Pool home: book direct with owner or use agency?

[thereitis]

Which is better?

Are prices more negotiable if you use an agency?

I'm looking for a 4 bedroom home for two weeks in August.

Any suggestions for an agency welcome

 

[dougsmom98]

We always rent directly from the owner and use www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com

We like to rent direct from the owner because we like to know exactly which house we are getting and the amenities that will be there in advance. You don't always know the house or community when you use an agency.

I think some people on this board have used all star vacation homes when they have gone through an agency.

 

[Ametista]

I have also found that renting direct through Homeaway, Flipkey, etc we can save 20% or more off using an agency. We have booked a lot of rentals that way and never had a problem.