Anyone stayed in a villa that was for sale?

[SunkistJoy]

We arrive at our Windsor Palms villa this Saturday night. The owner just sent me an email saying they have listed the villa for sale. Right now there are no showings for during our stay, but that could change.

Anyone ever had this happen? Anything we should watch out for? I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed.

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions!

 

[SunkistJoy]

They did say they would notify us before any showings.

 

[cey]

We were in your exact position about 7 years ago when we arrived at the villa we had rented to find it was listed for sale. We were notified by the management company that they would be showing it the very next day! I politely informed them that we would honor that booked showing but that they should give us at least 24 hrs notice before the next showing, as after all they had not informed us when we booked in good faith that our villa was up for sale I now google any villa we rent to check whether it is listed. Luckily, we were travelling with another couple, and they stayed back to be present during the showing! We were concerned about potential theft and security issues. We picked up the place but felt no necessity to clean the villa as you would if you listed your own place! Turned out that was the only showing when we were there for the week, and it turned out to be ok. We did feel uneasy for the week though, never knowing who had been in the villa when we weren't there. You definitely feel more secure when it is bonded employees of the management company entering the villa. My tip would be to let the management company know you are not happy with the disruption to your vacation. They may back off the showings and schedule them when the villa is not booked.

 

[SunkistJoy]

We were in your exact position about 7 years ago when we arrived at the villa we had rented to find it was listed for sale. We were notified by the management company that they would be showing it the very next day! I politely informed them that we would honor that booked showing but that they should give us at least 24 hrs notice before the next showing, as after all they had not informed us when we booked in good faith that our villa was up for sale I now google any villa we rent to check whether it is listed. Luckily, we were travelling with another couple, and they stayed back to be present during the showing! We were concerned about potential theft and security issues. We picked up the place but felt no necessity to clean the villa as you would if you listed your own place! Turned out that was the only showing when we were there for the week, and it turned out to be ok. We did feel uneasy for the week though, never knowing who had been in the villa when we weren't there. You definitely feel more secure when it is bonded employees of the management company entering the villa. My tip would be to let the management company know you are not happy with the disruption to your vacation. They may back off the showings and schedule them when the villa is not booked.

Glad to hear your experience wasn't too bad. I'm glad they told us before we arrived, but had I known when I booked, I probably would have chosen something else. (Probably why they didn't tell us!)

Like you, I'm not happy with the idea that anyone could be in the home when we are out. I may request the 24 hour lead time before showings. According to their booking calendar, there are vacant days before & after our stay, so hopefully any showings could be done then.

I guess I will add checking real estate listings to my pre-booking checklist. Live and learn...

 

[Woodview]

When did you book the villa .... ages ago or last week ?

The reason I ask is the owners just might have got into financial or other difficulties in recent days.

Have no fear as it is happening far more than you might have thought & at least you were informed.

There are Many Many overseas owners & USA owners Selling up

They see no point in taking Low Low rents for very little return .... so they sell up.

 

[SunkistJoy]

We booked a month ago. I originally thought they had put it on the market after we booked, but when I look at Zillow, it appears to have been on the market since late last year (not that Zillow is 100% accurate...). I appreciate that they sent us an email ahead of time, so that we weren't shocked to see a For Sale sign in the yard. The home is beautiful, and I'm sure we will have a great time, but overall it is one more concern I would have rather done without.

They do say in the email that they will discuss any showings with us before allowing them to happen, so it should all go well (fingers crossed!!).

 

[ibob52]

Of coarse this is easy for me to say ...
My vacation is to enjoy and decompress (not be on a time clock).
24 - 48 hours advance notice ... would be needed.
$100.00 inconvenience fee for vacation interruption (1-2 showings).
$50.00 for each additional showing (multiple showings).
Let them know ... had you known ahead of time ... you would have went elsewhere.
All the above might be negotiable (depending on the owner/situation).

 

[theyoungs07]

I've stayed in houses for sale and never had a showing. In reality, MANY of the houses are for sale and I don't think showings happen very often. Hopefully you don't get interrupted because I agree...I'd be extremely nervous about someone wandering through. One reason we rent a house is that we can spread out and relax...that can't happen if I have to pick it up perfectly for a showing.

 

[SunkistJoy]

I've stayed in houses for sale and never had a showing. In reality, MANY of the houses are for sale and I don't think showings happen very often. Hopefully you don't get interrupted because I agree...I'd be extremely nervous about someone wandering through. One reason we rent a house is that we can spread out and relax...that can't happen if I have to pick it up perfectly for a showing.

Thanks for this input. It helps me to breathe a little easier. I'm guessing it is in the owners best interest to have showings when no one is staying there...the home will certainly look better. We are excited and aren't going to let this hiccup upset us. We will be in Florida tomorrow!!

 

[thenewgirl]

When I was looking to buy a house down there and made several trips to look at innumerable houses, my realtor never showed homes with rental guests in place. There were a few times that we had to schedule visits around check ins/check outs, and that was fine with me! I think some realtors are not willing to show homes with guests, maybe because they know those are harder to sell? I hope your trip goes well and is uninterrupted!

 

[SunkistJoy]

Just an update. There were no showings during our stay, no problems whatsoever, actually. Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions and support.