Ever rent from florida-disneyrentalhomes

[marciaj]

Anyone ever rent from florida-disney rental homes. Planning a Jan. trip. Everything looks great in the pictures. Anyone have a good or bad experience with them. Better yet ever stay in "mantara 42". Their price $120/night for a 4bed/3ba with pool, spa, and game room. We are a party of 10 and it all looks too good. I'd appreciate any info from you folks who know. thanks.

 

[FLeisure]

Sorry, never heard of them...do you have more information., ie., web address, physical address, etc ?

 

[kilee]

I'd look around a bit. I don't know your dates but most of the 4 and 5 brdm homes on orlandovillas.com are showing weekly rates in the low to mid 600.00-- there is no additional tax w/ these rentals either. We have 2 villas rented through them coming up here at the end of the month. One being a 5 bdrm the other a 4. I will post my report when I get back. So far though, the paying and deposit portion of the transaction have gone smoothly.

 

[FLeisure]

Weekly rates of $ 600 including tax for a 5 bed house including tax !

Makes me wonder what kind of pig stye is being offered !

Seriously, there's no way this can be right. I manage over 30 x 5-7 bedroom homes and the running costs alone would be more than this, assuming a normal mortgage. Either these people are cash rich or just stupid.

$ 518 a week is what they are getting and when you consider the average mortgage is $ 1800+ plus running costs, this doesn't make sense.

kilee, I'm not knocking the deal you have got and I'll be interested to see how you get on, but this is just plain crazy and verging on the point of stupidty. The next thing I'll be hearing is the owner has gone into foreclosure...wonder why ?

 

[kilee]

We didn't get our villa that cheap-- that is just the rates they are showing for January. We have rented hotel rooms at that time of year in Orlando--- and if you look around enough I have found them and gotten them for $19.99 a night. So, obviously the rates are drastically lower for most lodging throughout most of January. Heck you can even stay onsite for a drastic reduction in cost for most of January. We paid a hair over $900.00 for our villa for the week, but this is for October/November. I am fully expecting the place we rented to be nice. We have rented many other "vacation homes" in other areas than Florida (Mrytle Beach, Hocking Hills, Lake Placid, Smokey Mountains) and all but once we were pleasantly suprised. The place we rented is only 2 years old, so hopefully it is all it looks to be.

 

[Megan's Mom]

We have rented a home through Elite homes for next week. we have the Orlando Saver card rate of 85 a night which really isn't bad at all. I will report back how the houses were when we get back.

 

[FLeisure]

$85 a night is OK but $ 19.99 !! Please remember we are talking about a house here...not a hotel room. A house has at least 3 seperate bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, is fully furnished and has all appliances.....plus your own private swimming pool ! In January some companies, including mine, will do $79 + tax per night for a 3bed but anything lower is really a silly rate.

Bear in mind the owner of the home has to cover costs and this just about does it on certain homes. You certainly won't get a 4 or 5 bedroom at $ 85 a night...or you shouldn't....the figures don't add up.

Megan's Mom.....hopefully everything will work out OK. Be interested in hearing your comments. I assume you don't actually get the address of the home before you check in and that you'll only get to see the house on the day you arrive. Elite operates slightly different from the majority of companies in this area and I hope everything matches your expectation.

Really, it all comes down to what you want and if it's a price you are prepared to pay. Some homes are run of the mill rentals whilst others are cherished by their owners and they provide extra amenities...and obviously this comes at a higher cost.

I've just booked an Alaska cruise today .... at nearly $ 350 per day per person, vacation homes are a snip in comparison !

 

[ptcruisermom]

I'd listen to FLeisure if I was you. He know's what he is talking about, they have very nice rental homes. Very easy to work with, they give you the actual address of a home and will even let you pick your home. Most other companies do not, you are shown a sample home, not the actual home, and you get what they have when you get there. No choice at all. A vacation home is a great deal and the only way to go, way more value for your money.

 

[marciaj]

Sorry didn't respond sooner. Been gone. The house in Question is in Calabay Parc. and that is in Davenport. Do you have a website with your rentals on it? There seems to be everything available in January so I don't want to jump into anything too quickly. Thanks for your, help?

 

[ptcruisermom]

FLeisure's website is www.floridaleisure.com. I believe you will find his homes to be closer than the one in Davenport.

 

[FLeisure]

marciaj,
Sorry, the rules of the forum don't allow me to post my web address! However, if you look under every post you'll see a button that has "www" on it........that just may lead you somewhere

ptcruisermom has taken care of it for now though Make sure you look at the pictures and video section.

