For those who rent homes......

[connorlevismom]

what makes you choose a particular home?

What does it have in it that you love?

What do you wish that it had?

What is the most important thing to you when it comes to renting a home?

 

[sympatico]

what makes you choose a particular home?

What does it have in it that you love?

What do you wish that it had?

What is the most important thing to you when it comes to renting a home?

1. I look at the overall package: price, up-to-date furnishings/electronics, area etc. , clean record search.
2. I like pool and spa, nice furnishings. DH likes nice electronics.

3. When just the two of us go we're not too concerned with kitchenware because we eat out a lot but when the family goes then they like eating in with the kids so lots of variety in cookware, containers etc.

4. Most important: clean, price, comfortable mattresses, high speed internet, free long distance is nice, updated look, nice warm pool.

 

[dtum]

We chose http://www.romancingthemouse.com/index.html because it was a one price deal. I was so confused with cleaning fees, pool heat fees, bbq fees, etc. and RTM has a one price deal. No hidden up charges. Also wanted 4-bed/4-bath so everyone had their one space. Private pool and whirlpool are great for kids and all the "extra" things at WH (game room, etc.).

Didn't care about "Disney" themeing, but our house has Pirates and Indy Jones rooms so GS will have a tough time choosing between them when he sees the rooms for the first time.

Also, washer/drye, fully equipped kitchen and all bedrooms have king beds! Just so much.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We wanted a pool hime (most are), with at least 4BRs--we have 4 kids. Over-the-top theming and a game room weren't super important to us.

We also book with Romancing the Mouse--we really like them, have stayed there before, and going back. They have great customer service, and you know exactly what you're getting, price-wise.

If you go to their website, they have a list of "advice for renters" that migth clarify your thinking, even if you don't end up renting from them.

Something to watch out for is people who don't live nearby (unless they have a management company)--you don't want to have a leaky faucet at 3am and not be able to get help. Also, someone with very few bookings is more likely to have financial issues. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire of someone's foreclosure.

We like that it's a genuine home--nicer than the one we live in. It has everything a house would have--full kitchen with dishes and pots, laundry area, etc. I can get up at 5am, have a cup of tea, and read my paper, while kids are sleeping in their own rooms, as late as they like.

If I could add one thing, it'd be a soaking tub in the master bath. But, I can live without it.

 

[JANNYANS]

Something to watch out for is people who don't live nearby (unless they have a management company)--you don't want to have a leaky faucet at 3am and not be able to get help.



It is part of the conditions for licensing homes that they have a management company on call 24/7 to deal with any snags.Very few rental owners will actually live near to their rental homes -most are out of State/Country .

 

[ClanHarrison]

Leather furniture is a MUST for me. Fabric furniture creeps me out and I don't even look further if a home has it. No way to tell how often it's cleaned. Leather can be wiped down quickly.

I also won't pick a home where the pool backs to a neighbor. No privacy with those.

Everything must be modern, nicely furnished with higher end furnishings, modern electronics and a nicely appointed game room with current game systems is preferable.

 

[erosenst]

A few things before we'll consider it:

* At least one king bed
* Flat screen tv (that one is for DH)
* Good pictures that show a property in good repair with reasonably comfortable furniture
* Not totally a deal breaker, but close - we greatly prefer ceiling fans

Next is the tone of the listing, if the owner has written one. I've seen a few written in way that lead me (rightly or wrongly ) to think the owner will be less-than-pleasant to deal with.

Once I start contacting (ie they've met the above criteria) I look for quick, thorough, and pleasant responses.

I also read reviews - but know that people generally comment only if really good or really bad. I start with properties that have a number of good reviews with consistent feedback.

Just reread, and realized I answered the last question first. To answer the others:

Things we love:

* Listings of what's nearby -both conveniences (grocery store, restaurants, etc) and hidden attractions (farmer's markets, best breakfast, etc.) with honest blurbs about at least some - the owner's favorites, the local hangouts, etc.

* REALLY clean. Not just 'acceptably', but really.

* Enough towels, including pool towels, in good condition. Extra points for large/soft towels.

* Soft sheets, with at least one extra set in case something happens in the middle of the night.

* Full size washer/dryer in good working condition

* Plenty of hangers

* The somewhat silly things - enough trash bags; enough dish towels; etc.

Wish it had?

* Often surprised at the lack of hangers. They're so inexpensive. Maybe they walk away?

* Enough towel racks. Somehow, there are never enough for bath towels, hand towels, and at least hooks for beach towels.

* Things left from prior guests - the leftover tin foil, detergent, etc. I know that people who drive often bring their own/take it back...but I have a feeling the mgmt company/cleaning service often take the extras as part of the cleaning.

* If it's a full kitchen, a pan and/or cutting board big enough to accommodate a pizza - have to believe we're not the only ones who pick up a pizza one night.

That's all that comes to mind...