Booking a Vacation Home - some concerns ... any ideas?

[KerriMc]

Hello

I was hoping some of you would have some suggestions or info about renting a vacation home for the first time.

I have decided on Windsor Palms as so many on here have really been happy there. I went on their web-site and found a home I liked and emailed the owner (she had a link to her website too). She has a five bedroom and a four bedroom pool home that she rents. We are interested in the four bedroom which is available. It all seems very good. How do we know it is legit? I am a very cautious person and am worried that I could be duped She replied to us the next day. Is there somewhere I can find out about this particular owner or do I just assume that she is on their actual website so it is all ok? She has offered to have someone email me about their recent stay ... how do I know this is legit? (I told you I am cautious to a fault). Am I better to go through an agency to book? There are just so many out there it is overwhelming. I have searched the archives here and have read so many things ... too many maybe and feel like I have no idea which way to turn now!

We then got talking about safety and of course got carried away thinking of the worse possible scenarios ... ie. someone copied a key from a previous stay, memorized a security code, etc. I am a "worry-wart" I suppose ... my babes are my utmost worry in my life and I just would never want something horrible to happen to them from my stupidity of being naive and believing everything I am told.

So what do I do or look for to make sure all is ok? I have a feeling it is ... but a feeling just isn't good enough Who can I check with? What is the usual method for making payment when it is done through an owner? What is my recourse if something happened? How safe is it?

OK ... can someone talk some sense into me here ... I am going to agonize over this until it is actually here ... I need some help!!

Thanks so much

Kerri

p.s. I have been given a quote of $1100 for the week ... and she likes a 250 down payment, and the remainder at 60 days out, plus a 350 security deposit. Does this sound ok? She mentioned there had been some break ins about 18mos ago and hers was one of the houses that had a break in. The guests weren't there at the time though. So despite having a secure gate, there isn't much else?? I've also had a quote from an Emerald Island condo at 700 and a condo at Windsor Palms for 600 ... can't decide!!

 

[mbb]

for pymt and such..

I know, it's hard not to worry...I just keep repeating..."it's gonna be wonderful, the house is *really* there" LOL!!

I called the development office/company and just asked. You can also check property records to verify ownership nthrough the County.

Good luck!!

 

[maps]

Security was a big issue for us. In fact, if the house didn't have a security alarm, I didn't even bother looking at it.

Also, when we got there, we realized the security alarm did not include the windows. So we went out to Home Depot and bought some pieces of wood to stick in the windows so they couldn't be opened from the outside. Lastly, the key was kept outside the house in a box that requires a code to get into it. I had the management company change the code for our stay so I didn't have to worry about someone else (other than employees) knowing the code. So I can relate to your safety concerns.

The first time I rented 3 years ago, I went through a management company because it made me feel more secure that way. Now that I'm more familiar with the whole process, I'm renting directly through the owner.

I understand your concerns because the first time we rented I was really worried since we've never done anything like it before. With that said, I would never stay in a hotel again!

We've stayed in Indian Creek twice and in Feb we'll be at Emerald Island. There are literally a ton of houses out there so you can be very picky at the amenities you want.

Payment for the houses I've rented all required a deposit and full payment at least a month before the trip. I have purchased trip insurance just in case.

Good Luck!

 

[Grog]

I have some of the same concerns as we want to rent a house for our upcoming trip. Some of the prices and amenities sound too good to be true, and a scam is always in the back of my mind. It's nice to hear positives from people who have rented a home before.

 

[JANNYANS]

Maybe as an owner I can help ease some of your worries-which I fully undersatnd.

Firstly if you have an owners name and you know which county their home is in you can check county records to confirm they own that property -although bear in mind if a home has recently been sold it can take a few weeks for the county to update their online records.
As far as security is cincerned you are in no less a secure situation in a vacation home than in hotels -where far more people have access to your room and belongings a lot of the communites are also residential so there are locals about all the time and if the owner gets to know their neighbours then there is the added pair of eyes around.
The usual method of payment -if there is such a thing as each owner may do things differently -is that you send them a deposit either to their bank direct or to a man co or to them directly along with a signed booking form and a set of terms and conditions which cover s both the owner and the guests so they each know where they stand and what is expected of each- again this will vary from owner to owner.
The dates are then yours and you can plan !

The balance is usually due anywhere between 4-8 weeks -again it can vary.Added to the balance there is generally a security deposit -much like a hotel will take an inprint of a cc -in case of any unforseen damge or excess utility bills -this is returned after your check out -again -the length of time will vary.

The important thing about renting direct is that you can build up a relationship with an owner and ask any questions you have and get the answers -a lot of agencies won't have the inside knowledge of every home they have so if you want to know whether there is a certain item which may be important to you in the home- ask-some owners will even look into putting it into their home for you.

