Renting From Owner

[Just4myfamily]

Hello!

I have been reading this site for a long time. There is so much fantastic information here. THis place is great!! My first post, and I hope I do not sound rude.

My family (5) and my parents are going to Disney July8-15. We are hoping to stay at the Sheraton Vistana. When I called, I can get an Entertainment discount and get a 2 bdrm for 165.00 nightly, which I know is great. Tax and all comes out to about1140.00. I can rent from an owner on Redweek.com for 925.00 for the week.

This is my concern. Like I said, I have Never done this before. I have e-mailed the owner and they have promised me that we would have a Cascade Unit!! This is where my silly question comes in...How do I know this is all on the "UP and UP"? Unfortuneatley, we here so many negative things in todays world, I would just fall over if we drove for 24 hours and pulled up to the Vistana and they said "AHHHHH What reservations????"

Please put an over imaginative brain to rest...

Thank You All!

 

[Lorix2]

We've rented from an owner at another well known timeshare 2x now, going on our 3rd (different owners).

Each time, we conversed by email and I asked for a contract stating the amount, date, deposit requirements, cancellation policy, etc and the description of the villa. I do know however, that they cannot guarantee you a certain section until check in.

I've called the resort directly once my full payment had been processed and my ressie was there every time. You can call to confirm. The owner will have a guest certificate issued in you're name.

Owners are very aware that people are skeptical and usually will not mind producing a contract for you both to sign and retain a copy each.

Hope this helps and have a great vacation

P.S. almost forgot - Welcome to the DIS

 

[Just4myfamily]

OHHHHH Thank you so much. This is my dilemma, the owner told me that he has "2" rentals in the Cascades on hold till tonight (Friday) at 7:00 p.m. He wants me to pay thru paypal in full for the 2 rooms then he said he will send contract w/i 14 days. . . What do you think?????

Thank you

 

[icydog]

OHHHHH Thank you so much. This is my dilemma, the owner told me that he has "2" rentals in the Cascades on hold till tonight (Friday) at 7:00 p.m. He wants me to pay thru paypal in full for the 2 rooms then he said he will send contract w/i 14 days. . . What do you think?????

Thank you

I rent my DVC timeshare. I only ask for a pay pal payment when the timeframe is very short and I cannot cancel. That being said, I have started to request a deposit via pay pal. I have made loads of reservations that must be cancelled. I hate doing this as it confuses the Disney folks and makes it difficult for me to do my bookeeping. A small deposit guarantees my renters are not taking me for a ride. I usually make the reservation with the renters name listed as my guest. It takes about 2 weeks to recieve the written confirmation.
When I get the confirmation letter I fax it to the renter and expect a check in the mail or a pay pal payment in full. When I get paid I send the renter the confirmation letter which he must take with him to the Disney Vacation Club resort. I also provide my renters with lots of advice and tips.
As far as your question I would ask the owner to send you a name or two for references. I doubt very much he is dishonest, but like me, is tired of reserving vacations for people who cancel as soon as the price and the payment plans are mentioned.

 

[Hensandchickens]

I've never rented directly with an owner, but this is a PayPal tip. Pay with a credit card. If there is a problem your credit card company will reverse the charge and help you. Sounds like you found a great deal!

 

[spiceycat]

I have rent my DVC too.

I generally ask for half after they have received the reservation confirmation, the other half 90 days in advance.

However everyone is different.

there are many on tug who ask for everything immediately.

I don't demand paypal or certified check - since I control the situation (and the renter doesn't) - if there is a problem I can cancel the reservation.

I agreed with Icy-Dog - get some references of people who have rented from him before.

remember all this stuff is not written in stone.

if his terms are not acceptable - say so - everything is generally negotiable.

most owners don't want to cheat you - most want you to rent from them again - if they cheat you that won't happen!!!

also check this site
www.vrbo.com

this is house and condo directly from an owner.

 

[icydog]

I've never rented directly with an owner, but this is a PayPal tip. Pay with a credit card. If there is a problem your credit card company will reverse the charge and help you. Sounds like you found a great deal!

Owners don't like credit cards on pay pal since it costs 2% to do it.