 

[ptcruisermom]

FLeisure, I kind of thought you couldn't post your own, but figured I could that is why I went ahead and posted it.
To anyone out there thinking of renting a villa I would most definitely check out this web site

 

[crazyme5kids]

I have a question. We have stayed at timeshare rentals and really love them. What we like are the activities they have for the kids and the opportunity for them to play with other kids too. Do any of the places where these homes are offered have these benefits? I know most of the homes have their own pools though right?

 

[ptcruisermom]

Yes most of these homes have their own pools. As far as kid activities I haven't noticed any. A lot of the subdivisions have playgrounds b-ball courts, tennis courts. Don't know how much these are used though.

 

[FLeisure]

Crazyme5kids,

No, vacation homes do not have organised activities as such. The idea being that families get to spend quality time together rather than palming them off on someone else Have to say though, that's why we love cruising

The thing about a home is that most families are going to the parks. Staying in a home can save money in terms of accommodation rental and also on food bills. The fact you have your own pool to play in, with the kids, makes it an attractive proposition as most kids are very happy to play together in the pool - as long as an adult is keeping a watchful eye on them !

The other thing about a home is that the kids get a bedroom to themselves...they can turn this into a play room or den and play games, watch TV etc. Everyone gets the chance to do what they want to do rather than being couped up in a hotel room where everyone has to share the same space, TV and bathroom.

Some sub-divisions do have play grounds, tennis courts, basketball courts etc etc. Cumbrian Lakes, for example is a sub-division where there are local kids who play games most evenings and they love meeting new friends over at the park area. Have to say though, that there aren't many sub divisions like this at present.

ptcruisermom - thanks...it is appreciated

 

[marciaj]

thanks ptcruisermom and fleisure, i'm so excited about staying in a house. there will be 10 of us and we don't get to see each other very oftern. a good time will be had by all.

 

[disneysteve]

Another complex that does have a bit extra to offer is Windsor Palms. http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/windsorpalmsgallery.htm

They have a movie theater, arcade, billiards, tennis, basketball, gym, volleyball, playground and pool. The complex has 2-3 bedroom condos and 3-5 bedroom homes.


FLeisure - I'm curious. Isn't it possible that some owners keep their fees low to attract business? Even if it appears that they aren't breaking even from a business standpoint, they may rent their properties more to defray their own costs than to make a profit. For example, if the mortgage is $1800 and owner can rent it one week a month for $700, their out of pocket expense is reduced by 38%. Surely there are owners not purchasing as a business, especially those who use their house a fair amount themselves. As always, I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Steve

 

[FLeisure]

Steve,
There are owners who are undoubtably doing that and there are also owners who have no mortgages who can do it as well.

Unfortunately I think they aren't thinking things through properly and are being somewhat foolish. Whenever you own a rental property there will be maintenance to carry out, furniture to replace, utility bills to pay, etc etc and not to cover the cost of this is only going to lead an owner into becoming disillusioned by the whole process.

Very often I see owners who charge ridiculously low prices and then a year or two later they are selling their property. Instead of realizing they have a valuable and desireable property they under value what they have. Personally I much prefer to see an owner over value their home as they will spend more time on looking after the home and equiping it nicely. That in turn leads to higher rates being achieved and far higher guest satisfaction which in turn leads to repeat bookings.

To give you an idea, I have one owner who has furnished his home with some very expensive memorablia pieces. He has a wonderful collection and every guest who stays in that home loves it. They all want to return but more importantly, they see that the owner has spent a lot of money furnishing the home nicely and they in turn, take great care of it. OK, so it costs more to rent than the average home but it's well worth paying if you want the experience of staying in one of the best homes in Florida.

I'd like to give you the web link so you can see it and judge for yourself but the rules of the forum don't let me.

Of course there are run of the mill rental homes and if you get caught in the "price" trap as so many people on this forum do do, then the rental rates achieved are not so good. I have a few homes like these that cater for a specific market but generally I like having homes that are unique and more upmarket than most. Another factor is that when the home is unique and furnished nicely, I actually get less guest call outs !

There's a saying about cheap people renting cheap homes and it's absolutely true. You do get what you pay for and if you are always looking at the cost side of things instead of the benefit you are receiving then you do sometimes miss out in life. I don't want to be snobbish or insult anyone as I do realise that visiting Florida is expensive but just sometimes I do feel people should go the extra mile to ensure they have a great vacation.....after all, they work hard for it !