Owners realise that security is of importance to their guests -as it is to them as it is the owner who has the increased insurance to pay out and maybe replace large items that have been taken and they take all precautions to ensure nothing goes wrong .Break- ins are a rare occurence so try not to let the thought get in the way of a great vacation .

Also try to remember that the owner is putting a lot of trust in their guests -they don't know them either but this is where the booking direct scores - you can get to know each other and build up a friendship .
Hope fully I have laid some fears to rest but if you have any more questions ask away .

 

[martina857]

All you need to do is go here www.osceolataxcollector.com click through the search tabs and put her last name in if she pays taxes she will be there Thats what I do.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

I guess I was pretty naive...at least regarding security concerns. We stayed last August at windsor palms in a 3 bdrm condo. It was a great stay and a great transaction. The condo was comfortable and spacious. I dealt direct with the owner via email and then mail, and everything went just like the other posters described.

 

[JANNYANS]

The tax records will only show if the owner pays them dierctly them selves -if they have a management company do it for them then it may not appear under their name

 

[martina857]

MMMMmmmm.... I don't think so!! If a management company pays the property taxes then the management company must own the home ?? I could understand them paying like Tourist taxes for them yes but surely the owner on the deeds of the property would pay their own property taxes. I will call the person I rented off last time to check this, they are really clued up.

 

[isla bonita]

I can only speak for myself, but as a home owner I can understand your doubts. It is the unknown. Please understand as ahome owner we also have those exact fears. Will the house be there? LOL
I have a management co. that changes the code every time someone comes and again when they leave. Safety for both of us. There is usually a fee for security deposit which you should get back in full after they have made sure the house is in order. If there is excessive clean up or such.
They are a great bargain for what you get. I know that my home is in Emerald Island and we are truelly less then 3 miles from the Disney loop I call it. The back entrance is Entry Point Blvd. right off 192.
About security, in my community there is a guard shack you must check in to and also a club house that would issue you a pass to hang from your rearview mirror allowing you access into EI. I have not heard of any breakins since I have owned the house. I think I would have some idea as of what goes on down there between the forum we have as owners in EI and also my man/co. Maybe having a gated community is a deterent but as we know a breakin can not happen to anyone any where.
I have read many threads and most have very favorable things to say about the homes. They are not yet popular with us Americans. People from Europe have been doing this for years. They also have many weeks for vacation. We are lucky if we get one or two. I hope I have answered some of your concerns. If you have any questions PM or e-mail me directly.
I hope you take the leap you will not regret it I am sure. We rented one a while back and I was so unsure as you are right now. I have to say it was the most relaxing vaca we have ever taken with our children. Having all the space and not being on top of each other is like heaven!!! Having distractions for the children while getting dressed and showered is wonderful. Having breakfast in the morning and not having to carry that cost is a plus. The best is coming home after a long day and relaxing in the spaor pool with only your own family and friends not having to be botherd by others. No more crowds just you and your own.
good luck with what ever you choose to do
deb

 

[JANNYANS]

the management company may well have power of attorney to do it all but as you didn't specify property taxes in your op my comment still stands.

 

[martina857]

"the management company may well have power of attorney to do it all but as you didn't specify property taxes in your op my comment still stands."

I doubt that too, I could not imagine that anyone would do that !!! Maybe they do but they would be the exception rather than the rule. That apart, they may pay it for them but the bill would always be to the owner of the house... Hence they will ALWAYS show up in a search if they are paying thier taxes.

Did you look at the site ? It seems to be a search facility for property tax and tangible personal tax. I would much rather the people who look at these threads go to that site and check out for themselves whether the house exists, wouldn't you ?

 

[JANNYANS]

My first man co had power of attorney for all my bills so a search for my home would not have appeared under my name .It was n't until I took over paying all the taxes that the records were changed to show I was the owner.There are lots of owners who let their man co pay all their bills as they find it easier.I quite agree about checking the county sites and if you read my first post that is exactly what I suggested.

 

[DaveCN]

Like Jannyans said, it is a lot of trust. As a new owner in the area (see my www below) I concur with much of what she has said.

Go to the tax collector site or the osceola appraiser site - it has a way to search by owner name.

Also, rental homes are licensed by the state. If they are ripping people off, they will run into trouble.

 

[martina857]

I,m sorry but no... Did the power of attorney include them having their name on the deeds as owner of the house ??? It matters not a jot who writes the check to pay, the owner is the owner and they alone are responsible for the property taxes. If someone owns a home then they will show up.

 

[DaveCN]

Originally posted by martina857
I,m sorry but no... Did the power of attorney include them having their name on the deeds as owner of the house ??? It matters not a jot who writes the check to pay, the owner is the owner and they alone are responsible for the property taxes. If someone owns a home then they will show up.

That is absoultely correct. No management company should ever have their name on the deed.