First time DIY help please

[mkingdon]

For next year's trip I have a great quote for a villa in Westridge, direct from the owner.

The price is quite a bit lower than all the other quotes I've had, so of course I'm thinking, what's wrong with it?

The photos look OK, and the location seems fine.

Anyone stayed at Westridge?

Also, what questions should I be asking the owner to cover myself against nasty surprises, before I actually book it??

Oh yes, and is it wise to book the villa first having not booked flights?

Many Thanks

Craig

 

[floridalol]

We rented a villa in 1991 from the owners who have a local shop who we knew well so there was no problem. I guess if you don't know the owner then ask for references from satisfied clients. I think it would be wise to book the flights first as they get booked up very quick at that time of year.

Best wishes

FloridaLol

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Get flights first, then book accommodation.

Regards

Rob

 

[UKDEB]

I spend many hours trawling the internet looking at villas (just call me 'Sad Deb' ) and, in my experience, you get what you pay for. What time of year are you going and how much is 'much lower'? Does the owner have a good reason for offering it at a lower price? Maybe they don't have a mortgage to cover, for example, although I would still wonder why they weren't charging market rate.

Westridge is on the US27 (south). You would expect to pay less for a property there than one on the 192. Have you compared it with other similar properties on the same development? The most expensive properties are those on sub-divisions around the Splendid China area of the 192.

I try to limit e-mail enquiries to a few well-chosen targets. For a start, I hate having to let people down, but it also helps to keep a tight rein on proceedings. It's so easy to get in a muddle if you just fire off enquiries left, right and centre. I suggest making a list of 'must haves' and asking very specific questions.

You must make sure the owner has local management company representation. I've never come across one that doesn't, but you need to ask.

Definitely book the flights first. It's far easier to get accommodation to fit around flights than the other way around.

 

[UKDEB]

I've just thought of something else - no doubt that will keep happening. Ask for the age of the property. The photos will have been taken when it was new and they get a lot of wear and tear. If it's more than, say, 3 years old, I would want to know about their refurbishment policy.

 

[mkingdon]

Great tips thanks everyone

More detail that may help.

Going last 3 weeks in August.

I've been quoted £300 per week incl taxes.

Everyone else seems to be quoting £400+, but I don't think any of those are on the same development.

I'll do the flights thing first as that makes sense.

Cheers

Craig

 

[foxyfee]

Many villa owners will be happy to hold a booking while flights are booked and juggle around the dates if necessary.

I'd snap their hands off if I were you Craig if price is the main criteria, can't see how they are doing it at that price in the high season myself.

 

[UKDEB]

£300 does seem very cheap for August. If you're happy to do so, e-mail me the website of the villa and I'll take a look. I've looked at so many, I should be able to give you a clue as to whether it's a genuine offer, or whether there's summet up!

 

[mkingdon]

e-mail on it's way Debs

Many Thanks

 

[UKDEB]

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