Hints and tips for using VRBO and similar?

[tentaguasu]

I'm one of those folks who has never done the timeshare rental thing, and I'm a bit "wierded out" buy the concept.

Those of you who are veterans of VRBO or Redweek or similar (suggestions), could you provide a bit of help with:

1. Better to go direct with owner or through a management company?

2. If it is direct, who is actually cleaning the unit prior to our arrival?

3. Any tips for avoiding scams?

4. Any other advice for a newbie at this?

Thanks!!

Also, I'll be in Orlando on August 4 through 11 (or 5th-12th). If you have any specific suggestions, I'm all ears (no pun intended....)

 

[spiceycat]

vrbo generally rents condo and houses not timeshares.

timeshare
www.redweek.com
www.myresortnetwork.com
www.tug2.net

with a timeshares the resort will clean the room. with the condo and houses the owner or management place will have to have the rooms cleaned. you are generally paying extra for this if you stay less than a week.

what area or what timeshare are you looking at?

 

[tentaguasu]

I'm not really sure yet. Bonnet Creek and Windsor Hills have come up several times and seem to be good matches, but I'm a babe in the woods here.

 

[Catira]

I'm not really sure yet. Bonnet Creek and Windsor Hills have come up several times and seem to be good matches, but I'm a babe in the woods here.

Wyndham bonnet creek is adjacent to disneys Caribbean beach. It is very convenient to the disneys park. You may be able to find a last minute rental for your dates on eBay or tug2.net

 

[Bloom66]

We have used VRBO several times for Windsor Hills Resort (which we love) and have never had a problem with any of the owners. We usually rent a condo and they are always clean, convenient to Disney, and very comfortable. In fact just today, I just rented a two bedroom condo at Windsor Hills for our January trip. Good luck!

 

[houseful of boys]

I've never done a "timeshare thing" either. I have however used vrbo.com many times. You deal with the owner of the house, condo, or townhouse directly. I usually will inquire to a few listings and then compare prices plus get a "vibe" for the owner in their response emails. Most owners are from out of town so use management companies to clean their rentals and sometimes arrange for key pick up/drop off. Hope that helps some. I love vrbo.com and have never had a bad experience. I also love Windsor Hills.

 

[torinsmom]

One thing I learned here in regards to rental homes is that you should check tax records and make sure the taxes are current. You can search by the name or address.

https://www.osceola.county-taxes.com/public

I've stayed in a condo and a house rented from VRBO and had great experiences both times. They were clean and any problems we had were dealt with quickly and professionally.

 

[spiceycat]

I'm not really sure yet. Bonnet Creek and Windsor Hills have come up several times and seem to be good matches, but I'm a babe in the woods here.

think you would be happy with either - just find your cheapest price.

 

[briarbud]

For VRBO, I like properties that have a lot of recent positive reviews. I'm always a little nervous if there are no reviews.

Hope that helps. We'll probably rent a house in Indian Creek next summer. My hubby likes lots of space.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I had no problem renting from VRBO last year. I did check that the real estate taxes were paid and that the name on the tax assessor's site matched the name of the person I was dealing with (Not that someone couldn't look a name up and use it). I also called Windsor Hills and spoke to the Clubhouse. I asked if all membership dues were up to date and they told me "yes" and that the owner rented often.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience!

 

[softballmom3]

We have rented from vrbo many times with no issues whatsoever. That being said if you are wanting Windsor Hills we have rented from vacationcentralflorida.com and didn't have any issues at all and they have very competitive prices.

 

[Tabologist]

Our family has purchased someones timeshare week and used VRBO. Both have been great experiences. For the once or twice a year travelers we save a lot verses purchasing a timeshare. The earlier you can book, the better. Certain dates fill quick. I just reserved our condo rental in Cape Canaveral for next July.

Cleaning was the same for both the timeshare and condo. The timeshare was more like a hotel without daily cleaning services but the hotel cleans it after your stay. The condo is like staying in someone's home and a private cleaning service comes in after you leave.

 

[Tabologist]

One thing I learned here in regards to rental homes is that you should check tax records and make sure the taxes are current. You can search by the name or address.
.

Where would you find tax records for Cape Canaveral rentals? What would I search? Thanks

 

[sympatico]

It's in Brevard County so maybe this site:
https://www.brevardpropertyappraiser.com/asp/record.asp

 

[Tabologist]

Thank you Wanda - My rental checked out OK. I'll be checking this from now on. I appreciate your help

 

[arissavolk]

We haven't used VRBO for Florida, but we've used it a few times for other locales, and we've always had a good experience. It was never awkward for us; most owners seemed to have a couple properties in the area, and a few would even stock fresh milk, juice, fruit, and breakfast goodies for guests.

We may be a little more adventurous than some, though (hah we've even used AirBnB before...though I admit AirBnB is a little more awkward. Cheap...but awkward)

 

[JANNYANS]

Be aware that the property appraisers and tax collectors site will show the taxes paid if the owner has a mortgage as the mortgage company will pay them.It is better to check the official records which will show if there are any outstanding liens or court proceedings going on.

 

[Tabologist]

Be aware that the property appraisers and tax collectors site will show the taxes paid if the owner has a mortgage as the mortgage company will pay them.It is better to check the official records which will show if there are any outstanding liens or court proceedings going on.

How would one go about doing that?

 

[minnie mouse ears]

We have used VRBO several times. I look for properties with a lot of positive reviews. We have rented both condos and a house and have had excellent experiences every time. I also look for owners who respond quickly.

Last year we rented a house in Indian Creek and absolutely loved it and the owner.

With a bigger family, we prefer the condo or house route and absolutely hate staying in hotels now.

 

[JANNYANS]

How would one go about doing that?

You need to know the county the home is in and the owners name then you search on the clerk of the courts page.