Hello everyone,
I have just been through an exhaustive search for a vacation villa. Finally, after 2 weeks of emails back and forth with 18 different owners, we have picked our villa.
What I have learned may be of value to those who are looking.
I decided to stick with vrbo.com - It was much easier to deal with one site than two. They have well over 500 homes listed in the Orlando area. Most are privately owned, but managed by an Orlando realty company.
1. Decide what amenities you desire before you begin your search. We desired a 4BR/3Bath with a VERY private pool that was not only screened but fenced in as well. We also made a list of "perks" like number of TV's, satellite/cable, jacuzzi/hot tub, bed arrangement, washer/dryer, etc.
2. Set YOUR price and stick to it. We set a limit of $700 for a 7 night rental.
3. Let the homeowner know what your spending limit is. Even for homes that were over our limit we made inquiries. All they can do is say no.
4. Be polite. Remember, these homes are very expensive homes that the owners use as their own.
5. Once an owner replies to your inquiry, be as specific on your needs as possible.
6. Ask the owner for additional photos and/or a personal website.
7. Ask the owner who manages the property and if you can talk with the management company. This will relieve ALOT of your fears
8. Make sure you look to see if the taxes are included in the price quoted.
9. Book It !
We were able to get a 4 BR/4 Bath with everything you could imagine - 6 person hot tub next to the pool - 5 TV's on satellite including a 54" high definition TV in the great room- 18X38 screened in pool with a fenced in back yard, with a cabana and misters and a wet bar, with poolside TV and stereo player - Full kitchen - Computer with internet access - 2 play stations w/20 games in each of the "kids" bedrooms - 2 master bedrooms each with jacuzzi tub and king size beds ... And lots more!
We pulled this off with persistance. The price for this was $650 including all taxes... The price listed was $900.
Why anyone would stay at ANY hotel is beyond me. As a family of 5, we would have to get 2 rooms, that would have cost us MUCH more than a home.
Hope this helps
I have just been through an exhaustive search for a vacation villa. Finally, after 2 weeks of emails back and forth with 18 different owners, we have picked our villa.
What I have learned may be of value to those who are looking.
I decided to stick with vrbo.com - It was much easier to deal with one site than two. They have well over 500 homes listed in the Orlando area. Most are privately owned, but managed by an Orlando realty company.
1. Decide what amenities you desire before you begin your search. We desired a 4BR/3Bath with a VERY private pool that was not only screened but fenced in as well. We also made a list of "perks" like number of TV's, satellite/cable, jacuzzi/hot tub, bed arrangement, washer/dryer, etc.
2. Set YOUR price and stick to it. We set a limit of $700 for a 7 night rental.
3. Let the homeowner know what your spending limit is. Even for homes that were over our limit we made inquiries. All they can do is say no.
4. Be polite. Remember, these homes are very expensive homes that the owners use as their own.
5. Once an owner replies to your inquiry, be as specific on your needs as possible.
6. Ask the owner for additional photos and/or a personal website.
7. Ask the owner who manages the property and if you can talk with the management company. This will relieve ALOT of your fears
8. Make sure you look to see if the taxes are included in the price quoted.
9. Book It !
We were able to get a 4 BR/4 Bath with everything you could imagine - 6 person hot tub next to the pool - 5 TV's on satellite including a 54" high definition TV in the great room- 18X38 screened in pool with a fenced in back yard, with a cabana and misters and a wet bar, with poolside TV and stereo player - Full kitchen - Computer with internet access - 2 play stations w/20 games in each of the "kids" bedrooms - 2 master bedrooms each with jacuzzi tub and king size beds ... And lots more!
We pulled this off with persistance. The price for this was $650 including all taxes... The price listed was $900.
Why anyone would stay at ANY hotel is beyond me. As a family of 5, we would have to get 2 rooms, that would have cost us MUCH more than a home.
Hope this helps
