rentals & economy?

[sherE810]

Are vacation rentals any cheaper because of the economy right now?

I have family going in Feb. and I wondered if I should suggest them going the vacation home route.

 

[jjjmranch]

I just checked the Windsor Palms website for homes and all the prices are still the same. Maybe if you contacted individual owners of the rental homes, they might be willing to negotiate. Good luck!

 

[JANNYANS]

The trouble is costs of running a rental home aren't going down -in fact progress energy is about to increase their prices by 25% nd a lot of management companies are increasing their charges too for cleaning and general running expenses so it is a lot for owners to take a hit on.A small discount may be available from some owners but they need to cover their costs and have a bit left over to hold for contingency plans.

 

[TheLuckiest]

I haven't found the individual renter's price down at all. In fact, I have been quite turned off by the individual owner experience. $1125 for a 2 bdrm/2 bath is really high considering resort prices. But in all fairness, I am not sure that hotels have dropped much either. I have noticed that airfares have dropped a lot. Actually, I have yet booked for April yet because the prices are still falling.

 

[TheLuckiest]

I haven't found the individual renter's price down at all. In fact, I have been quite turned off by the individual owner experience. $1125 for a 2 bdrm/2 bath is really high considering resort prices. But in all fairness, I am not sure that hotels have dropped much either. I have noticed that airfares have dropped a lot. Actually, I haven't yet booked for April because the prices are still falling.

 

[dougsmom98]

While, prices may not have come down at all. There are plenty of reasonably priced places to stay out there. Check out www.vrbo.com. Don't always let the prices on the page discourage you either. If you are looking for this February, and someone still has an opening, they may be willing to offer you a good deal or include taxes in the price so that it doesn't sit empty that week. I am not a haggler at all, but I am not afraid to contact owners once I have narrowed down my search and ask them for a price quote. Many times the price quoted is a little less than the page on their web site quotes. I think suggesting a rental home is a good option.

 

[swilshire]

Some owners may decide to not even bother to try to rent in the poor economy. I own Thanksgiving and Christmas timeshare weeks in Gatlinburg that I often rent out. I think this year I may just deposit them with the exchange company rather than bother to try to rent them. I don't want to wait until the last minute to do something with them.

Sheila

 

[sjanus]

I would be careful of anyone renting at below market rates, as owners who are in foreclosure and behind on their mortgages may be just trying to get the cash up front before they walk away.

I always look for moderate rates with lots of amenities, a good management company in place with a contract, even if from owners, and an availability calendar with lots of rentals! Then I feel this owner will still in business when I arrive and I have some protections in place through their management company!

Sandy

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have a certificate from Sky Auction that I must use up. I thought for sure with the economy the way it has been I would be able to find something & I have had no luck for a 1/16 check in. I have been trying for over a month to get one. The other day they said they did have some units for the 17th but I would have to pay extra .... so much for the poor economy. I think everyone is passing their losses off onto others. What they don't realize is, pretty soon, there will be no takers...