts that middle man cost and some owners take online payments like Paypal, Bidpay money orders, and many other convenient ways to pay. Here is a few places to look: www.vrbo.com. Also try www.windsor-palms-resort.com. http://www.villadirect.com/ has early discounts. http://www.emerald-island.com/, or http://www.orlandovillas.com/

Hope this helps. I rented from vrbo.com, but the owner listed his home on 3 of the above websites. :earsgirl:

[disneysteve]

I'll second djm99's advice.

vrbo.com lists practically every complex in the area.

We recently rented direct from the owner at the Windsor Palms site listed above. Everything went very smoothly and the management company was fine (though we really didn't have any problems so I never had to call them). We've rented houses several other times in the Lindfields development and never had a problem.

I really don't think it matters if you book through the owner or through the MC. Either way, a bad MC can be a problem. There is a professional association though I don't know the exact name. You can ask the MC which societies they belong to.

As for cost, that also doesn't matter. Price is about the same regardless of how you book. The owner is paying the MC a monthly fee that includes, among other things, getting customers. It would be counterproductive for the MC to charge more than the owner charges.

Have a great time. You'll never want to stay in a hotel again.

Steve

[martina857]

Me Too!!! All the above and more :D

I found this site recently and have booked a home at Windsor Palms Daystar Villas (http://www.daystarvillas.com )

Have fun.

[JANNYANS]

http://www.orlandovillas.com is one of the best sites around you can either request a specific owner to contact you or put in a general enquiry either way you should be quite secure that the owners on the site are verified by the site owners as legitimate. Don't be afraid to ask any questions at all any owner worth their salt will not be offended by them- I certainly am not and always answer promptly and in fact welcome them -especially if it puts the guests mind at rest. Take a look at what is on offer and take it from there ,

Renting a home is a great way to have a vacation and lots of space .

P.S. Disney steve not all mc 's get bookings for their owners -some -like me- do it all on their own I simply pay mine to look after my home for me .;)

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by JANNYANS
P.S. Disney steve not all mc 's get bookings for their owners -some -like me- do it all on their own I simply pay mine to look after my home for me .;)

Thanks for clarifying that. Would you still agree with my point about pricing being about the same whether you book with the owner or through the MC? I do know that owners pay a listing fee to some of the websites that we've all mentioned, so it would seem that even when booking with the owner, he/she is still paying someone a commission on the booking.

Steve

[crazelion]

How about a sticky note thread Frequetly Asked Questions about vacation homes and condos.

For example : Do Vacation homes and condos have maid service.

I know I am for one is interest in those types of questions because I planning for a group of 15 people and have rule out staying on site because of cost.

Just a thought

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by crazelion
Do Vacation homes and condos have maid service.

In general, rental homes are cleaned before you arrive and after you leave. That may vary if you are staying longer than a week. You usually have the option of having the place cleaned during your stay for an additional fee, but I've never seen any reason to do that. We don't spend all that much time in the home and don't do anything to get the place all that dirty.

Steve

[djm99]

To my understanding Windsor Palms Resort Rental Homes does have maid service. It is offered at check in and varies. Depending upon if you want someone to clean daily, or midweek of your stay. Because I am getting a 6 bedrooms with 4 families we have planned to have our rental home cleaned daily. I've read this is offered at about $20 - $40 a day but I think its worth it. Especially if the beds will be made, kitchen cleaned, living room straightened, etc. It gives it more of a true vacation feel!!!! I wouldn't leave the place a pig sty for the maid, but she'd/he'd earn every penny!!!!

Anyway, Hope this helps......:bounce:

[JANNYANS]

Steve -what the rentor pays may be the same but that doesn't mean the owner ends up with the same amount of money.The reason a lot og owners do as I do is because they get a better return from the ir own bookings which means they obviously have more $ to put back into their home and upgrade it for example I 've just aded a games room to mine as well as changing the bed sizes and arranged to have the pool area extended because I get all the money I charge instead of just a portion of it .You arealso correct about some sites charging if a booking is placed but this is generally only a small amount .
Once again you are correct about maid service most homes don't offer it as standard but it can be arranged -as can most things for an extra cost.

Kaylarj-if you would like any help sorting out a home then please get in touch I may be able to help you through the process a little .;)

[DaddyDon]

I can say one thing about Jannyas @ orlandovillas.com she has allways helped me find a place weither i rented from her or some one else.She has allways answered my e-mails!!!! One Stand up Person I tell you! Just my 2 cents,You cant go wrong dealing with her!,And no this is not a advertismemt!

[JANNYANS]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Don but I am only a homeowner on the site but I will always help out anyone who is a little unsure of how to go abput the process of renting a home and put out a few feelers for anyone .