Need help- Is this a good deal & is it safe?

[southernbella]

Hi, Hope everyone is having a great day.

I went to the vrbo website & have been in contact with a owner at Windsor Palms. They are offering a "model condo" (larger than I wanted or need) for $450 (4 nights). That's taxes & cleaning included.

Is that a good deal? If I do decide to go with this owner, what do I need to do to make sure everything is on the up & up?
I'm nervous because I was burned for big money before & managed to screw up everyone's vacation. Thanks for any advice, Sbella

 

[Mainebound]

Personally, I don't think that's a "great" deal, even for a "model" condo. But others may have different opinions.

As for checking on the owner, there are a number of things. One if to see if other guests have entered comments in the guestbook. If they have, that's a good sign. And if they have left an email address, contact them yourself. You can also ask the owner to provide references from past guests.

Another thing is to talk to the owner's management company, just to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Another option is to use the websites listed in a thread below for checking the ownership of the proprty (not sure if this works for condos).

But honestly the best and easiest thing is to develop a relationship with the owner. There is really never a reason to rush booking a property (except for a holiday week) because if it gets booked I guarantee there are 5 million more exactly like it within a 5 mile range. That's how glutted the market is right now. So take your time and exchange several emails, asking questions and seeing how speedy and polite and helpful the responses are. Then CALL the owner. Many of us have cell plans with free calling -- why not have some actual human contact? It goes a long way to getting a "sense" of a person.

Finally, to protect your investment (not just from fraud but also from an unplanned cancellation) purchase with a credit card (via paypal) if needed, and purchase trip insurance (insuremytrip.com) is a good website to compare plans.

Good luck!

 

[BonnieA]

I also don't think it's such a great deal. I think you can find something just as good on vrbo.com for less than that. But since it is only 4 nights, there must be a cleaning charge thrown in there that you usually don't find on longer rentals.

 

[CarolA]

Finally, to protect your investment (not just from fraud but also from an unplanned cancellation) purchase with a credit card (via paypal) if needed, and purchase trip insurance (insuremytrip.com) is a good website to compare plans.

Good luck!

GOOD LUCK trying to purchase with a CC via PayPal. I tried this last winter for a condo in Paris... PayPal would NOT allow me to pay the owners via CC since "it was a large amount" ($400???) I contacted the owners (a very reputable company) and they didn't have a clue why since they had folks use PayPal before. I just wound up mailing a cashiers check... Of course the rental was fine.

(I did contact PayPal and they said I COULD do this if I allowed them to use my bank account... OVER MY DEAD BODY will those idiots have access to my banking info!)

 

[minnie29uk]

I dont think that is a bad deal for 4 nights.The minimum I can ever offer is $700...after tax,cleaning,utilities etc. its just not worth it.
So,yes Id snap it up.
You will have use of the communal facilities too.

Enjoy your holiday,
Lynn

 

[southernbella]

Thanks for all of the replies. I woke up to a better offer this morning, so I'm going to call them today. Like Mainebound sadi, I'm not going to rush things. Thanks again, Sbella

 

[kilee]

Well looks like you're going to pay $112.50/nt w/ any taxes and fee's that were added into that rate. Honestly, I think you can do much better. Many times the condo's and townhouses can be picked for $65-85 /nt range. The only thing that usually gets you is that for 4 nights there is usually a cleaning fee.

 

[southernbella]

The $450 includes taxes & cleaning fees. The condo is 3 bedrooms- 2 kings w/bath & 1 w/twin beds, sep. bath (kitchen, w&d, etc). Everywhere else I've looked, it's about the same or more once I start adding up the taxes & fees( Any ideas?). We wanted to stay at Cypress Grand Villas, but they are booked. Plus, we are going on the 27th, so time is running out. Can you sense the stress through the keyboard?LOL

Thanks again for all of the responses. I think just "talking " about is making me feel better.LOL Have a great day, Sbella