How do you decide on a condo?

[seashell724]

I have 3 on my short list of condos for our Oct. trip.
One is a bit of a better deal at a location I really want but only has 20 reviews. Another one has 4x the amount of reviews, is a bit more expensive and not at the location I want but pretty close. The third is in between.
I have never rented before and am really nervous about picking the 'right one' and not getting scammed or ripped off.
Please advise!!!

 

[labattblue]

I have 3 on my short list of condos for our Oct. trip.
One is a bit of a better deal at a location I really want but only has 20 reviews. Another one has 4x the amount of reviews, is a bit more expensive and not at the location I want but pretty close. The third is in between.
I have never rented before and am really nervous about picking the 'right one' and not getting scammed or ripped off.
Please advise!!!

If you are talking about renting using VRBO, we have used several times(never for Orlando area), and have not been ripped off or scammed. That being said, we always rent a listing that has at least several recent reviews.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I normally look for a top floor (less noise), in a development I like with decor that appeals! I also check the property records if thinking of booking. I will normally email 2 or 3 for prices and then make my decision.

 

[seashell724]

Is not taking a deposit normal?
Most places I am looking at ask for a deposit but this guy just says to pay 61 days in advance.

I am terrified of showing up and not actually having a place to stay!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

The only time I haven't paid a deposit is if it is a repeat booking, then they don't normally ask for a the security deposit either.

 

[2Gma]

We've used Vrbo 5 times (3 times in Orlando) and never had an issue. We have always chosen places that have a few recent reviews (in the last 1 year or so). We read both the positive and negative comments and see how the owner responds to those issues. When we communicate for the booking we take in consideration how prompt and courteous they are in assisting us. We have always had a deposit and signed a contract via fax/ or scanned document. Payment typically due 30-60 days out. Go with your gut. We've had great experiences and I'm sure you will too!

 

[seashell724]

Thank you so much!

 

[disneysteve]

I normally look for a top floor (less noise)

And we, on the other hand, will only rent ground floor condos. Hauling our luggage from the car to the condo is bad enough. Having to go up and down 1 or 2 flights of stairs - no thanks.

We've rented many times in Windsor Palms, also in Lindfields, and last week in Crestwynd Bay. We've always been pleased. How do we choose? We narrow down options based on photos and then finalize based on price.

Not to complicate matters, but a townhouse can often be had for the same price as a condo. That eliminates the noisy upstairs neighbor issue and you get ground floor entry and parking right in front of your door.

 

[dja14]

I narrow the area we want to stay in and make sure it is in that area, not just the city but neighborhood. I also look for several recent reviews. I expect them to reply to my inquiry pretty quickly and then I want a contract, with a reasonable deposit. By the time I talk a few times I decide.
For this next Fl trip I found people chatting about the condo on here (good reviews), so I kept it in mind for next time. So I would add finding reviews on message boards too

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

And we, on the other hand, will only rent ground floor condos. Hauling our luggage from the car to the condo is bad enough. Having to go up and down 1 or 2 flights of stairs - no thanks.

We've rented many times in Windsor Palms, also in Lindfields, and last week in Crestwynd Bay. We've always been pleased. How do we choose? We narrow down options based on photos and then finalize based on price.

Not to complicate matters, but a townhouse can often be had for the same price as a condo. That eliminates the noisy upstairs neighbor issue and you get ground floor entry and parking right in front of your door.

Luckily they had a lift at Windsor Hills so that helped!