Villa question/advice?

[blestmom]

Ok, here is the situation in a nutshell:

I'm taking the kids to Disney without DH. He's a teacher and can't go now. We decided to try a villa (there are 6 of us). We found one on VRBO, and rented directly through the owner (at Windsor Palms.) We paid our deposit, and that was that. Now, it is time for the final payment. We have never rented a villa before, and now DH is getting really nervous about the payment. I'm trying to reassure him that it is fine..all is well...that I've heard of no problems on the DIS boards. But he's still pretty uptight.

Our choices are to pay the final payment by check, or to call/fax them with our credit card info. They are located in the U.S. DH seems to think the credit card is a safer way to go. What do you think?

Can anyone give me any suggestions/advice...reassurances? I was pretty okay with everything, but DH is kind of getting uptight. Maybe if I could share with him how well it has worked for others, he'll feel better.

Thanks!

 

[MyTy]

I would always pay with a credit card. It's easier to confirm payment and to dispute charges afterwards. Renting villas are done all the time, and it shouldn't be a problem. Sorry but there's not really anything that will ease his mind until he actually goes down there. Gotta just do it. It's a lot better than losing your deposit.

 

[5mins2disney]

A credit card does give you some additional protection, in the event of fraud Visa will initiate a chargeback process and usually sides with the consumer. I work for Visa in real life and also rent out a place in Windsor Hills. It is a common request for rentors to be a little nervous about handing over $$ to someone they don't know, you're not the first to ask this question! You can also visit the Osceola county property appraiser's website and confirm that they do in fact own the place, and / or call their MC and speak to them to get a sense of comfort. Our MC also takes credit cards on our behalf..some guests feel more comfortable paying with their CC via our MC rather than directly to us, for instance, and working for Visa, I totally understand where they're coming from!

That being said, I have not yet heard of anyone out to defraud potential guests in this area, it's very uncommon, not to say that it's never happened ever, but I wouldn't worry TOO much about it!

You can always purchase trip insurance which would give you additional protection should something go wrong, including things like personal accidents or injury, etc that might cause you not to be able to go on vacation, they will also protect/insure you from fraud in case you show up and it's an empty lot or something!

 

[JANNYANS]

Check with the Osceola property appraiser /tax collector site to verify the ownership.
http://ira.property-appraiser.org/

Phone the owner and talk to them about any questions you have .

Bear in mind some owners also take a charge for cc .

Very few owner bookings go wrong as the owner has a vested interest in the home rather than an agency doing it for them.

Try to remember that renting is a two way process and requires trust on both parties .

Relax and enjoy the vacation.

 

[FLParadisevilla]

I have to agree with both of the answers here. We rented several home's ourselves before buying one. I was a bit nervous as well. It all worked out great! I really don't think you have anything to worry about. I have to double the idea of Trip insurance. I think it will give you total peace of mind!
Managment Companies also can charge fee's for processing a credit card as well.
I have to agree talk to the owner, look into trip insurance its not alot of money to purchase the policy. You may also have the option of Pay Pal to make your final payment.
Then Relax and look forward to taking your vacation! It will be a wonderful time for you and your family!

 

[Sandy22]

I chose to pay a bit more (I think it was 4%?) to pay buy credit card. That way if something goes wrong I can dispute the charges.

I also felt reassured by talking to another renter of the same property.

 

[FLParadisevilla]

I chose to pay a bit more (I think it was 4%?) to pay buy credit card. That way if something goes wrong I can dispute the charges.

I also felt reassured by talking to another renter of the same property.

Thats a good idea too! You can see if there are other people who rented the property before.

 

[5mins2disney]

I'm also on forums for VRBO owners...just today in fact we had the same question pop up from a new rentor/guest who is uncomfortable, you can read here what the other experienced owner's suggested they do in the forums.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vacation_rentals/message/31850

Some of the websites we're listed on (Windsor Hills Rent) have properties that are "verified"...meaning the owners who advertise on the website have sent in copies of things like real estate tax bills to the website administrator who then verifies our ownership themselves with the county and lists us with a "verified" stamp. Something to help give guests a little extra assurance / peace of mind.

 

[mbb]

You've received some great advice and reassurances from everyone

We've done both cc and cheque, and never have had any problems We've also done our "due diligence" before agreeing to rent anything. I remember the first time we were renting...I had no idea how to check on the owner - UK based - or how to "call Florida" and find out if the house was really there!

The house wasn't advertised on any other websites that I could find, and I was starting to get nervous...in the ad, the owner mentioned that the house was built by a particular homebuilder.

So I called them.

And they forwarded me to the builder affiliated management company that the owners also listed their home with (we rented direct through vrbo, too )

And I felt much better!

Now, we rent through one of the "owner verified" sites (if we haven't used that particular site before, I'd contact the site admin and ask how often they require re-verification)

Like Jan said, the trust is a 2 way street, and any great owner is happy to chat with you about their property, and your vacation.

So if you feel comfortable with the owner, relax, enjoy your vacation planning

HTH! and sorry so long! LOL!

 

[horseshowmom]

I only book houses that will accept credit cards for the reasons already discussed.

You're going to love the villa. The rates do almost seem "too good to be true" when compared with hotels (both on and off site), but we've rented lots of times and have NEVER been disappointed.