Another request about Windsor Hills

[figment13]

We plan on staying at Windsor Hills for the month of October, needless to say we have received more offers than we can sift thru.
One offer which on the surface seems to good to be true, but just might be. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience renting from Vincent and Lisa Flatley. I've really questioned them on their low rate and they say everything is on the up and up, they just like to have monthly rentals and thats why their rate is so low.
I checked them out on the tax site and it appears they do own the condo and it seems to be in order.
Is there anyone in management at windsor hills that I could call, that would tell me if they are ok to rent from.

 

[sjanus]

I would ask them if they have a management company to handle any difficulties you may have during your stay, unless they leave within driving distance and will be able to help you. If they do have a management company, even if the rental is not going through them, I would check with that management company.

There is no central management company at Windsor Hills, other than their HOA/Masters Association. All homes, condos, townhomes are privately owned and most people have a management company they hire to take care of their guests during the stay and their home, provide cleaning, maintenance, and also who get some rentals.

You may be best to rent from someone that has a management company in place as this will give you some added protections. Some people that get their own rentals, put the rentals through the management company, and provide a management company contract, even though you do get their owner prices.

Also, check and see if they have a personal website and any reviews from previous guests. Check their availability calendar and see if they have a lot of good rentals in place.

Just some ideas, good luck in whatever you decide!

Sandy

 

[figment13]

I took your advise and asked about a management company. I'm waiting to hear from them. Also checked their web site and they dont seem to have to many bookings but a few so that hasen't discouraged me yet.

 

[PJMPA]

You should ask them if the are current on the payment of their fees to the 2 homeowners associations that they belong to by virtue of their ownership in Windsor Hills. If they are delinquent, their cable TV which is supplied by the association may be cut off and you could be denied access to the facilities...pool, clubhouse, etc. Good luck!

 

[sjanus]

I took your advise and asked about a management company. I'm waiting to hear from them. Also checked their web site and they dont seem to have to many bookings but a few so that hasen't discouraged me yet.

I'm glad you are checking this out Figment13. Not having a lot of bookings in place at the low prices you say they are offering would be a red flag for me. Just thinking in a practical sense, of course they probably are trying to recoup some of the monies for the operating costs, etc., but in the long run they won't have monies to keep up their condo, even for the simplest items such as replacing towels, worn bedspreads, etc., let alone the big bills for such an endeavor. You would think they would have repeat renters and have built up some business, even in this economy, if they have been in business for a while in such a popular resort.

It is true as another poster has pointed out that resorts, such as Windsor Hills, are starting to take action against those not paying their HOA fees, and there are a good many of them, still renting their units and homes (and able to at lower prices as these fees are steep for a 5 star resort), and are cutting off services provided by the HOA and denying guests access to the Community Facilities unless they pay a fee.

I do the same thing you do when I'm looking for a rental through an owner. If they offer "too good to be true prices" I am also cautious and leary of them.

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

sjanus is not entirely true. This is a line that owners use to "scare you" away from anyone offering lower prices than them who has figured out a way to actually legitimately offer lower prices - like paying off their property so they do not have to charge as much to you to stay there. While some owners have to cover the HOA fees PLUS a mortgage, many who have paid off their places or paid down their mortgages and DO NOT have to pay a mortgage, so they can offer you lower prices. It is simple math.

Don't fall for this, as some owners get on these boards and try to scare readers about lower prices because they can't compete. they want to try to charge more rent and they do this by scaring you away from low price deals. Do not believe that low prices are all bad, because they are not.

What is bad is that the owners that charge TOO MUCH actually can be the ones that have the biggest problems - because nobody wants to pay their high prices, so they have empty calendars and can't rent or make enough money to stay afloat. So a big warning flag for me would be someone who has too high prices or pushes too high prices.

Just check them out thoroughly, and I am sure you will be fine. But be wary of anyone who says "watch out" for low prices, especially if they are an owner. I learned this from another owner we rented from last year and it makes perfect sense once you think about it.

We use the property tax website, if that checks out it will be fine, and also look at the calendars (if they have them). Either way, you will love it!

 

[sjanus]

Looking at all of your posts, they all have to do with the same thing and the same group of properties...that would put a red flag up for me. Your post does not even make any sense. Whether an owner or not, the facts are the facts. You are either a great fan of Dave Robinson and his properties or you have a personal interest. It is not for me to say, but I encourage other disboarders to look at the content of your posts.

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

Yes, we stayed with them last year and plan to next time, hope to get down in November. Are you an owner? What properties do you own, we will look at your properties too, if they are well priced. Yes you could call us fans of our last vacation!

 

[sjanus]

I do not use the Disboards to promotoe our properties, that is not its purpose, nor is it allowed.

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

If you can PM me with your property information, that would be great. I have a week on "hold", but now I am seeing even lower prices from other owners than I have been quoted this year, even though we loved our last experience.... so we have some decisions to make on where we want to stay in November. We keep changing dates but we think it will be Middle of November, flexible on exact dates. We loved it last time.

 

[sjanus]

Sorry, Tink, as I said I don't use the Dis Boards to promote our properties. I pay for advertisement. This is against the Dis Board rules.

Sandy

 

[sjanus]

Hi Figment13,

I hope you sort this all out. As long as you do your home work, as you are doing, you will be fine. Windsor Hills is a great place and October is a beautiful time of the year. Let us know how it works out for you.

Sandy

 

[TinkerbellNYC]

Figment, I agree, do your homework and you will be good! We also looked at Windsor Palms, great prices there too last year. you'll find something you will like. Yes, by all means let us know what you find, it can help all of us here. :

 

[*love*2*shop]

http://mickeymousehouseoffun.com/


this is where we are staying , 1st time off site!@

 

[sharadoc]

http://mickeymousehouseoffun.com/


this is where we are staying , 1st time off site!@

This looks SO great. We are considering off-site for a January trip and this looks just amazing. Please post a review or trip report, or PM me when you get back with a review. We'll be there around the same time in August, too and we're trying Universal/IOA for the first time with the kids.

Have a great time and enjoy!