As regards purchasing as a business, then every owner should look at it in those terms if they are going to rent their home out. You have to be licensed and you have to pay sales tax on bookings. There are legal requirements to meet and the financial obligations are considerable. Buying a home here maybe a realisable dream for some people but they should never get taken in by the claims of 30 plus weeks rentals a year to cover the cost. The reality is very different.

Steve, I know what you are getting at and it does look like accepting the $700, as per your example, is contributing to the cause but if you work out the real expenses of owning a home you can put on at least another $500 a month to your figure of $ 1800. (An $1800 mortgage would typically equate to a 4 - 6 bed home.) There are management fees, lawn and pool services to be provided, other maintenance (light bulbs, air filters, etc), utility bills, etc etc.

Now if you consider that out of the $700 you are taking, 12% is payable in tax you are left with $ 616 for the week, so you are really running at a loss and actually paying for someone else to use your home.

Personally, if it was my home, I wouldn't do it. I equip my homes well and have a great pride in what I offer.....I just don't see the point of devaluing it ! As I said, I have some homes that fall into certain price brackets, as do most companies, but for a little extra money you can get so much more !

In conclusion, if you intend to rent your home out, you simply must treat it as a business proposition. Don't devalue it, increase the awareness of what you have to offer and stick to your guns. My experience has been that when I start discounting, I am attracting more problems than the booking is worth.

The interesting part is that in no other area of the USA do they have what is going on here and it is hard for people to understand. Certain areas such as Vegas have homes but nothing on the scale of here and only a small percentage of folks realise what is available. I do wish there were other areas of the States doing rental homes in the way we do, because it would truly open up the market and make for a better understanding. Hotels are a way of life in America, it seems, but personally I would vacation more on land if I could rent a home in other parts of the USA. I don't much like hotels or their prices and coming from an industry in which you can rent a 3 bed home with pool for under $100 a night, it really annoys me to pay lots more for a mere hotel room.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by FLeisure
Very often I see owners who charge ridiculously low prices and then a year or two later they are selling their property.

This is unfortunate. As you and I have discussed, many folks buy rental properties with unrealistic expectations and get in over their heads.

There's a saying about cheap people renting cheap homes and it's absolutely true. You do get what you pay for and if you are always looking at the cost side of things instead of the benefit you are receiving then you do sometimes miss out in life.

I think this is usually true, but its still possible to find bargains out there. When renting a home/condo, you need to decide on priorities. If you just want the extra space and kitchen, you can get away cheaper than if you want a nicely furnished place with multiple TVs and more creature comforts. Personally, we're renting a condo in 2 weeks. We picked one of the pricier units available but it is nicely furnished, has 3 TVs (many have only 1 or 2), ceiling fans in every room and other amenities not available in the cheaper rentals. Also, we're splitting the cost with another family member so our share is still way less than a hotel room.

Now if you consider that out of the $700 you are taking, 12% is payable in tax you are left with $ 616 for the week, so you are really running at a loss and actually paying for someone else to use your home.

I guess I was thinking of someone who buys a property as a second home and decides to rent it out just a few weeks per year when they aren't using it themselves. They probably figure that any rental income is better than having the house sit vacant.

I do wish there were other areas of the States doing rental homes in the way we do. Hotels are a way of life in America, it seems, but personally I would vacation more on land if I could rent a home in other parts of the USA. I don't much like hotels or their prices and coming from an industry in which you can rent a 3 bed home with pool for under $100 a night, it really annoys me to pay lots more for a mere hotel room.

I agree 100%. We travel a fair amount besides Disney and it would be wonderful to have such great accomodations available near other major tourist destinations. You can get decent places these days like Residence Inn or Staybridge Suites, but its still a hotel, not a home.

Steve

 

[kilee]

We travel quite a bit. We too prefer the space that hotels can't provide. This past spring we rented a "luxury" cabin in the Smokey Mtns. This was no rustic cabin. It was secluded high up a mountain. But--- it had satellite TV, Jacuzzi tub in the Master Suite, 2 full baths, 2 bedrooms, DVD, Fireplace, Hot TUb on the upper Deck, Washer/Dryer, Pool Table, 4 TV's, ect. We have also rented similar places in Lake Placid NY and Hocking Hills Ohio. There are many destinations across the U.S.-- where you don't have to stay in a hotel room. Sometimes it just takes some research. We are currently looking into Lake Tahoe and rental property there for 10 nights.